By Lauren Schwahn, NerdWallet As we get deeper into the holiday season, it may feel like your expenses are piling up. Reducing your monthly bills can be one way to ease the pressure on your budget. Lowering your bills might be easier than you think. With a phone call and a little preparation, you may be able to save money on internet, phone, cable or utility bills — and maybe others. Talking to your service providers could, for example, get you a lower rate or promotional discount, or point you toward a financial assistance program. Use these expert tips to negotiate better deals with customer service representatives. The outcome of the conversation can largely depend on when you pick up the phone. Choose a moment when you have time — and patience — to spare, so you can focus fully on the call. People should avoid calling when “they’re going to be rushed, or they’re cranky, or they’ve got a kid screaming in the background, or it’s 4 on a Friday and they’ve had a bad week,” says Teresa Murray, director of the consumer watchdog office of the U.S. Public Interest Research Group. You may have better luck calling customer support at certain times of the year, too. Kenan Acikelli, who spent three years working as a customer service representative for a telecommunications company, said it was often easier for customers to negotiate bills at the end of the year or during periods such as Black Friday and back-to-school sales. “The company would run special offers during these times, and we were given more flexibility to match promotional pricing or offer upgrades to retain customers,” he said in an email interview. When you dial a company’s support number — which you can typically find on its website or your billing statement — you’ll probably be routed through an automated system first. Speaking with a live person will give you a better chance to explain your situation and discuss possible solutions. Try pressing “0” or saying “representative” to reach a real person faster. Murray recommends gethuman.com to locate companies’ customer support phone numbers and other information that can help you connect with a live representative, such as service hours and instructions for navigating the phone menu. People we talked to said that politeness is your best bargaining chip in negotiations. Customer service agents will probably be more sympathetic if you speak kindly and respectfully versus using a harsh or demanding tone. “I’ve seen people come in frustrated, but those who stayed calm always ended up with better results,” Acikelli said. “I would often go out of my way to offer them additional promotions or discounts simply because they asked kindly.” Keep your attitude in check, and remember that the person on the other end of the line is a human who’s just trying to do their job. Ahead of the call, learn what prices and deals your service providers’ competitors offer, and leverage that information, said Babu Jayaram, head of customer success and strategy at Qualaroo, a customer and user feedback software company. “It shows that you’re an informed customer, and reps often have some discretion to match or even beat those rates to keep you on board,” he said in a prepared statement. Find out whether your provider has any deals that it may be willing to extend to you. Is your cable company offering an incentive to new customers that’s cheaper than what you’re paying? Maybe you can secure that rate. A quick internet search — try something like “company name + discount” or “company name + new promotion” — may help you uncover the information you need to back up your request. Murray recommends looking into other types of discounts, too. Some companies offer age-based discounts, often starting at age 55. Paperless billing and autopay discounts are also common. Murray says she saves $5 per line each month on her five-line cell phone plan by using automatic bank payments. “That’s 25 bucks a month. So that adds up,” she says. Discounts are harder to come by for utility bills such as water and electricity, which are typically regulated and must adhere to certain rates. However, financial assistance programs may be available to people who meet certain income requirements or are struggling to manage their bills. Ask your customer service representative about any discounts, payment plans or hardship programs you might qualify for. Here’s exactly what to say on that call . Having your account details ready can save time and reduce friction on the call. Log in to your online account or check your statements for information, such as account number, plan features and past payment dates. If you’ve been a customer for a long time, consider using that information to your advantage, especially if you have a record of on-time payments . Companies value loyalty, and employees may have customer retention goals they’re trying to meet. Keeping you as a satisfied customer is in the company’s best interest. Don’t take the first “no” for an answer. Explain your situation again, and get straight to the point. For example: “I’d like to continue using your service, but I simply can’t afford to pay the price. What can we do to bring the bill down?” If you still get nowhere, try escalating the request. The representative you’re speaking with might not have