Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky

Guests: Kristen Jowers, MS Extension Specialist for One Op

Season 8 | Episode 43

Talking FACS host Mindy McCulley talks with Kristen Jowers from One Op about practical bill negotiation strategies that can reduce your monthly expenses without a second job or harsh cutbacks.

They cover what bill negotiation looks like, how companies use retention departments, and step‑by‑step scripts to use on calls. Kristen explains how to prepare (know your numbers, check competitor offers, note your tenure), which discounts to ask for (bundles, autopay/paperless, employer/military), and how often to review bills.

Key takeaways for successful negotiations:

  • be polite and prepared,
  • ask to be transferred to retention or loyalty teams,
  • set reminders for expiring promotions, and
  • avoid paid negotiators since a short call can often secure savings.

For more information:

Consumer Finance Protection Bureau Online Bill Calendar

OneOp Blog

For more information about this topic and other MoneyWi$e topics, visit:

MoneyWi$e Newsletter

MoneyWi$e Website

Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.

Kentucky Extension Offices

UK FCS Extension

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