According to information attained through Verizon representatives, customers who are already enrolled in the program through an existing contract will be able to redeem the credits they have accumulated.  Once these existing customers upgrade and redeem their remaining credits, the program will end.  Customers new to Verizon will not be eligible. Eventually once all existing customers’ cash in their credits and upgrade the “New Every Two” program will cease to exist. 

Verizon announces on its website that at this time there are no early upgrade promotions being offered. Verizon sources do report that at the 20 month mark of a 24 month contract will be the earliest that a customer will be able to upgrade to a new phone, while some customers still indicate that some current iPhone upgrades have been offered even earlier than 20 months.

February 10^th will mark the introduction of the CMDA iPhone 4 designed and marketed in a new partnership between Apple and Verizon.  The technical preparation for this phone was reported by Verizon to take between six and nine months.  CMDA stands for code division multiple access which means that many transmitters are allowed to send information at the same time using one communication channel.  In anticipation of the demand for this new very technically savvy phone, preorders are estimated to begin in early February for Verizon customers.    

The changes to the existing Verizon programs will mean increased costs for customers.  According to reports from competitors such as AT&T, profit margins for the company shrunk due to early upgrades, waiving of processing fees and programs that allowed customers significant discounts on phones through special promotions.  Verizon takes a loss every time a customer upgrades at a discount and even more of a loss if they upgrade early.  Luckily the changes to the existing programs are one way to eliminate loss potential. The changes to existing programs are one way to ensure that Verizon will not take a loss on their bottom line and remain a leader in the industry.

Verizon’s (NYSE: VZ) “New Every Two” is No More was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

One hang up with the new program is that the new appliances will often by very expensive. While it is true that consumers can save money over time, there are still high upfront costs associated with paying for a new washing machine or refrigerator. As many consumers are working with strict budgets, the new purchases may not be plausible. Experts say that appliances less than five years old may not be worth the cost of replacement but anyone using appliances 15 years or older will likely reap significant benefits, as will the environment.

The Cash for Clunkers car program was a federally-run program so each state followed the exact same rules. The appliance program would be handled at a state level and each one would decide on the qualifications, rebate amounts, and how overall the program is structured. There are some states including Connecticut and Rhode Island that have already started the program. Many states are set to follow in April 2010.

Those in the know caution consumers to read through the state program details carefully because some of the rules can be written in fine print. While many state residents can save some real cash on new purchases, it is always safe to know exactly how the program works so it can be used beneficially. Different states have also been awarded different amounts from the $300 million fund.

Getting rid of the appliance is also a state-oriented activity. In some places, the choice is left up to the consumer. Others will add additional benefits if you choose to recycle. These states recognize that unless the appliance is recycled, energy use may continue to increase, effectively squashing the reason for the program in the first place. For example, an old appliance that is donated will still be in use and ultimately wasting the energy savings intended.

The Department of Energy website  offers information about the state programs. Company representatives warn that rebate money will go fast so consumer interested in participating need to act fast before funds are gone.

Cash for Clunking Refrigerator Program? It’s On the Way was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

USE COUPONS

I know what you’re thinking…”Trite!  Everyone says that, but I don’t have the time. (Or something similar.)”  If you don’t have the time to cut coupons, I can commiserate.  With working, exercising, and spending time with your family, who really does have the time?  Plus, who really wants to get the newspaper just to save a few bucks here and there.

Understandable…however there are some great websites who now offer downloadable coupons that you can access through your e-mail.  Some of my favorites are Coupons.com, Smartsource.com, and CoolSavings.com.  You can access their website any time before you leave to shop and simply click on any and all of the coupons you would like to print at once.  With three to four printable coupons per page, you can simply take along the pages and have them scanned by the cashier without ever cutting a single coupon. 

SHOP THE SALES

Although it may be tempting to only buy the items you like, you can easily save 25% of every shopping trip if you simply buy only the items that are on sale.  Each week, every store discounts hundreds and even thousands of different items making it possible for you to get the lowest prices.  A common sale is 10 Items for $10, although you never really have to buy all 10 of those items.  These sales can actually make items at a regular grocery store cost less then the items at a Grocery Club. 

BUY THE SMALLEST ITEMS

When you combine the coupons with sales items, you will find that the final purchase price is a lot less then what you would normally pay anywhere else.  However, by buying the smallest size allowed by the coupon, you may find yourself getting the item for free.  While in the store, make a quick comparison of which item would cost you less, and you will take a huge chunk out of your total tally. 

SHOP AT THE RIGHT STORES

Don’t just shop at any store simply because it’s the closest to your house.  Instead, look for grocery stores that double or even triple coupons.  By doing so, the average $1 Coupon will subtract $2 from the item you are buying, and again the item could be free.  For example, cereal is usually priced between $4 to $5 and often goes on sale for $2.  One-dollar coupons for cereal are especially easy to find, which could mean that all of your cereal purchases would be free.  That alone is a great reason to shop at local grocery stores. 

WAIT UNTIL NEXT WEEK

Unless you need the product right away, wait until something goes on sale before making your purchase.  Many times something you will buy this week will go on sale in just a few more days.  Therefore, unless it’s absolutely necessary, move onto the next aisle and make a note on your shopping list to look again next week.  

USE REBATES

Anyone who has bought a computer knows that rebates can be a great little bonus when buying a product.  Using the websites mentioned above, you can actually also find rebates that will refund a bit more money to you.  You can also find rebate forms at the products websites.  Simply save your receipts for these items and mail them in to make a several dollars more each time you shop. 

 Now that you know, have fun with it.  Buy as much as you can when it goes on sale so that when you need something, you will have it and have purchased it for pennies on the dollar.  Eventually, you will find yourself saving much more then 75% every week. 

Save 50% or More on Your Grocery Bills was created by and is property of American Consumer News.