the authority to lower your bill . Kindly ask to speak to a supervisor, who may have more problem-solving experience and power to make decisions. Despite our best efforts, customer service calls can lead to dead ends. Prepare for the possibility that your provider won’t budge. Ahead of the call, consider whether terminating the service is a step you’re willing to take. With some services, such as water, electricity or gas, alternative providers might not be available, but with others, such as cell phone or cable providers, competition is abundant. If ending the relationship is an option, and your representative can’t save you money, ask to begin the cancellation process. Showing that you’re serious may prompt them to make you a better offer. If that offer never comes, consider switching to a lower-priced competitor or, if the service isn’t vital, giving it up entirely. If you’re not ready to decide, keep the notes from your call and think it over. In any case, applaud yourself for making the call. More From NerdWallet Lauren Schwahn writes for NerdWallet. Email: lschwahn@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @lauren_schwahn. The article Slash Your Bills With a Phone Call: 7 Pro Negotiating Tips originally appeared on NerdWallet .The Duckhorn Portfolio Announces Fiscal First Quarter 2025 Financial Results
Enforcement Directorate BHOPAL: Suicides by a businessman and his wife - Manoj and Neha Parmar - on Friday in Ashta town of MP and a six-page typed purported suicide note recovered from their home, alleging harassment and physical torture by ED officials during a search at his premises on December 5, have taken a political turn. Congress alleged Parmar was harassed as his kids supported Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra by organising a 'Gullak' (piggy bank) team. ED sources termed the deaths "unfortunate" and denied the charge, emphasising that the search was conducted in the presence of two independent officers (one male and the other female) of SBI. A dossier prepared by ED on Parmar termed him a "habitual offender" who was sentenced to seven years in jail for loan fraud in another case investigated by Astha police. Parmar was arrested and was on bail in a rape case in which the trial is underway, and faced offences of creating public nuisance, threatening public servants and damaging public property. In his suicide note - marked to PM, CJI, CM, Governor, DGP and AICC and MPCC - the Manoj alleged that his entire family was being victimised because of his association with Congress. The note ends with a prayer to Rahul Gandhi to take care of his three children. Denying the allegations, agency sources said that Parmar had personally called ED office at 12 noon on Dec 12, confirming that he would appear for recording his statement at 3.30pm. However, he didn't turn up. ED had searched four of Parmar's properties in Indore and Sehore as part of a probe into alleged money laundering linked to a 2017 FIR by CBI. Sources stressed that MP high court had in 2022 rejected Parmar's plea for quashing the CBI FIR. The HC had noted that while CBI registered a single FIR for the 18 transactions, each was considered a distinct offence, and the agency was instructed to proceed with the case. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .
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SAN DIEGO , Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BSD Builders, Inc. today announced it has received seismic certification from California's OSHPD/HCAi for its state-of-the-art Microgrid Solutions. Developed in partnership with 2G Energy Inc., the BSD Special Seismically Certified (SSC) Microgrid product is set to revolutionize energy resilience and efficiency for all types of buildings. The BSD SSC Microgrid system, consisting of a cogeneration power plant and fuel storage, was initially designed to support California skilled nursing facilities' compliance with California Assembly Bill 2511, which California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law on September 29, 2022 . This bill requires these facilities to have an alternative power source to protect resident health and safety for at least 96 hours during any type of power outage. This microgrid power solution is a self-contained electrical system that can operate independently from the main power grid. With the seismic certification, it is now available for any type of building that needs uninterruptable power. "At BSD Builders, we're passionate about creating solutions that make a difference in people's lives. We have developed a proprietary solution that not only meets but exceeds California's stringent seismic requirements while providing a reliable and efficient source of power, especially during unexpected power loss or natural disasters," said Jeff Blair , CEO of BSD Builders, Inc. "This solution offers long-term benefits not only by lowering utility costs, it can also help to improve the stability of the regional electric grid and reduce carbon emissions." Key features of the BSD SSC Microgrid Solution include: Continuous Parallel Operation and Island Mode : The system is capable of operating continuously in parallel with utility power, as well as in island mode, providing seamless energy transition and