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About The Observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1968-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 13, 2020)
BUSINESS & AG LIFE THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2020 THE OBSERVER & BAKER CITY HERALD — 3B Millennial Money: How we renegotiated our bills to cut monthly costs know, I know. You’ve prob- ably heard all about how you should renegotiate your bills to save money. But that’s easier said than done, right? I COURTNEY JESPERSEN NERDWALLET That’s why I tried it out. I called up some of my service pro- viders and attempted to cut the cost of my bills. Here’s how you can learn from my successes — and improve upon my failures. Make a game plan It’s a good idea to call your ser- vice providers and subscription services annually to negotiate a better rate, ask about new promo- tions or cancel unnecessary bills. This is a powerful tool to save money. These tactics can be used for securing a better deal on cable, internet, subscription services and more. First, review all of your recur- ring payments by identifying charges on your credit card and bank account. Then, decide if you really need those anymore. Make a list of the bills you would like to lower or cut out entirely. On my list: Satellite radio, cable, a clothing subscrip- tion and a movie loyalty program. Next, look up each compa- ny’s website. You’ll usually fi nd a variety of contacts, including live chat, text messaging, email and a phone number. While you’re change your TV lineup, review available channel packages online to fi nd a slimmed-down option that works for you. Or call and talk to a representative. Cut out what you don’t need Plus, they threw in a free month. Threatening to cancel a service can be a bargaining tactic. Here, it was the truth — I was fully ready and willing to cancel. And it got me a better price. Downgrade Set aside a block of time and work your way through the list. My fi rst call was to our satel- lite radio service provider. My husband and I have a SiriusXM subscription. But after months of spotty reception in our car, I decided it was time to cut the ser- vice completely. Instead, over the course of a 10-minute phone call, I asked to cancel, then I was met with a better offer. Before, we paid $20.63 per month. Now, we pay $6.06 a month for 12 months. Be patient. There’s a time com- mitment involved. Plus, things don’t always work out. I spent 45 minutes online chat- ting, then talking on the phone with DirecTV. But even after con- sulting with two representatives, my monthly payment remained around $150. I was told there weren’t any discounts or promotions currently available for my account. And since I didn’t want to downgrade my package, I’ll have to wait for future offers. If you’re willing to Renegotiating bills is per- haps more important now, espe- cially for those who are dealing with fi nancial impacts related to the coronavirus. Contact com- panies proactively, and if you’ve been laid off or otherwise affected by the pandemic, be honest about your situation. searching online, gather informa- tion about your current package and pricing, as well as any new promotions that can be used as leverage. Ask for help About the Author Courtney Jespersen is a writer at NerdWallet, the personal fi nance website, which provided this column to The Associated Press. C lassifieds Published by The Observer & Baker City Herald - Serving Wallowa, Union and Baker Counties PLACING YOUR AD IS EASY...Union, Wallowa, and Baker Counties Phone La Grande - 541-963-3161 • Baker City - 541-523-3673 On-Line: www.lagrandeobserver.com www.bakercityherald.com 110 Announcements You too can use this ATTENTION GETTER! Ask how you can get your ad to stand out like this! THE DEADLINE for placing a CLASSIFIED AD is 10:30 A.M. ONE BUSINESS DAY BEFORE PUBLICATION Publication Days: Tuesday,Thursday,Saturday 114 Self-Help Group Meetings 114 Self-Help Group Meetings 114 Self-Help Group Meetings 114 Self-Help Group Meetings 114 Self-Help Group Meetings UNION COUNTY AA MEETINGS LA GRANDE AA MEETINGS Wednesday Nights, 7-8:15pm. Fort Union Grange Hall, corner of McAlister & Gekeler Lanes. For more info, call 541-786-1222 Drug Problem? We can help! Narcotics Anonymous Phone: 541-805-2229 www.neo-na.org CELEBRATE RECOVERY AL-ANON, Cove. Keep coming back. Mondays, 7-8pm. Calvary Baptist Church. 