Take Charge of Your Cell Phone Bill

Take Charge of Your Cell Phone Bill

Shared by me through LegalShield
As mobile phone technology continues to advance, so does the cost of cell phone voice and data service. There are steps you can take to help lower your bill. The following tips will help you analyze your usage and seek out ways to trim costs.

• Understand the full cost of your plan before you sign up or renew. Many consumers, lured by the newest smart phone or tablet, renew or sign contracts without fully understanding the terms and fees. Before committing to a plan, review the full cost and make sure it fits your needs and your budget. It is generally possible to increase service without additional fees, but most plans do not allow you to decrease minutes or services until you reach the renewal period. Have your LegalShield provider law firm review any new contract before you sign.
• Think twice about “free” or “discounted” phones. Carriers use free or discounted devices to make contract plans more appealing. It is often more affordable over time to purchase the phone outright and pay a lower monthly rate. Pre-paid plans generally work this way but major carriers are also beginning to offer pay-as-you-go options.
• Analyze usage to make sure you are not paying for more than you need. Use secure wireless networks when they are available to avoid driving up your data usage. Review your talk minutes and text plan to make sure you are not paying for overages, which may be costly.
• Review your bill each month. Many consumers simply pay their bill without looking at the charges. Overages and billing mistakes can be caught early by taking a few minutes to review your bill before making a payment.
• Watch for hidden costs. When checking your bill keep an eye out for directory assistance calls, charity text messages and other charges you may not be familiar with. These charges, while often small, will add up over time.
• Look out for special discounts. Some cell phone providers offer discounts to individuals who work for certain companies or government agencies. Find out if you are eligible to receive a discount by calling your provider. Also look out for discounts when researching a new plan.
  
  Rick Meldahl at www.webcenterincome.com and
  www.impactinglifestyles.com