Israeli Families Save Thousands Annually With Just Five Phone Calls to Service Providers

The rising cost of living in Israel has left many families struggling to make ends meet. A recent investigation revealed that by making just five phone calls to key monthly service providers, electricity, gas, internet, mobile phone, and insurance, families can save thousands of shekels annually. The process involves researching competitive offers, comparing plans, and negotiating better rates, especially in sectors like electricity where the market has recently opened to competition.

The study featured two families as examples. The Motzafi family from Beersheba, with four young children, managed to cut their monthly expenses by 300 shekels, totaling 3,600 shekels a year. Savings included switching to a competitor offering up to 21% discount on electricity, reducing mobile phone costs from 110 to 65.90 shekels for three lines, lowering internet fees from 125 to 91 shekels, and negotiating gas prices down from 60 to 35 shekels per month.

Another example was the Shemesh family from Hod Hasharon, who initially believed they had no room to save. After reviewing their bills, they found significant discounts: a 20% reduction on electricity by shifting heavy usage to nighttime, internet costs dropped from 164 to 115 shekels, and mobile phone expenses for six lines fell from 209 to 100 shekels monthly. The biggest savings came from insurance, where a consultation revealed life and other policies could be reduced by nearly 1,000 shekels per month. Overall, the Shemesh family saved 1,308 shekels monthly, amounting to 15,696 shekels annually.

The investigation highlights that consumer loyalty to large providers often stems from convenience and fear of poor service from new companies. However, this reluctance can be costly. The key takeaway is that a brief effort of about ten minutes online and five phone calls can unlock substantial savings. Consumers are encouraged to prioritize their bank accounts over brand loyalty and take proactive steps to reduce monthly expenses.

Summary: Two Israeli families saved thousands of shekels annually by making five phone calls to negotiate better deals on electricity, gas, internet, mobile, and insurance, demonstrating that small efforts can significantly reduce household expenses amid rising living costs.