Top 25 Ways to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill

                                           

There are over 292 million cell phone users and over 60 cell phone providers in the U.S. This can make it difficult trying to select a cell phone providers not to mention choosing from the different cell phone models. Cell phones have different pricing depending on the company and features offered. The average cost for basic cell phone service can range anywhere from $10 to $100 a month. More if you get additional features and can range up to $500 a month. The average cost of an actual cell phone can range from $19.95 to $1,000. 

Most cell phones offer additional features for a cost such as ring tones, unlimited texting, unlimited nights and weekends, roaming and more. Prepaid cell phones charge by the minute and/or charge a daily fee. 

Most cell phone plans included caller id, voicemail, call forwarding and long distance. Most cell phones only last 2-3 years and after that time the features of the phone stop working or start to diminish in quality or the phone itself stops working. This is by design of the cell phone companies. So why not save as much money as you can while your phone still works. Here are top 25 ways to help you save money on your cell phone bill. 

1. Review. Review your bill each month to ensure they are no errors and inquire about any new charges or information you need understand.
2. Switch. Sign up with a non-major cell phone provider such as T-Mobile, Boost Mobile, Virgin Mobile, Cricket or Metro PCS. Before switching verify if your cell phone runs on a CDMA or GSM network. Not all phones can be used on all networks. Find out if the provider offers good coverage in your area.
3. Basic plan. Get a basic plan with basic features. Comparison shop online or by calling different cell phone companies to see what company provides the best value for your money. http://www.myrateplan.com
4. Discounts. Ask about discounts and specials. Some discounts are provided through employers and certain organization memberships. Call every 3 – 6 months to find out about discounts and specials.
5. Bundle services. If you have multiple services with the same company get your cell phone service with the company to save money.
6. Features. Eliminate unused or unnecessary service features such as: caller id, caller ring tones, conference call, detailed billing, etc. to save money.
7. Calls. Don’t make calls during times when you will be charged, i.e. out of service areas, after 7:00pm, on holidays or weekends.
8. Prepaid. Get a prepaid phone to save money and keep track of your usage at http://best-cell-phone-plans.blogspot.com/
9. Contract. When your contract ends contact the company to negotiate a lower price or a new phone. Ask for free activation, a free phone or other discounts.
10. Pay upfront. Pay for your phone upfront versus signing up for a contract. The latest phones range from $200 to $999 or more. If you sign up for a 2 year contract and pay a monthly bill of $60 you would have paid for the phone plus have money left over.
11. Payment. Get a month to month service which is the least expensive. The most expensive service is signing up for a two year contract, the next most expensive is a payment plan, then pay as you go.
12. Assess. Review your plan including data usage/data minutes used and text messages sent per month. If you are not using near the maximum amount allowed consider getting a cheaper plan. Review your last 3 statements and compare your usage to see if you can get a cheaper plan. Use apps such as Viber.
13. Phone. Don’t get the latest model of a phone. The latest model always have bugs. Get a model one or two versions behind. You can also buy out-of-contract phones which are usually an older model.
14. Avoid expensive calls. Avoid using 411 or calling toll-free numbers. You may still be charged although the phone number is free.
15. Data usage. Track your data usage if you have a pay-per-usage plan. Turn off your mobile data connection so your apps cannot connect to the internet and drain your bandwidth. Don’t waste your data usage checking your social media profiles, watching videos or listening to music.  
16. Add-ons. Skip the add-ons such as mobile roadside assistance, monitoring, extended warranties, insurance, etc. You can insure your phone on your own for a lot cheaper.
17. VoIP. Use VoIP apps such as Google Voice or Skype to make phone calls in the U.S.
18. Seniors. Ask about senior discounts. Discounts usually start at age 55.
19. Avoid contracts. Contracts include hidden fees. You can save money by buying your own phone whenever your contract expires or when you need a replacement. You can also consider switching providers.
20. Local only. Switch to a local-only plan if you do not make long-distance calls. These plans are usually cheaper.
21. Apps. Use free apps. Use TextFree or Use WhatsApp Messenger to send free text messages. Use textPlus to send text messages and make calls. Use Fring for free video chat. Facebook allows iPhone users to use the Facebook Messenger app to make free phones to other iPhone users. TMobile offers an app called Bobsled the allow users to make free calls over Wi-Fi.
22. Alerts. Setup alerts to notify you when you are close to your usage limit for text message, calls, and data usage.
23. Roaming. Turn off roaming. Also turn off Wi-Fi when not in use.
24. Promotions. Call customer service to find out about any specials or ways to reduce your bill. If you are still not happy contact the Retention department.
25. Family Plan. Skip the family plan. You will only save money if everyone keeps track of their usage and for parents with children this rarely happens which results in overages and extra charges. Make teens pay for their own cell phone plan.