How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill
Cell phones are great for convenience, emergency contacts, and keeping current with friends and family. The one thing that is not so great about cell phones is the bill that comes every month. If you are finding yourself spending way to much for cell phone service, there are a few things you can do to lower your monthly costs and still keep in touch with the world around you.
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Instructions
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Pull out a copy of your last few cell phone bills to compare your monthly usage of incoming and outgoing calls. If you are constantly going over your monthly limit, you may need to increase your current cell phone calling plan. Increasing your minutes will save you money in the long run as wireless companies charge a specific rate per minute after you've gone over your allotted monthly calling plan, which can be very expensive. Take your bills to a wireless cell phone office near you and have them help you decide on the best calling plan to fit your needs.
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Next, compare your cell phone text messaging usage per month. See if there is a big difference from month to month so that you can come up with an estimate of how many texts you can survive with sending a month. You may need to up your monthly bill to unlimited text messaging if you are over the allotted amount. Or perhaps your not using quite as much as you are paying for...then consider lowering your text messaging amount to something smaller. Your cell phone company will be happy to help you find a monthly amount that will keep you within your text messaging budget.
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Do you use the internet a lot on your cell phone? Perhaps you only download songs and games, or use your cell phone as an internet search engine. Whichever you do, be sure that you are not getting charged outrageous monthly internet connection and surfing fees...these can really increase your cell phone bill. Determine how often you use the internet on your cell phone and if you can decrease the usage amount. If not, consider getting unlimited internet connection on your cell phone. You may be able to cut out the need for the internet altogether and save yourself a bundle if you feel you don't really need it.
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If you really don't need a monthly bill because you aren't using your cell phone much, consider purchasing a prepaid TracFone. TracFones can be loaded with a certain amount of minutes (your choice starting at 10 minutes and going upward) that you purchase and add to your phone. Most people who have TracFones use them only for emergencies, long distance calling, or when they are only going to be on the phone for a few minutes at a time. If at all possible, purchase a TracFone to save money on a cell phone bill and make all your important calls from home.
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If you are looking for something a little more than just a Tracphone, you can also purchase a 'pay as you go plan' from most wireless companies. A 'pay as you go plan' offers the convenience of a cell phone without the hassle of a contract or credit check. You pay for only what you use and no more. These are great plans for anyone who doesn't want the pain of getting involved in a long cell phone contract. Most companies will offer free mobile to mobile calling (as long as your calls are within the wireless network...ex: AT&T to AT&T customers or Verizon to Verizon customers), no long distance charges, no roaming charges, and unlimited text messaging. Stipulations are involved, so be sure to research this plan carefully.
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Tips & Warnings
Check out all wireless cell phone companies for a better deal...although most places will not allow you to end your contract, some will give you a great deal if you tell them another place has a better offer.
Only do 1 year contracts so that you can get out and move to another wireless company sooner if yours no longer offers the deals you are looking for.
Resources
- Photo Credit http://www.flickr.com/photos/veender/830143231/
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Comments
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goodselfme
Mar 29, 2009
Great tips to lower cell phone bills. I have a trac phone only because my children wanted me to have a cell. I use it very little and am pleased with the service.
