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Are you frustrated with trying to get through on a number that is always busy?

Here are a few tips on how to avoid busy signals or being placed on eternal hold that can be so frustrating.

How do you get through?

Sometimes, you just need to be persistent and patient. But, when your patience is running out, here is what you can do:

• Find out what time the phone lines open, and make that call as soon as the phone lines open, preferably early in the morning. You might even want to call a minute or two early.

• If you get a busy signal, don't walk away. Keep hitting your redial button. Sometimes, call volumes are so high that, you just have to hope that your call get through in a split second when a line opens up.

• If possible, avoid calling on a monday or friday. These tend to be the busiest days for many government agencies and companies.

What do you do if you get through, but get placed on eternal hold?

Again, try to be patient. However, if you have two separate phone lines, you might also want to stay on hold on one line, while placing another call from another phone line.

Sometimes, for whatever reason, one call gets placed on hold while another call goes straight through, or if you are given the option, leave a message for someone to call you back or, send an e-mail.

What do you do if you have tried this but still get nowhere?

If you are getting nowhere while trying to reach a government agency, consider contacting your elected officials.

If you are trying to reach a company that is regulated by a state or federal agency, you might want to file a complaint with the appropriate agency.

If nothing else, contact our Call 4 Action office. We have a great staff of volunteers who are here Monday through Thursday, and they really want to help consumers to get the help that they need.