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16 May 2006 05:38 AM

Save on Cell Phones and Calling Plans

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

Cell phones are one of the greatest inventions ever. They are so handy and now that most wireless companies have faded out the whole "roaming" thing, many plans are very affordable.

Here are some ways that you can save on cell phones and service plans:

Shop Online for Cell Phones

You can often find better deals on the actual phone if you shop online. Companies offer buy one get one free deals, and mail in rebates, some of which allow you to get a phone for free once you receive your rebate. If you are a new customer, you may get a good deal in a cell phone store, but after that, you'll probably do better shopping online. Some companies require existing customers to add an additional service to their plan, such as texting, in order to take advantage of rebates.

Share a Plan

Ask about family or group calling plans. Get together with family members and share a plan (this will only work with people you trust, that you know are going to pay their bill, so it's probably best to choose family members instead of friends or acquaintances). You can add extra phones to a plan for around $10-15 per month each, rather than creating an entirely new plan, many of which start at $30 per month or more.

Choose a Plan Carefully

Before signing a contract, review available plans carefully to make sure the plan you choose will suit the needs of everyone involved. Will you get to keep unused minutes and use them the following month? Do you have enough anytime minutes for everyone to share? Should you pay the additional fee (if required, depending on the company) to get free calls from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. instead of free calling starting at 9:00 p.m.? With four or five people splitting the cost (and sharing minutes) it may well be worth it.

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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