Cell phone bills and usage are on the rise...as always! It's time to start reconsidering what we use, how we use it, and ways to cut down on our cell phone bills! Here's a list of simple ways that can help you cut the cost on your cell phone bill.
Be sure to track your talk time!
Start tracking your minutes. Many companies offer text/email alerts when you are getting close to going over on your minutes, texts, data usage. Take advantage of that service...it can help you save a lot in the long run! Your cell phone provider doesn't offer that service? Sign up with overmyminutes.com, (a free service) and you'll receive an e-mail or text message to let you know when you're about to run out of minutes.
Ask Around and Start Using the Same Plan/Provider as Friends and Family
Many cell phone providers offer free promotions with in-network calls/texts or allow you to choose a small group of in-network friends and family that you can call for free. Using the same plan/provider as friends and family can save you big on your bill! So, start asking your closest friends and family what providers they have so that you can on the same plan/provider.
Use a landline for toll-free calls
Toll-free calls eat at your minutes! So, save your 1-800 calls for landlines.
Bundle Services
If you're getting multiple bills for your cell phone, cable/satellite, internet, and home phone, you may want to consider moving all of your services to one provider. Many companies offer a great discount for bundling all of your services into one package from the same provider.
If you don't use your cell phone all that much, you may want to start shopping around for a prepaid plan. You could spend as little as $20 every three months!
Don't pay for unused minutes, texts, or data usage. Do your research and pick a plan that matches what you need and will use. Don't let them upsell you. Do what works for you and your family. Sure, it might be only a few bucks extra to go with the next data usage or the next tier in minutes/texts. But, is it worth it? If you won't use it, save the money because those dollars add up...every month!
Get Unlimited Texting/Minutes
If you do use your phone a lot (it's the only phone in our homes, so we use ours all the time!) you may want to go with unlimited texts/minutes. Those overages add up, trust me! Each text you send over your monthly limit can cost on average $0.10 EACH! WOWZA! That's a lot of money flushed!
Stick to the Basics
There are a ton of extras and frills offered when signing up for your plan (Road Side Assistance, GPS, Ringtone Downloads, Phone Replacement Insurance,...). Those add up! Stick to the basics and your wallet will thank you monthly!
Pick a Plan with Rollover Minutes
If you don't want or don't have unlimited minutes because it's not in your best interest, consider looking for a plan that offers rollover minutes. Plans like these allow you to keep what's unused (in essence, what really is yours!) and roll it over month to month.
Minimize Your Data Usage and Use Sign In to FREE Wireless when available
If you aren't using your wireless all that much, go with a smaller GB plan. Watch your usage. If you can help it, only turn your data connection on when you are somewhere where you can get FREE Wi-Fi.
See if Your Employer Offers an Employee Discount With Your Carrier
If you or someone in your family works for a company with a cell plan, you could be eligible for a discount on your personal line(s).
Minimize Your Data Usage and Use Sign In to FREE Wireless when available
If you aren't using your wireless all that much, go with a smaller GB plan. Watch your usage. If you can help it, only turn your data connection on when you are somewhere where you can get FREE Wi-Fi.
See if Your Employer Offers an Employee Discount With Your Carrier
If you or someone in your family works for a company with a cell plan, you could be eligible for a discount on your personal line(s).
Don't have an employee discount? Be sure to ask about other discounts (senior citizen discounts and student discounts often get overlooked).
Be Realistic About Your Phone Use
Do your research and consider what you will really use. Be careful not to choose too small of a plan where overages will accrue. On the other hand, be careful not to choose too big of a plan where you are overpaying for "perks" that you won't use. Wasted spending! Be realistic about how often you'll use your phone, and you'll avoid paying more than you need to for service.
Do your research and consider what you will really use. Be careful not to choose too small of a plan where overages will accrue. On the other hand, be careful not to choose too big of a plan where you are overpaying for "perks" that you won't use. Wasted spending! Be realistic about how often you'll use your phone, and you'll avoid paying more than you need to for service.
If you take anything away from this, my most important tip to saving money on your cell phone bill is to do your research! Know what you are looking for when you go in to look at plans. Consider all angles. Don't let anyone upsell you on perks that you won't use. If you go in with a game plan, know what you want and stick to it! Also, don't be afraid to ask questions and have them break it down for you in layman's terms. And don't be afraid to speak to a manager and ask more questions and to see if there is a possibility that they will honor, meet, or beat what someone else is offering you. They want your business. And there are plenty of companies out there to choose from. Know what you want, know what you are willing to pay, and stick to it!
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