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Money-Saving Tips for Cell Phone Use

June 9, 2009

in Personal Finance

Not too long ago, cell phones were a luxury reserved for the rich and famous. Today, they’re everywhere. Many users consider them necessities, and they seem to go through withdrawal if they forget them at home or lose their signal.

Anyone can survive without a cell phone. But they are very handy to have. They give us a way to communicate with friends and family from virtually anywhere, and to call for help in the event of an emergency. Those bills can add up in a hurry, though.

With all the different plans available, you might be surprised at how many cell phone users are paying more than they should. Are you one of them? Here are some ways you can talk for less.

* Avoid buying too much phone for your needs. If you won’t be browsing the Web, why pay extra for a phone with such capabilities? Compare the available phones and find one that has the features you will use and not a lot of extra ones.

* Re-evaluate your service plan from time to time. If you find that you’re not using nearly all of your minutes, see about switching to a cheaper plan. If there are several phones in your household, a family plan will probably be the best deal. If you don’t use your phone very much, a prepaid plan could save you money.

* Keep an eye on your texting habits. Are you sending lots of texts each month? An unlimited texting plan could save you money. But if you’re doing more texting than talking, consider making calls instead of sending messages. It will probably be less expensive.

* Run the numbers on your insurance plan. Unless your phone is a top-of-the-line model, you might pay enough over the course of your contract to buy a new one. If that’s the case, drop the insurance and save up that money. If something happens to your phone before the contract is up, put it toward a new one. If not, buy something else.

* Use night and weekend minutes to make calls when you just want to talk. Most companies offer unlimited nights and weekends, and if combined with free long distance, you can call and catch up with old friends and far-off family at no additional charge.

* Check each bill for incorrect charges. If you find something, call your provider and dispute it. Even if it’s only a small charge, it could be something that is billed each month.

* Don’t call 411 from your cell phone. You’ll pay even more for it than you would from a landline. There are many free directory assistance options available, such as 1-800-FREE411, that will cost no more than a regular local call.

* Take advantage of in-network calling. Some providers offer free calls among their cellular customers, or let customers choose some numbers that they can call for free. Calls to these numbers will not use up your package minutes.

* Watch out for roaming charges. Some providers even charge them on nationwide plans if you are in an area away from that provider’s towers. There should be an icon on your phone that lets you know if you are roaming. If you see it, avoid making calls unless it’s an emergency.

Cell phones are one of those modern conveniences that we can’t seem to live without, but they can nickel and dime you to death if you let them. Having the right service plan and being aware of all possible charges can save you lots of money.

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Beat the System and Save

June 7, 2009

in Personal Finance

Do you ever feel like there’s some sort of conspiracy among corporations to deprive you of as much of your hard-earned money as possible? That’s not too far from the truth. Banks, stores, service providers and utility companies are all in it to make money. Some are more aggressive than others in the pursuit of the almighty dollar, but they all need to turn a profit to survive.

With costs rising everywhere, consumers have begun to search for ways to beat the system and save money. It takes some work, but there are ways that you can save on your everyday bills. Here are some suggestions.

* When it comes to banking, it pays to shop around. Some banks charge all sorts of fees just to maintain a checking account, while others have free options. Check with your bank to make sure you’re getting the best deal they have. If that’s not good enough, look elsewhere. Some banks will even pay you to switch!

* Look at all of your communications options. Many households have a landline and multiple cell phones. Could you do without your landline? If you truly need a home phone, consider dropping your long distance service. Many cellular service providers include free long distance in their packages. Calling cards may also be a cheaper option depending on your calling habits.

* Consider bundling services. Companies often offer packages that include phone service, cable and high-speed internet at lower prices than if you purchased them separately.

* When it comes to electricity, the best thing to do is conserve, conserve, conserve. Switching to a cheaper electric company isn’t an option, so it’s important to find ways to use as little juice as possible. Turn off lights and televisions when leaving the room, unplug TVs, DVD players and other electronics that use power even when turned off, hang clothes out to dry when possible, and purchase energy-efficient appliances. These easy changes can make a noticeable difference in your bill each month.

* Make a habit of getting auto insurance quotes once a year. Changes in the way an insurance company calculates its rates, or changes in your driving record, could make a difference in the rate you would be charged. It’s also wise to get quotes on homeowner’s and other types of insurance on a regular basis.

* Keep a close eye on your credit cards. Even if you had a great interest rate to start with, you might be paying more now. Late payments (either on your credit card or other bills) can trigger rate increases, and until new legislation goes into effect preventing it, card issuers may raise your rate for no reason whatsoever. So pay attention to any notices you receive, and confirm your interest rate every now and then. If you find that you’re paying too much, look for a new card with a lower rate.

When looking for ways to save money, we often overlook everyday expenses. But by examining them closely, you can almost always find a way to save at least a few dollars each month. And those few dollars can add up to hundreds in a year’s time.

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