How To Tell If You’re Overpaying For Your Cell Phone
You know you need your cell phone since it does so much for you daily.
Over 2,000 programs and adding every day.
But do you really need to pay so much for it every month? Here’s how to tell if you’re overpaying, plus how to make the money-saving switch to something more affordable.
1. All you do is text, yet you have a high data plan.
Having tons of data on your plan is excellent, as it lets you stream and video chat on the go when Wi-Fi isn’t an option. But why pay for so much data if you never use it since you solely use your cell for texting?
Believe it or not, some people don’t use much of their data. So if you’re one of them, ditch that expensive high data plan for something less costly from a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO). Companies like Google Fi, Ting, and Consumer Cellular offer ideal plans to customers with few data needs. And while cheaper, MVNOs use the same platform as more prominent companies, so you can still count on excellent cell service at a fraction of the cost.
2. Your data usage varies, yet your carrier doesn’t carry over unused data.
Are you with a carrier that doesn’t let you roll over data that you don’t use? If so, then you’ve probably felt frustrated during months where you barely used data and wasted it, as that’s a sure sign of overpaying.
Switching to a carrier that automatically rolls over unused data to the next month may be your best bet if your usage is all over the place. That way, if you’re not too active one month, you can be active the next without wasting data or getting hit with overage charges.
3. You use data a lot, but you have a limited data plan.
Have you noticed that your bill sometimes skyrockets? If so, it could be due to tons of streaming or video chatting on the go, as both actions can make your data usage surge quite quickly.
If you know that you like to stream or video chat when not on Wi-Fi, you’re probably best served with an unlimited data plan. It will allow you to enjoy your phone to the fullest without worrying about bloating your bill. And before you think unlimited data is too expensive for your budget, know that a company like Mint Mobile has plans starting at 30 bucks a month.
4. You have a large family, but keep all of the lines on separate plans.
If you have several separate lines, you’re overpaying for cell phone service. Switch to a family plan to consolidate billing, and you can save as much as $10 monthly per line.
Want an example? Try the T-Mobile Magenta Family Plan, which gives you four lines for $140 a month plus Netflix.
5. You pay for cell phone insurance directly through your carrier.
Insurance is a great idea if you have the newest cell phone or often drop or lose your device. But if you pay for it through your carrier, you could increase your bill by as much as $36 per month.
Pay with your credit card, and the issuer may include cell phone insurance at no cost. Or, you could try to get a warranty or coverage through a company like SquareTrade for as little as five bucks a month.