With the advent of cell phones, Internet phoning and new technologies such as Skype, you can save a lot of money on telephone calls. Consumer Reports offers suggestions on how to save:

• Internet phoning. You need something called Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which relays phone calls via a high-speed Internet connection. Have a basic land line as a backup.

• Go totally mobile. You could get rid of the land line. Get a cell phone plan that offers you enough national anytime minutes.

• Shop. You can find a cheaper cell phone plan -- you just have to look. Check your bill to see if you are paying for services that you don’t use.

• Bundle local and long-distance calls. Buy unlimited long-distance and local service from the same company.

• Phone cards still work. These prepaid cards can save you a lot, especially when you’re staying in a hotel with high calling rates. Cards could get you rates as low as 3.5 cents a minute.