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With the economy continuing to sputter along, companies and consumers alike are desperate for ways to make their money go farther and look for ways to increase their income. While for consumers, this may mean taking on another job or increasing savings, it appears that corporate world is taking a different approach: Earning more revenue from existing customers.

Verizon, for example, recently announced that it would charge customers $2.00 for making one-time bill payments online or by phone via a credit card. Consumers were understandably outraged, and there has been a widespread backlash against the phone, TV, and internet service provider. The Airline industry has also taken to nickel and diming those using their services as well. Spirit Airlines announced earlier this year that they would be introducing a carry on bag fee, and in June they stated they would charge customers $5.00 to print their boarding passes at the airport.

Other service industries like hotels have also been charging for previously free services like Wi-fi and for the use of a safe inside the rooms. They also tacked on fees for holding luggage behind the desk after checkout and a number of other seemingly insignificant fees that often add up quickly.

So as a savvy consumer, how can we take action to prevent ourselves from being subject to needless fees? Luckily for us, the Information Age has provided consumers with a number of weapons. The best option is simply being aware when new fees are introduced, and sites like http://www.bankrate.com/ closely track fees levied by financial institutions. Other Personal Finance blogs can help keep you up to speed on new fees in a variety of industries as well.

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