reliability. Reduced Utility Costs: The system can reduce utility costs by managing electrical peak demand, preventing spikes that lead to higher charges, and promoting more efficient energy use. Fuel Versatility : The microgrid can be fueled by various energy sources, including hydrogen, natural gas, compressed natural gas, LNG, biogas, renewable natural gas, propane, and syngas, offering unparalleled flexibility and sustainability. Thermal Energy Recovery : The system includes thermal energy recovery, which provides hot water for the facility and enhances overall energy efficiency. Designed for Natural Disasters: The system is seismically certified (California OSHPD/HCAi OSP-0826) and rated for hurricane wind loads up to 150 mph. "2G Energy is proud to partner with BSD on the BSD SSC Microgrid System designing it for a wide range of applications, providing a reliable and cost-effective energy solution for skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, data centers, pharmaceutical labs, research facilities, cold storage units, data centers, and more," stated Darren Jamison , Managing Director of 2G Energy North America. "The design utilizes proprietary technologies to offer clients reduced utility costs and increased reliability. It is designed for continuous parallel operation with the utility as well as stand-alone island mode," concluded Jamison. For more information about the BSD SSC Microgrid System or to schedule a consultation, please visit bsdbuilders.com. About BSD Builders, Inc . - BSD Builders, Inc. is a leading general contractor specializing in the healthcare industry. Focusing on exceeding industry standards and delivering exceptional value to clients, BSD Builders, Inc. continues to set the benchmark for excellence in the construction and energy sectors. About 2G Energy – 2G Energy is a globally recognized leader in the development and production of combined heat and power (CHP) systems. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, 2G Energy provides cutting-edge solutions that optimize energy efficiency and environmental performance. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bsd-builders-inc-advanced-microgrid-solutions-receives-california-seismic-certification-for-uninterruptible-power-supply-302324334.html SOURCE BSD Builders, Inc. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Medical Properties Trust, Inc. ( NYSE:MPW – Get Free Report ) SVP Rosa Handley Hooper sold 3,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, December 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $3.67, for a total transaction of $11,010.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 356,600 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $1,308,722. This trade represents a 0.83 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink . Medical Properties Trust Trading Down 0.8 % Shares of MPW opened at $3.73 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 2.38, a quick ratio of 2.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.69. The stock has a market cap of $2.24 billion, a PE ratio of -0.88, a PEG ratio of 0.62 and a beta of 1.29. Medical Properties Trust, Inc. has a 1 year low of $2.92 and a 1 year high of $6.55. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $4.32 and a 200-day simple moving average of $4.72. Medical Properties Trust Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 9th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 12th will be paid a dividend of $0.08 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 12th. This represents a $0.32 annualized dividend and a yield of 8.58%. Medical Properties Trust’s dividend payout ratio is currently -7.58%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Medical Properties Trust Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Truist Financial reduced their target price on shares of Medical Properties Trust from $6.00 to $4.00 and set a “hold” rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, December 19th. Colliers Securities raised Medical Properties Trust from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating and set a $6.50 price objective on the stock in a report on Friday, September 13th. Mizuho lowered their price objective on Medical Properties Trust from $6.00 to $5.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, December 5th. Finally, Wolfe Research raised Medical Properties Trust to a “hold” rating in a research report on Monday, September 23rd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Medical Properties Trust currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $4.92. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on MPW About Medical Properties Trust ( Get Free Report ) Medical Properties Trust, Inc is a self-advised real estate investment trust formed in 2003 to acquire and develop net-leased hospital facilities. From its inception in Birmingham, Alabama, the Company has grown to become one of the world's largest owners of hospital real estate with 441 facilities and approximately 44,000 licensed beds as of September 30, 2023. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Medical Properties Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Medical Properties Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .