Cell phone bills, hands down. They make it so you can't read anything on there so they can overcharge you. I've tried to figure out our company charges multiple times and have just given up.

Those extra charges from the telecom companies are just criminal. I guess the market’s responding when all the free directory services like 800free411 multiply the way they’re doing now. Capitalism in action, woohoo !

Anyway, first fit of bill panic was my first-ever credit card statement. The statement was so complicated-looking I just didn’t know what to do, so in a panic I called my dad at like 11PM and he set me straight about the payment not being due for 3 more weeks. LOL! Now I just pay as soon as the bill arrives, if I can. Makes things simpler.

Oh gosh where to begin.

For cars: I took a slightly used car I had just bought to a mechanic I trust for an inspection. The bill, mostly labor, was $855! I had a minor heart attack

For phone bills: I am a big text message person, and when I switched to a new phone Verizon took off unlimited texting (even though I explicitly said not to!) and the bill was over $145 when it should have been $35.

Most likely my student loans statement at the beginning of my third year, it certainly doesn't take long for the debt to build up, let alone the interest!

When I moved into my latest house and got the electric bill - over $400

School bill. Way too high.

Mobile phone bills can be totally terrifying. A lot of my friends have had that issue. I've managed to avoid the pain, though, following some rules:

1. Choosing the right tariff

I spent a long time at Carphone Warehouse going through all the different deals until I found the right one for me. They're great because they are independent.

2. Avoid Downloads

Ringtones and other subscription services have incredibly bad and often immoral practises. I avoid them totally.

3. Look at all charge types

Calls, texts, Data transfer, MMS, WAP or 3G, phone services (voicemail etc), check all the different charges before buying a tariff.