How To Save on 411

I was just finishing up that last post and overheard someone dialing 411 on their cell phone. That's a big mistake. Not only are you probably burning cell minutes during the peak time that it might be, 411 charges cell phone users all of your appendages to make a call. A better option, Free 411. Next time you need information, dial 1-800-FREE-411 on your phone and ask a way. There are a couple of annoying ads, but the cool thing is that the service will text you the number you requested when you are finished. And, as of recently, Google has gotten into the act. They have launched a similar service, GOOG 411, which is 1-800-466-4411. Try it and let me know. 

Update

A reader sent in a link for Google's text message information search service.  To use it, visit the following interactive guide which gives you an idea on how it works.



And, for another tip, next time you need free 800 number information, dial 1-800-555-1212. It's a directory of major listings that have 800 numbers. Bonus, bonus tip: it may be easier to get connected directly with whom you need to speak by calling a national number and getting transferred to a hotel directly, for example, rather than writing down another phone number.