phone

5 Smart Ways to Save on Smartphones

Samantha Stauf — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 10:30:37 +0000

Phones and phone service plans are an almost inescapable part of modern society. Every few years, we must choose a new cell phone and a new service plan to invest in. It's a modern necessity that can take up a huge chunk of our monthly expenses.

Don't worry, there are several strategies that can help save you money on this necessity. (See also: The Smart Way to Pay for Cell Phone Service)

1. Repair the Phone You've Got

Do you have a glitchy or damaged phone? Tired of dealing with it? Don't sign up for a new phone just yet. Nearly every town has one or two smartphone repair shops that might be able to fix your phone.

The diagnostic tests to determine if the problem can be fixed are typically free. The actual repairs can run anywhere from $50 to $150 depending on the device, the problem, and the store. That's still expensive, but it might be worth it if it prevents the need to purchase another $300 to $700 phone.

2. Sell Back Old Devices

If you determine it's time for a new cell phone, don't just throw the device in the trash. Many businesses have cell phone trade-in programs.

What exactly are trade-in programs? You sell the devices that are not currently being financed by a carrier or business to the store for cash. That's cash you can use to purchase your next phone. How much money you will receive is based on the following factors:

The phone type;
The phone's ability to power on;
If the phone has cracks on the screen.

The following stores have trade-in programs: Gazelle, Amazon, uSell, Best Buy, Walmart, EcoATM, Verizon Wireless, and T-Mobile.

You might also want to check out Trade-Up programs from various cell phone carriers and stores. Trade-Up programs allow you to trade in your old phone and put the money directly toward your next phone purchase.

3. Don't Purchase Phones Directly From Cellphone Carriers

Amazon, eBay, Best Buy, and even Costco (pretty much any store other than the traditional phone carriers) can offer cheaper smartphone options. You should shop around to see if you can find new, used, or refurbished phones for a cheaper price.

If you find a phone, you should check that the phone will be compatible with the cellular provider you use. (Some smartphones are locked to only work with certain providers.)

4. Purchase an Unlocked Smartphone

Why purchase an unlocked phone? Unlocked phones have the following benefits:

They're available at a variety of stores;
They aren't tied to one particular phone provider;
They can be slightly cheaper;
They allow the use of your phone on international trips;
You're able to leave a provider and take your phone with you.

If you decide to purchase an unlocked new, refurbished, or used smartphone, you need to keep in mind that you will most likely need to either purchase or receive a SIM card from a store or the cellular provider you opt to use.

Cell phone companies have different plans for unlocked phones. These plans typically have monthly payments like more traditional phone plans. Or, you can opt to just purchase pre-paid SIM cards from stores like Amazon and Best Buy.

5. Choose the Best Plan for You

Don't just sign onto the first provider you stumble across. You should check out a wide variety of plans before signing up. Consider your usage habits. Don't automatically sign up for the cheapest plan not knowing how much data you use each month. You'll be in for budget-breaking overage charges. But don't just sign up for the unlimited plan, either, just to have a safety net from possible overage charges. The only thing worse than paying for using too much data, is paying for data you'll never use.

Plan comparison sites can help you get a general sense of how much various phone providers cost. Two sites that can help you determine which provider offers the best plans are MyRatePlan.com and WhistleOut.com.

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This article is from Samantha Stauf of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

7 Apps That Make Budgeting Fun — No Really!

Ashley Eneriz — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 09:00:10 +0000

Budgeting is not just essential for those who are trying to squeeze two pennies out of one. Tracking expenses and setting spending and savings goals is beneficial for anyone — no matter the amount of your paycheck.

However, tracking every expenditure on paper or through a spreadsheet can be tedious and even cause us to forgo the healthy habit of budgeting a month in. These apps will take the pain and boredom from budgeting, and you might even have fun in the process. (See also: One Simple Thing You Can Do to Start Budgeting Today)

1. Pennies

One of the best things about using Pennies for iOS is that it allows a lot of flexibility. Many people do not work with a set salary and do not know their paycheck amount each pay period. Pennies allows users to create budgets that can be set for weekly, monthly, one-off, or payday budgets.

Another benefit of this simple-to-use app is that you are presented with daily targets of what to spend and how your next day spending will be affected. Knowing a $5 latte will make your budget tight tomorrow might help you forgo unnecessary splurges.

($1.99 iOS)

2. Prosper Daily

How about a little competition? Prosper Daily is a free app that allows users to compete with their previous month's budget to see if they can do better in the current month. The app also connects to financial accounts and tracks spending effortlessly. There is no need to document every expenditure.

Another benefit of Prosper Daily is that the app can protect users from suspicious account activity or duplicate charges. Since it is free, it is a smart idea to download this app just to use it for the account safeguarding feature alone.

Note: Prosper Daily used to be known as "BillGuard."

(Free iOS, Android)

3. CoinKeeper

The envelope system of budgeting is clever, but it can be such a hassle to use. Who wants to carry around different envelopes of cash everywhere with them? CoinKeeper allows users the same benefits of budget envelopes, but all at their fingertips. This is a great financial tool for tactile learners, since users can move coins and designate an amount to each area of their budget.

(Classic version $5.99 iOS, Free version iOS, Android)

4. Digit

Waiting until the end of the month to deposit leftover money into a savings account is unwise. Usually, there is no money left by the end of the month. Instead, use an app like Digit to sock away a little bit of money throughout the month.

The app cleverly connects to a user's checking accounts and looks for opportunities to transfer $5–$50 every two to three days to that user's savings account. However, you will not have to worry about overdraft fees, since the app never takes more than you can afford. The app also comes with a no-overdraft guarantee, which means the company will cover the fee up to two times per member.

