The primary purpose of this website is to explain to the residents of Michigan the reasons for the high cost of phone service and the steps they can take to reduce these costs.  I also offer some tips on how seniors can save some money and how younger drivers can possibly save on automobile insurance.  Finally, I offer some personal thoughts on the ways to clean up politics and what I believe to be injustices in our society.  

In this site, I refer to the largest  provider of telephone service in most of Michigan as the phone company.  I do this to avoid any possible infringement on copyrights or trademarks.  If you are happy with the phone company, that's great.  If you're not or just would like to review some information, then read on.  

My name is Tom DeWard.  My address is on the page entitled Send Information.  I spent nearly 16 years analyzing utility rates on behalf of consumer groups.  I do not represent any local or long distance phone company.  I have developed this website and its contents on my own.  Hey, I'm even the webmaster.  

Hopefully by taking the time to review the individual pages in this site, I can save you some money.  If so, I ask that you consider donating or increasing your donation to your favorite charity.  As a matter of fact, that's a good idea even if you don't save any money. 

Here's an overview of the information you will find on the following pages.  As you can see, not all the pages are devoted to phone rates.  I have included some additional ideas on how to save money as well as some other topics which may be of interest to you. So grab a cup of coffee, take your time, make notes and hopefully the time you spend will be worth it.  

• Steps to take in analyzing your phone bill and some ideas as how to cut your costs.
• Selection of your local and long distance phone company.
• A detailed explanation of your phone bill.  This includes an explanation of terminology. This might be too detailed for the faint of heart. 
• What is the Michigan Telecommunications Act of 1995.  How does it affect you, the consumer.  Who wrote it and how was it passed.
• Did the phone company release confidential customer information and was that information used to subvert competition?
• If you have any information on lobbying activities, PAC contributions, questionable contracts or services added to your bill that you didn't order, send me the details.
• Savings for seniors.
• A recommendation for younger drivers to cut the cost of auto insurance.
• The untold story of MUSTFA (The Michigan Underground Storage Tank Financial Assurance Fund)
• The political process-how it can be improved.
• Where is the justice?  Some thoughts on ways to improve the system.
• CMS Energy Corporation.  Analysis of the "round-trip" trading scandal and my attempts to remove the CEO and Board of Directors.  

Feedback is important.  If you want to send a detailed message fill in the blanks below or   e-mail me.