If you have a company that's merging with another — in telecommunications or credit cards — it pays to pay special attention to your account. Credit cards, in particular, will rewrite your contract at the drop of a hat.

That often goes a long way toward that company lending a sympathetic ear.

It allows people to assume some risk. Because they're willing to take on this risk, they're rewarded with a much lower price.

You might wind up with a real bargain or you might wind up with nothing.

The most shocking thing about this is the reforms we were looking for were so modest. They were nothing more than bringing cell phone companies in line with the standards that consumers expect in their other commercial interactions.

Many consumers have discovered that customer service can be a misnomer. The first person you encounter on the phone maze may not be the most helpful.