Wednesday, August 17, 2011

It pays to ask

I was bumming hard about the oil bill.  So I waited a few days....and wouldn't you know it....the prices have dropped!!  I called again yesterday, and the price per gallon had dropped $0.10!!!

I got a super nice gal who did some quick analysis and we have been purchasing more oil than we really needed.  We have used under 900 gallons in the past two years, even with the really cold and snowy winter this year (hello, 7 FEET of snow!!). Her recommendation was to drop the total purchases a little bit, and if we need more....we will get it at the going rate that day.  Could be higher than what we were paying...could be lower.  We always know how much we have used because it is printed on our monthly fill-up receipt.  Easy to keep track.

By getting less oil, it also dropped the cap protection price (since it was per gallon).  Then, she asked if we would like 11 or 12 payments.....uh, 12 please!!!

Our new price will be $342...vs $402 last week.  That is a $60 a month savings!  And brings it almost in line with my estimate that it was going to go up $125 (it actually is $135).  So this is MUCH closer to what I was expecting.

All the little thing add up!!
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18 comments:

  1. SassAugust 17, 2011 at 7:00 AM

    That is fantastic! I always figure that if you ask, the worst than can be said is no. I have to work on doing that more often.

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  2. KevinAugust 17, 2011 at 7:03 AM

    That was a per month price?!?!?!?! Holy cow! I thought it was annual. Does that show how spoiled I am living in the south?

    How do you survive paying over $4k/year for heating?

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  3. jpkittieAugust 17, 2011 at 7:16 AM

    thats awesome mysti! good job by calling!!!

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  4. AnonymousAugust 17, 2011 at 7:35 AM

    I was on the same page as Kevin - that this was an annual cost! I can't imagine having to spend that much EVERY month on heating!! I am definitely spoiled. Glad you were able to get the cost down!

    Sarah

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  5. NikiAugust 17, 2011 at 7:47 AM

    I am glad you called. It never hurts to ask is my favorite PF phrase.

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  6. MystiAugust 17, 2011 at 7:51 AM

    @Sass - don't be afraid to hear "no." Just ask!

    @Kevin - yep, that is PER MONTH. You asked how we survive....have you seen our debt??? The majority of our debt is from day to day necessities because the cost of living here is so high.

    @Jpkittie - Thanks!

    @Sarah - yes, per month. Now do you see what I was so upset about? ;)

    @Niki - thanks!!!

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  7. JulieAugust 17, 2011 at 9:36 AM

    Yea!! I am so glad to wake up and read that good news:)

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  8. HS @ Our Debt BlogAugust 17, 2011 at 10:54 AM

    Very nice!! every dollar counts!

    HS

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  9. Out My windowAugust 17, 2011 at 11:13 AM

    I do believe that gas and heating oil are going to go down this year. I may be wrong. How much would it cost you to get rid of oil and go to electric or gas?

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  10. MystiAugust 17, 2011 at 11:25 AM

    @Julie - glad I can make your day!

    @HS - wait...I have more to share...every dollar REALLY will count.

    @Kim - Gas is not an option. The closest main to tap into is 3 miles away, so it would be $$$$ to do that. Electric would require the whole house to be redone. There is no ductwork to support it. And because the house is so old, it would be a major renovation.

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  11. HS @ Our Debt BlogAugust 17, 2011 at 11:55 AM

    Can't wait to hear it!! wish you guys the best!

    HS

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  12. MystiAugust 17, 2011 at 11:56 AM

    Oh trust me....not good....don't get too excited. Hope you have some good news to share soon. :)

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  13. Rhitter94August 17, 2011 at 12:40 PM

    wooo wooo!!!

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  14. krantcentsAugust 17, 2011 at 3:29 PM

    Asking questions is how I negotiate. I find it low key and usually get what I want. Being pleasant with people usually gets you further too.

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  15. HeatherAugust 17, 2011 at 4:24 PM

    That's awesome! Excellent work at not giving up!

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  16. AnonymousAugust 17, 2011 at 6:59 PM

    thats grea! It never hurts to ask and I am so glad the price went down.


    Judy

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  17. AnonymousAugust 18, 2011 at 5:06 AM

    Im so glad you have a bit of good news, i really felt for you the other day, you are doing so well keep it up x

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  18. ChristaAugust 18, 2011 at 1:43 PM

    I love hearing stories about how asking about rates or how to lower a bill can help! Great job asking for the lower rate!

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