DEAR BRUCE: I had been getting inundated with telephone solicitations. I once took the time to listen and the rep gave us a great deal to switch our long-distance service. We authorized them to make the changes and when we got the first bill, we were shocked. We called and found out that the program they told us about turns out not to be available, and the won't honor the original offer. I have filed a complaint with them. Is this legal and what can we do? -- Reader, via e-mail

DEAR READER.: The main problem here is that you talked to someone over the telephone, apparently getting nothing in writing to demonstrate what the new offer was. I don't believe that there is anything that you can do except to switch back to your original carrier or to a third carrier if you find one that better meets your needs. The real stickler here is if the new company is going to hold you to a long-term contract. If that's the case, I would call the public utility commission in your state and register a complaint. As I said at the outset, the major weakness here is that you have nothing other than your memory to substantiate what the offer may have been.

DEAR BRUCE: For 15 years I have been paying on a "cancer and dread disease" insurance policy. When I've mentioned this to my family and friends, they tell me it's a waste of money. I have a regular health plan aside from this. What do you think, do I need this extra coverage -- C.T., via e-mail

DEAR C.T.: These policies are a waste of money. If you need more health insurance, purchase more. But the disease-specific policies are right there with buying extra insurance when you get on an airplane. If you need more health insurance, you need it for all diseases, not one specific disease. These types of policies, from the perspective of the insurance companies who write them, can be very profitable. I would get rid of it and keep the extra money in your bank.

DEAR BRUCE: My mother has a large stockpile of 20-year-old Series E Bonds. Their approximate value is 76 percent and if she cashes these in, will put her in a high tax bracket. She has no income other than Social Security. Her home is paid off. She does have other investment accounts as well. Is there a better way to redeem these so she's not hit with a big tax bill? -- Reader, via e-mail

DEAR READER: By all means consult with an accountant or an attorney that specializes in tax matters. I have a feeling that she is simply going to have to pay her dues. There is no way to get around the fact that she made a profit from them. It is very likely that your Mom will be responsible for the taxes if she chooses to cash them in. It may be that, with proper estate planning, the taxes can be avoided by passing to the next generation.