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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- We're all looking to save money these days, and there's an easy way to lower your bills.

In many cases, all you have to do is pick up the phone and ask.

FOX21 News producer Shane Crigger has tried to get his bills lowered over the phone with various companies over the last year and has had a lot of success.

"I've had my account for a while and I was wondering if there are any special offers I can take advantage of," he says, as he talked to an employee at Comcast.

All it takes is a few minutes, and you can save some serious cash.

"We do have a couple of really great offers," said the Comcast worker in response.

Money Coach Bill Stanley recommends everyone try to negotiate their bills. He has done it several times himself and said it's a simple way to reduce your costs.

First, he said, do your homework, check out the competition, and know exactly what you're going to say before you call.

"If they've done something wrong, raised your rate, reduced your service, any reason, ask why am I paying the same to get less than last month," he said.

If the first person you talk to says no, don't give up. They'll often transfer you to someone else, who will say yes.

"It's the persistence there. You've got to find person number two or number three, in charge of keeping customers," Stanley explained.

Mentioning the competition or threatening to cancel your service can help.

"It's easier for them to keep customers than to get a new customer," he said, but adds, you've got to be prepared to actually walk away.

As long as you have a good reputation with the company, you can expect your few minutes of time to really pay off.

In addition to trying your cable, phone and Internet providers, you can also try your credit card companies. Often they'll give you a lower annual percentage rate, just for asking.