411 is a secret cash cow for the wireless carriers. It's their dirty little secret. Combined they make roughly $8 billion a year from 411 calls.



Lazily many of us use 411 as our personal phone books. Even when we have already called 411 once for a particular number - we often call again for the same number. I have seen cell phone bills with as as much as $100 in directory assistance calls.

Solution: There is a much faster and cheaper way to get the same info that 411 gives. It's 46645 and it's Free (SMS charges may apply from your carrier, but these are .10 cents to .25 cents usually. Much less than 411's $1.49 and as $1.79 highway robbery).

How: To use 46645 you don't call, you send a text message. For example Text "CVS 75202" to 46645. (You can also use city and state but it takes longer to type.) This will bring up results for CVS's in Dallas, TX. The cool thing is that the number can be easily dialed, because your phone will usually present you with a 'Dial' option.

If you use this tip consistently you will reduce your phone bill by at least $100 this year. I have customers who spend $100 per month on 411 - what a waste of money!

In case you're interested 46645 - spells GOOGL, short for Google. It's a short code Google uses to give you access to its search from your handset. It can be used for other things as well like the weather. It's faster than trying to get to a weather website from your phone.

Yahoo offers the same service at 92466 which spells YAHOO. It works basically the same way. Yahoo suggests you put any term for instant answers.

Try It: To get started save 92466 as Yahoo! in you phone. Also save 46645 as Google.

To learn how to use them text 'Help'. Google and Yahoo both give you tips and instructions on how to use. To start keep it simple. As a test try searching for your favorite restaurant.

When you text Juniors to 11238 you get the address and phone number for both of their restaurants in New York. If you didn't know about Juniors famous Cheese Cake and any would do, text Cheese Cake NYC to 46645. You'll get two other great Cheese Cake bakers. Play around with it.

Remember SMS/Text Message charges may apply. But in my opinion you should really (already) have an unlimited SMS/Text Message plan. I mean at this day in age, texting is as important as calling.

Review:

- Stop dialing 411 - It's expensive.

- Save 46645 as Google & Save 92466 as Yahoo in your cell phone.

- Try It - send a text message to each requesting your favorite restaurant.

- If you don't have a text message plan - add one ASAP.

- If you aren't great at texting spend a few minutes learning. It's a great tool.