How to Save Money on Cell Phones

Take a look at your utility budget and you’ll likely notice that you spend more money on your cell phone than any other utility. If you have a large family, then your monthly cell phone bill can be exorbitant. Here are seven tips to help you save money on your cell phones.

#1 Check your carrier – Who do you spend the most time talking to? Most cell phone carriers offer free minutes when you’re talking to someone who is also using that same carrier. For example, if your friends and family are on Verizon, then it may be a lot cheaper for you to use Verizon than another carrier.

#2 Mind your minutes – This doesn’t mean you should cut back on your minutes, but rather pay attention to how many you really use each month. This is particularly important if you have children. They tend not to talk much anymore and text instead. You may save money by purchasing an unlimited text plan with low minutes.

#3 Bundle – Bundling really can save money. Many carriers now offer internet, cell and landline phone services, and television. Take a look at what you’re paying for each and compare to your cell phone’s bundle offerings.

#4 Family plan – One of the best ways to save money on cell phones if you have a large family is to sign up for a family plan. These plans typically have one main account for a primary monthly fee. Each additional family member is then charged a small amount, for example ten dollars a month. They all use the same text, call, and data plan. So instead of paying for a different phone plan for each of your children, which usually begins around thirty or forty dollars, you’re only paying the add-on amount.

#5 Prepaid/pay as you go – Check out the prepaid plans. Prepaid and pay as you go plans are generally free from contracts or long-term commitments. This means you can change plans whenever you see fit. The downside for these plans is that you have to pay for your phone and if you like gadgets, then your phone is going to be expensive. Many long-term phone contracts come with a free or discounted phone when you sign up.

Prepaid and pay as you go plans work very well if you don’t use your phone often. For example, if it’s just for emergencies.

#6 Skip the extras – Ring tones, 411 services and even data plans can really be quite expensive. A nominal monthly phone bill including taxes and fees plus the extras can suck the monthly budget dry. Analyze if you need the data plan.

Many of us like to be able to receive email on our phones and search the web, but we don’t really need to. And if you have an iPod, iPad or laptop with you most of the time, then you already have the access you need. And ring tones and 411 services are rarely a necessity.

#7 Call your carrier – Finally, don’t hesitate to call your carrier and see if there is a cheaper plan you can be using. They’d rather help you find a plan that meets your needs than lose you as a customer.

If you’re tired of paying hundreds of dollars each month for your cell phone, take advantage of your resources. Track how much you use your phone, how you use it and when. Compare your options and don’t be afraid to contact your cell phone carrier for assistance. It’s worth the savings.