707 Main, Cove. MONDAYS Primary Purpose Group 12 - 1:00pm 2620 Bearco Loop AL-ANON Attitude of Gratitude. Wednesdays, 12:15-1:30pm. Faith Lutheran Church. 12th & Gekeler, La Grande. 541-786-2051 OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS Tues., Noon - 1 PM Due to the Library closure the meeting is in the City Park Call: 541-540-5326 Leave a Message TUESDAYS Into Action Group 12 - 1:00 pm Presbyterian Church 1308 Washington Ave. (entry 6th & Spring St.) Surrender Group 7 - 8:00 pm 2620 Bearco Loop PULL TABS ACCEPTED AT THE FOLLOWING BAKER CITY LOCATIONS ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ Baker City Herald Dollar Tree Black’s Distributing Ryder Bros VFW Baker Elk’s Lodge Main Event Lefty’s Tap House Little Bagel Shop Baker City Fire Dept. Haines Sell-Rite Idle Hour Salvation Army City of Elgin Greater Elgin Group 7- 8 :00 pm St. Mary’s Catholic Church 93 S 12 St., Elgin WEDNESDAYS Primary Purpose Group 12 - 1:00 pm 2620 Bearco Loop Surrender Group 7 - 8:00 pm 2620 Bearco Loop Island City Soul Sister’s 5:30 p.m. 10801 Walton Rd. Blue Springs Apartments Community Room Turning Point Group 7 - 8:15 pm 63161 Gekeler Lane Fort Union Grange Hall (Corner of McAllister & Gekeler) THURSDAYS Surrender Group 7 - 8:00 pm 2620 Bearco Loop City of Cove Cove Group 7 - 8:00 pm Baptist Church 707 Main St. FRIDAYS Primary Purpose Group 12 - 1:00 pm 2620 Bearco Loop The early stages of communication disorders are easier to spot when you know the signs. Early detection can improve treatment and quality of life. For more information visit IdentifyTheSigns.org. Email: Classifieds@lagrandeobserver.com Classifieds@bakercityherald.com DEADLINES: LINE ADS: Tuesday: 10:30am Monday Thursday: 10:30 am Wednesday Saturday: 10:30 am Friday DISPLAY ADS: 2 Days Prior to Publication Date City of Elgin Elgin Group (Winter only) 6:00 PM 70564 Valley View Rd (in shop) SATURDAYS Surrender Group 10 - 11:00 am 2620 Bearco Loop Grande Ronde Valley Group 7 - 8:00 pm Presbyterian Church 1308 Washington Ave. (entry 6th & Spring St.) SUNDAYS Miracles Meeting 10 - 11:00 am 2620 Bearco Loop Questions call AA Hotline: 541-624-5117 www.oregonaadistrict29.org NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS Monday, Thursday, & Friday at 8pm. Episcopal Church 2177 First St. Baker City Call 541-963-3161 or 541-523-3673 to place your ad. DOES EVERYONE KNOW YOUR BUSINESS Even if you think they do, you'll have to keep remind- ing them about it. These little ads really work! Join the thousands of other people in this area who are regular users of the classi- fied. See how simple and effective they can be. We're open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for your convenience. LOOKING FOR A GOOD RETURN? Why not use this directory to inform people of your business? PEOPLE READ THE CLASSIFIED You've just proved it to yourself! Remember us when you need efficient, economical advertising. LA GRANDE NOW HAS A GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS MEETING! Every Friday Night @5pm, 2107 Gekeler Ln, LG, Church of Christ basement. For more info please call 971-219-8411 NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS Goin’ Straight Group Meetings: Mon., Tues. Thurs. & Fri. Start at 8 PM Episcopal Church Basement 2177 1st Street, Baker City PEOPLE with PARKINSON’S Caregivers, Family, Friends SUPPORT GROUP Contact Judith at 208-855-9199 Meetings resume @GRH when restrictions ease. AL-ANON FAMILY GROUP (support for family & friends of Alcoholics) Tuesday evenings Joseph Methodist Church (basement on northside) Joseph, OR 6-7pm. Contact 541-398-1398 ALZHEIMERS-DEMENTIA Support Group meeting 2nd Friday of every mo. 