With each new twist in communication, we, the consumer, are presented with more cool options to choose from. The most frustrating part is the expectation that all of us will now be available to communicate–be it through text, voice, or internet–at all times. And pay dearly for it. We can still play with the toys without forking over hundreds of dollars each month for it. If you’re drowning in communications bills, resolve to slash those zeros in the New Year with a few easy changes.
1. Buy the minutes that you need.
If you’ve been burned before by overage minutes, you may be reticent to lower your usage plan. But look at your last 5 months of billing. How much did you actually use? Does your phone give you the option to monitor your minutes? The old buffet adage “eat what you take” stands true for cell phone minutes. Reducing your plan to better suit your actual usage can save up to $240 per year.
2. Ditch the data plan.
But I can check Facebook so easily, but I can give my kid unlimited baby apps, but what if I can’t find the nearest Starbucks within 10 seconds? To which I humbly reply: you spend too much time checking your profile anyway, your kid is already over-stimulated, and GPS devices are now super cheap. Since everyone is consolidating devices (and paying a hefty price for it) grab a used Garmin for around $50 from Craigslist and update the maps. That’s really the only safety feature you’ll forfeit with axing the data plan.
3. Ask for employee discounts.
If you have to work for the man at least get the perks. Many big corporations arrange discounts for their employees with one plan provider. Ask human resources if such a thing exists and jump on it.
4. Get an emergency Tracphone rather than a landline.
Just how much will basic landline service run you per month? I couldn’t get out of paying $37.84 per month for bare bones, zero bells-and-whistles service. For a dust-collecting, rarely used phone. Being a parent of young children, however, I felt very unsecure having just a cell phone that I lose at least eight times a day. So instead of going back to the local phone company, we bought a prepaid Tracphone and stuck it on the kitchen wall with velcro. The “emergency” phone is always in that designated spot and we use it to 1.) locate our other lost phones; and 2.) make emergency calls. It costs less than $10 per month.
5. Switch usage plans when you need to.
Headed out of town for a while and need to keep in contact with folks back home? Up your minutes for a season so you aren’t socked with a huge dose of overage. Likewise, if you reinstall the landline and spend most of your time at home, reduce those mobile and use your unlimited house line. Most contracts are more flexible now and don’t require a contract extension to make a change.
6. Avoid insurance plans for phones.
We both know you rock your 4G to sleep every night after its ritual lens-cloth bath, but we also know you’ll be knocking down AT&T’s door in a year-and-a-half when the new baby rolls in. Even if, heaven forbid, you send an iPhone through the washer, sell it for $200 as a waterlogged phone and pay the difference to buy a new one. Insurance plans are a rip off–treat your stuff well and know that replacement is always a few seasons away. Most Americans upgrade to a new phone every 2 years along with a contract extension. Get an Otterbox or other heavy-duty case for much cheaper protection.
7. Hop on VoIP.
Voice over Internet Protocol completely bypasses the phone company (in most cases) making the most out of analog to digital sound conversion. You can even use a normal phone with many VoIP companies. In fact, because this process makes communication much more streamlined, most local phone companies are heading to exclusive VoIP practices within the next decade or so. But until the authorities figure out how to heavily regulate it, jump on board and take advantage of companies like Vonage and VoIP.com.
8. Use Google Voice to manage your communications.
While Google Voice can’t save you loads of cash in phone bills, it can help you manage several devices at once. With one Google account users can block specific callers, check messages online, leave varying voicemail greetings for each group of callers (separate personal from work) and set several phone numbers for just one account. Even send incoming calls from your cell phone to the house line if you can’t always hear your mobile ring tone.
9. Check out other ways to shrink your wireless bill.
If you haven’t discovered Bill Shrink, you’re in for a treat. Check out how your phone minutes, data plan, and overall needs compare with several companies in your area. Are you really getting the best deal possible for your unique situation? This awesome free resource gives you the low down on your spending.
Sometimes saving on your monthly phone bill is as easy as checking the statement. Billing inaccuracies err in favor of your provider, so keep a sharp eye on your hidden mistakes. Resolve to save money on the latest technologies and keep more cash in hand while staying in touch.
Ashley G. writes about frugal living and money saving topics for CouponSherpa and the Go Frugal blog. Her topics of interest include online coupons, reusing and recycling old materials and products, as well has voluntary simplicity and living on the cheap.
