According to one study, the average cell phone bill is about $73 per month.
If at first this doesn’t seem like a lot, consider the fact that it is about $875 a year. Wouldn’t you love to cut that cost down?
Looking to save money on your mobile phone plan? Then check out our tips on how to save money on your next cell phone bills.
1. Limit Background Data Use
One of the first things you’ll have to do is limit the amount of background data the phone uses.
Even if you don’t really use your data or Internet while you’re out, the apps might still be using it in the background.
To check if it’s doing that, go into your settings and find the Cellular Data Usage section. Once you’re in there, there should be an option for Background App Refresh with a list of apps that are using it.
You should make sure that you turn off the ones that you don’t always use. This easy flip means that you won’t be running apps in the background and using data to do so. It will also save your battery in the long run.
If you do need to use one of these apps while you’re out and about, you can turn the app on when you need it and off again when you’re done using it.
2. Switch to a Prepaid Carrier
Sometimes finding a carrier that doesn’t tie you into a contract is the best way to save your money.
You can always buy used phones that have no contract tied to them. These phones are normally sold as “unlocked” which means that you can use them with any carrier you want. You’ll just need a SIM card.
There are also some companies out there that will offer you discounts if you have automatic payments set up.
3. Write it Off On Your Taxes
If you are a contractor or use your cell phone as part of your business, you may be able to save money by writing off some of your bills as a business expense.
If you’re an employee and don’t own your own business, you’ll need to itemize deductions in order to write it off.
Even if your own business doesn’t directly use your phone, you can still subtract it on the income report. If you do write off your phone, make sure that you’re only writing it off for business use.
4. Don’t Use a Payment Plan on Your Phone
New phones have become so expensive now that for most people to be able to afford it, they have to sign up for a payment plan.
This extra payment gets added to your cell phone bill and becomes just another expense that you have to pay for.
This extra phone payment counts as debt, and it will just drive your phone bill up every month. If you want to avoid that, try paying for a new phone all at once. It isn’t cheap, but you won’t have to worry about paying it for the next two years.
This will also save you money in the long run.
If you don’t want to get a new phone, you can always try and find used ones and easily add them to your cell phone plan.
Before you get a new phone though, you should make sure you backup iPhone to easily transfer your files and pictures.
5. Do Your Research
You should also make sure that you do your research before you decide to go with one carrier over another.
Some carriers are more expensive even though they are offering you the same service. This is why it’s important to do your research before signing up for one service.
Some companies seem like they offer the same thing, but there will be subtle differences between the two.
You’ll also have to consider the quality of the carrier. While one carrier may be cheaper, they may not offer the best service out there.
6. Add Extra Lines
Being on a plan on your own is usually the most expensive.
While it may sound like it would cost you more money, adding extra lines to your phone plan will actually save you money each month.
Normally it works out that if you have at least four lines on the plan, you can lower the cost to about $40. If you have a bunch of friends who are looking to save money and are willing to pay their own portion, then you’ll be saving about $30 a month!
7. Ask for a Better Price
When you’re looking for a new phone or cell phone service, you can always try and negotiate.
You should go to the store in person and then talk with a salesperson. You may be able to get them to waive some fees, especially if you’ve been a customer for a long time.
Sometimes they have new deals to entice newer customers in as well.
Sometimes the salesperson won’t be able to negotiate with you based on the terms of the service company, but it won’t hurt to try.
If they can’t negotiate with you, don’t hassle with them and move on if you can’t afford the company or the phone.
Cut Down the Cost of Cell Phone Bills
These are only a few ways to cut down the cost of cell phone bills, but there are so many more options out there.
If you still can’t cut the cost of the bill, try calling your service provider and see if they can offer you a lower rate or if they have some promotion going on.
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