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. 1250 Hughes Lane Baker City Church of the Nazarene (In the Fellowship Hall) 541-523-9845 BAKER COUNTY AA MEETINGS BAKER CITY MONDAYS Survivor’s Group 12 -1:00 pm Baker Presbyterian Church 1995 4th St. (4th & Court, Side Door) TUESDAYS K.I.S.S. (Keep it Simple Sister) 12 - 1:00 pm 1645 Eldon St. Eldon Court Apts Community Room WEDNESDAYS Survivor’s Group 12:05 pm Baker Presbyterian Church 1995 4th St. (4th & Court, Side Door) Calvary Baptist Church Third & Broadway Baker City, OR EVERY THURSDAY 6:15 - 8:00 PM AL-ANON Concerned about someone else’s drinking? Saturday, 9 a.m. Northeast OR Compassion Center 1250 Hughes Ln. Baker City (509)420-0495 WALLOWA COUNTY AA MEETINGS Enterprise MONDAYS ∙ Enterprise Group 7:00 pm 113.5 E Main St. TUESDAYS ∙ Enterprise Group 12 - 1:00 pm 113.5 E Main St. ∙ Enterprise Group 7 - 8:00 pm (Big Bk Study) 113.5 E Main St. WEDNESDAYS ∙ Enterprise Group 7:00 pm 113.5 E Main St. THURSDAYS ∙ Enterprise Group 12 - 1:00 pm 113.5 E Main St. ∙ All Saints (Mens Mtg) 7:00 pm 113.5 E Main St. ∙ Grapevine Meeting 301 S. Lake; 5:30 pm FRIDAYS ∙ Enterprise Group 7:00 pm 113.5 E Main St. SATURDAYS ∙ Enterprise Group 7:00 pm 113.5 E Main St. City of Joseph MONDAYS ∙ Grace and Dignity (Womans Mtg) Joseph United Methodist Church; 6:00 pm 301 S. Lake St, Corner 3rd & Lake/Side Stairs, Lake St WEDNESDAYS ∙ Grace and Dignity (Womans Mtg) 12 pm 301 S. Lake St., Church Basement OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS NEW MEETING ROOM! During the COVID-19 Social Distancing the meetings are held by telephone. Fridays @ 8:45 AM For Information Call 541-523-5128 Leave a Message Someone’s drinking a problem? AL-ANON Monday at Noon Presbyterian Church (Music Room, Upstairs) 1995 4th St. (Use Washington Ave.) 541-523-5851 Baker City 115 Community Calendar AMERICAN LEGION Meets at the 41 Club @ 6 PM 1st Thursday of every month 2129 2nd St. ∙ Baker City, OR AMERICAN LEGION Meets at the 41 Club @ 6 PM 1st Thursday of every month 2129 2nd St. ∙ Baker City, OR PINOCHLE Fridays at 6:30 p.m. Senior Center 2810 Cedar St. Public is welcome Kiwanis Club of Baker City Tuesday at 12:00 PM Sunrige Inn Restaurant 1 Sunridge Lane For more information call: (541) 523-6027 VETERANS of FOREIGN WARS POST 3048 MONTHLY MEETING 2nd Thurs. of the month Post & Auxilary meet at 6:30 p.m. at Vets Club 2005 Valley Ave., Baker City 541-523-4988 301 RVs & Travel Trailers RV CONSIGNMENTS WANTED Let Smiley RV’s 40 plus years of professional experience help you! Turn your newer, late model RV or truck into cash-paid for or not! No sales fee. 800-338-6562 Milton Freewater Oregon City of Wallowa THURSDAYS Survivor’s Group 12:05 pm Baker Presbyterian Church 1995 4th St. (4th & Court, Side Door) FRIDAYS Been There Done That (Grapevine Meeting) 5:30 -6:30 pm 2970 Walnut (Corner of “D” & Grove St.) Grove Apts. Community Rm A.A. Book Study 6:00 - 7:00 pm SATURDAYS As Bill Sees It Group 10:00 am 2970 Walnut (Corner of “D” & Grove St.) Grove Apts. Community Rm SUNDAYS Been There Done That 5:30 pm 2970 Walnut (Corner of “D” & Grove St.) Grove Apts. Community Rm Questions call AA Hotline: 541-624-5117 www.oregonaadistrict29.org Classifieds get results. SUNDAYS ∙ Church of Christ 504 w. 2nd St.; 5:00 pm SATURDAYS ∙ Church of Christ 504 w. 2nd St.; 12:00 pm www.oregonaadistrict29.org 2018 Cardinal Luxury 5th wheel model 3350 35ft. 3 slides, king bed, auto leveling, great full timing rig! No pets, non-smoking. Call 303-903-7257 See in Baker City $55,000 204 Automobiles 204 Automobiles Questions call AA Hotline: 541-624-5117 Visit www.gossmotors.com for our most current offers and to browse our complete inventory. 1415 Adams Ave • 541-963-4161