There it is; the dreaded cell phone bill.
It’s been lying in your mailbox all day, and it’s time to bring it in. You reach for it, wondering what the damage is.
Last month it was a killer. The month before was a massacre. You can’t keep this up.
You start considering buying stock in your cell phone company. At least that way you can justify the amount of money you have been tossing down the drain.
Do I text that much? Am I really on the phone all day? Where are my minutes going?
The truth is the cell phone bill you pay today is a far cry from what it used to be. And that’s not just because you have a fancy, new smartphone in place of that dumb phone from 10 years ago.
According to a recent report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American household was paying $210 per year for cell phone service in 2001. Last year (2011), that same household was paying $825 per year – a 293 percent increase.
Yet another survey found that the 46 percent average Americans spend over $100 a month on their cell phone bill, with 13 percent spending $200 or more!
The rising costs have made cell phone bills the second highest household bill, second only to the mortgage.
What’s the deal? Why are we paying so much?
Here are some tips to cut down your cell phone bill. You might even have a little money left over for holiday shopping:
1.Read the bill
So many people just pay grab their checkbook, pay the bill, and don’t give it a second thought. But did you know, sometimes you might be paying for something that you didn’t even authorize? A few months ago, I realized I had been paying for a navigator app (think pre-MapQuest days) for $2.99 a month for who knows how many months or dare I say years! What a waste!
Read the bill and read it carefully. Do not be shy to dispute any strange charges that you don’t recall making. Just be sure to ask your kids or smartphone-happy spouse before you lay the blame on the cell phone provider.
Could probably save you: $5 to $10 bucks a month
2.Pick up the phone
I cannot tell you how many times I have paid a lower monthly bill just by picking up the phone and calling my cell phone company.
The key is not to complain and yell. Be upfront, tell them the truth. Tell them that you want to know where your money is going and what ways you can change your plan to make it more affordable.
Almost every time I have called my cell phone carrier, I have walked away spending less money per month. It’s worth a shot!
Could probably save you: At least $10 a month
3. Check out the competition
If you have come to the conclusion that your cell phone company is the true killer in this scenario, there are plenty of service providers out there that may be there better suited for you.
Check out https://www.myrateplan.com/, a great website to compare your current cell phone rate plan with other rate plans across the country. Just remember that you might be giving up some of your sweet perks by switching services. Oh, and do not (for the love of your wallet) break your contract to switch carriers, unless you want to shell out 200 smackaroos.
Could probably save you: $10 to $15 a month
4. Downgrade
It may not be your favorite option but desperate times call for desperate measures.
Do you really need the top-of-the-line, first-of-its-kind, totally decked out phone of the year? Or, do you just need one that does the basics? I mean, after all, nowadays you do have you tablet and iPod and laptop and television and friends (though, yes I know, the last category is nowhere near as entertaining).
Do you really need a mega entertainment phone? Or, can a regular, run of the mill phone suffice? If the answer is yes, think about all the money you will be saving. You could use it to go on vacation!
Could probably save you: $20 to $100 a month
5. Make free phone calls
Free phone calls, you say. But how? Well, there are a few options. The first is to use a landline whenever you can, especially for local and toll-free calls.
All this time I thought toll-free numbers were actually toll-free, as they say they are. NOT TRUE. It seems toll-free numbers are not toll-free on your cell phone (what?)
Secondly, sign up for an internet-based video conferencing service like Skype, Google Voice, or ievaphone and start taking advantage of free phone calls locally, nationally and around the world!
If you have a Smartphone, you can even download their apps and take them with you on the go.
Could probably save you: $5 to $10 a month
MAKE FREE PHONE CALLS WITH Q LINK WIRELESS TODAY
6. Switch to unlimited texts
Are you a text-a-holic? Have you monitored just how much texting you during a week? month? day?
If you are anything like me, you remember the days when people would come pick you up and knock on the door. This evolved into a quick phone call to say, ‘Hey, I am outside.’ Nowadays, it is a simple text: I’m here. But how many I’m here texts do you send out?
Switching to an unlimited text messaging package can save you money in the long run. If you go over your monthly text plan, you are likely being charged between 5 and 15 cents per text message. And you will be charged double for group texts or picture messages.
This can really add up over time. Switch to an unlimited plan and send as many I’m here texts as you like.
Could probably save you: $5 to $10 a month
7. Employee and senior discounts
Many people are unaware that their cell phone providers offer employee and senior discounts. If you work for a large corporation, chances are they offer a cell phone service discount with a certain provider.
Check with your HR department or give your provider a call. It could save you 10% on your cell phone bill. If you are a senior over the age of 65, you might also be eligible for a senior discount on your phone. Call up your provider and ask. It’s worth a try!
Could probably save you: 10 to 15% off your monthly bill
8. Minutes
I am under the impression that roll over minutes are greater than a slice of apple pie. And that is saying a lot, seeing as I love apple pie with a passion.
But seriously, if you pay for minutes and then don’t use them, they should totally roll over and be used next month. Rollover minutes are also a great safety net for those months where you are talking, talking, talking (and we all know those months). With those extra minutes, you won’t have to worry about each call you make, or how many minutes are left.
It’s a great money saving and stress saving tool!
Could probably save you: $5 to $10 a month
Total potential savings: $180
To receive FREE phone service, you first must be approved through the National Verifier. You can bring your own phone and keep your number to experience our 5G network coverage. We will ship you a FREE SIM Card Kit to get UNLIMITED talk & text if you already participate in government programs such as SNAP and Medicaid. Once approved, you can begin the phone activation process to receive FREE phone service online. Visit Q Link Wireless for a quick five-minute application process.
Are you a student? Take a look at our blog about the best cell phone plan for students. You can qualify for free cellphone service with the Pell grant. Click to learn more now.
