While a decade ago, a phone was nice to have (granted, it was somewhat of a necessity back then), nowadays, there is no choice; you absolutely need a mobile phone. It’s not even just about having a mobile phone (because old-fashioned landlines don’t really cut it anymore), but this needs to be a smartphone, too. So, whether it’s staying in touch with loved ones, keeping up with work, or just browsing the web, nowadays it’s just an essential.
But as essential as they are, phone bills can get pretty steep. If you’re looking for ways to trim down your monthly expenses, your phone bill is a great place to start. Here are some practical and straightforward tips to help you lower your monthly phone bill without sacrificing the services you need.
Review Your Current Plan
You’re going to want to analyze your usage first. Actually, before you make any changes, this is definitely what you’ll need to look into first. Check your previous bills to see how many minutes, texts, and data you actually use. Most carriers provide a detailed breakdown of your usage, which can help you identify areas where you might be overspending.
Compare Plans
Once you know your usage patterns, compare your current plan with other plans offered by your carrier and competitors. Sometimes, switching to a different plan within the same carrier can save you money. So, it’s best to look for plans that match your usage more closely without unnecessary extras.
Consider Switching to a Prepaid Plan
If you think about it, prepaid plans can be a great way to control your phone expenses. These used to be really popular back in the early 2000s when TracFone was popular. Nowadays, there are more options than that indestructible Nokia phone. These plans typically offer lower rates than postpaid plans and don’t come with surprise charges.
With prepaid plans, you pay for what you need upfront, which can help you stick to your budget. But even when it comes to prepaid plans, you’re going to want to do some digging, as they’re not always equal. Many carriers offer competitive prepaid options that include unlimited talk and text with flexible data packages. Make sure to read the fine print to understand any limitations or restrictions.
Look for Discounts and Promotions
So, you have a few options here; there are family and group plans (especially if you need changes to your spouse, parents, or even your children’s plans. But that’s not all either, as sometimes there are other options, such as employer or student discounts if you’re in college. Sometimes, employers and universities will partner up with local stores or mobile carriers. It’s not uncommon, so be sure to ask around.
Negotiate with Your Carrier
If you’ve been with your carrier for a long time, use that as leverage. You can contact customer service and ask if there are any loyalty discounts available. For the most part, carriers are often willing to reduce your bill or offer additional services at no extra charge to keep you as a customer. But what if that doesn’t work? Well, why not threaten to switch?
Alright, now this might sound a bit bold, but telling your carrier that you’re considering switching to a competitor can sometimes lead to immediate discounts or promotional offers. Just be polite and firm when making your case.
Limited Data Usage
Try to use Wi-Fi whenever possible. Now, it can be tough, but just try to do this. After all, data overages can be a significant part of high phone bills. So, you’ll need to make it a habit to connect to Wi-Fi whenever you can, whether at home, work, or public places. This will help you stay within your data limit and avoid extra charges.
Monitor and Manage Your Data
Most smartphones have built-in features that allow you to monitor your data usage. So it’s going to be a good idea to just set alerts for when you’re nearing your data limit and consider using data-saving modes that reduce your data consumption by compressing images and limiting background data use.
Cut Out Unnecessary Extras
You might want to see what type of unnecessary extras that you might have. This could be extras like insurance, streaming services, or international calling, which can add up quickly. Review your bill to identify any additional services you’re paying for that you don’t use or need.
For the most part, canceling these can provide immediate savings. Speaking of which, if you subscribe to multiple streaming services through your carrier, consider bundling or removing them from your phone plan and subscribing directly. Often, direct subscriptions are cheaper and come with more flexible options.
Look into Using Apps for Free Calling and Texting
There are plenty of apps available that allow you to make calls and send texts for free over Wi-Fi. Apps like WhatsApp, FreeTone, FaceTime, Discord, Facebook calls, and Google Voice can help you reduce the number of minutes and texts you use on your phone plan, which can enable you to switch to a cheaper plan with fewer included minutes and texts.
But of course, all of these will need to use either data or strong Wi-Fi. These are especially ideal if you need international calling, too.
Use Wi-Fi Calling
Speaking of apps and Wi-Fi, did you know that most modern smartphones support Wi-Fi calling? Thankfully, this allows you to make and receive calls over a Wi-Fi network instead of using your carrier’s cellular network. This can be especially useful if you have limited cell coverage at home or work and can help reduce your overall minutes usage.
Keep Your Phone Longer
You have to keep in mind that frequent phone upgrades can be costly. Plus, it usually costs more to get one via a carrier and pay for it in a phone plan rather than just buying it upfront. So, instead of upgrading every year or two, try to keep your phone for as long as it functions well. Investing in a good case and screen protector can help extend the life of your device, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