(Free iOS)

5. Toshl

Monsters on a budgeting app? Yes, Toshl uses fun creatures and bright colors on its app interface. Toshl is a favorite app among many because it integrates with phone, tablet, and desktop devices. Toshl is easy to use and offers bill reminders, monthly budget summaries, as well as an easy way to export tracking to Excel.

(Free iOS, Android)

6. BUDGT

Don't let variable income keep you from keeping track of how much you make and how much you spend. BUDGT works well with variable income and allows you to easily input expenses and track how much money is left. The best part is that the app is simple and easy to use. It might take a few days to get into the habit of inputting your expenses, but once you get used to it, it can be a healthy habit to transform your spending.

($1.99 iOS)

7. Mvelopes

Similar to CoinKeeper, Mvelopes is a digital version of envelope-based budgeting. The free version can be downloaded on iOS and Android phones, but to get the full, deluxe version, there will be a one-time $95 cost. It will take a little bit of learning time to get into the method of zero-based budgeting. The idea behind this way of budgeting is that every dollar has a designation. This prevents money from being spent thoughtlessly.

If you look at your bank account at the end of the month and see an extra $50, you might mistake it as "free" money and spend it foolishly. With an envelope system, that $50 would have been categorized into savings or even designated towards books or clothing. It is important to give your money a job, or it will be useless to you.

The best budgeting app is the one that is used. If you are serious about making budgeting a regular habit, then you need to find the right tool to work for you. Everyone is different, so if the first app you try doesn't fit your needs or tastes, don't worry. Just try something else.

(Free iOS, Android)

What is your favorite budget app to use? Share with us!

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This article is from Ashley Eneriz of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The 5 Best Apps for Busy Working Parents

Janet Alvarez — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 11:00:11 +0000

Working parents need to maximize their time in order to be most efficient. These apps will help working moms and dads better manage kids' routines, plan family outings, and manage family budgets effectively.

1. Happy Kids Timer

Having a hard time keeping kids on schedule, especially in the mornings? HappyKidsTimer is an app your kids use to help them manage their daily morning routines, like making their beds, getting dressed, brushing their teeth, and so forth. The app features timers and fun incentives to help your kids get on their way.

Available for Android and iOS.

2. KidsEatFree

Busy parents often don't have time to cook — and dining out with the whole family gets expensive, fast. Restaurateurs have responded with a variety of kids eat free promotions. Too many, in fact, for busy parents to track. KidsEatFree is the free app that helps you find free kids' meals nearby, keeping your family on time — and on budget.

Available for iOS.

3. Mint.com

Speaking of budgets, busy parents need to manage their family's money while they are managing the kiddoes. Mint.com remains the gold standard free app for tracking all your spending, paying bills, setting and tracking budgets, and monitoring overall net worth.

Available for Android and iOS.

4. VarageSale

If you're keen on sticking to your budget, VarageSale is great for connecting busy parents with others who want to buy or sell used family and children goods. You can make extra cash off your used stroller or crib — or you can pick up gently used ones for a great price. Look at all the cute outfits!

Available for Android and iOS.

5. Trekaroo

Finally, even the busiest, most goal-directed families need some downtime. Trekaroo helps hardworking parents plan and budget family outings — everything from faraway vacations to local day trips. The app finds kid-friendly activities when and where you need them. Even better, each destination includes reviews from other busy parents who've already been, so you can get the inside scoop way before you get there.

Available for Android and iOS.

What are your go-to apps for managing life with kids?

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This article is from Janet Alvarez of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Is There Any Reason to Pay for a Landline Anymore?

Andrea Cannon — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 10:00:12 +0000

If you're doing all that you can to save money and cutting costs every month, then it would usually make sense to cut your landline. When more than 40% of American households have eliminated their landline, it only makes sense, right? While it's often a good idea to cut a landline — particularly if you're no longer using it — there are certain instances where it actually makes sense to keep it.

1. Emergency Situations

Did you know that when you dial 911 from a landline, the dispatcher can see your address and phone number right away? According to the National Emergency Number Association, when you call from a cell phone, it can take about 25 seconds for the dispatcher to receive information on your location, which will be limited to a general area, not a specific location. In contrast, with a landline, the dispatcher will have immediate access to your exact address, including the apartment number.

In an emergency situation, you may not be in the position to provide your address. In some situations, a child may be able to place the call by being taught to dial 911, but they may not know the address. If this is the sole reason that you have a landline, call your service provider and ask if they have an "emergency only" option at a discounted rate.

2. Power Outages

In the event of a natural disaster or power outage, your landline may still work. If you are relying on your cell phone during an emergency situation, network congestion can make cell phone communication nearly impossible.

While a landline can be a godsend in an emergency, some phone providers are now running the phone lines through the modem, which would prevent you from having service in the event of a power outage. Some phones also need to be plugged in, and therefore still require electricity.

Contact your phone provider to see if they still use the old landline system, which would allow it to work during an emergency. Some phone service providers, such as Verizon, Cox, Comcast, and Time Warner also offer backup batteries for sale, which will offer about eight hours of standby time and four hours of talk time in the event of an electrical outage. These backup batteries typically cost anywhere from $20-$35.

3. If Your Reception Is Spotty

While most people are fortunate enough to have good cell reception, there are certain areas in the country where reception can be spotty. In these cases, a landline can ensure that you always have flawless call quality (and zero dropped calls). With a landline, you can enjoy undisrupted reception, anytime.

4. Home Security Systems and Fax Machines May Require Them

Some home security systems will require a home phone connection to monitor alarm sensors. If you don't have a landline, the alarm company may charge you to install a special device that works with your cellular connection. If you have a fax machine at home, you may also need a landline for it to work.

5. Making Long Distance Calls

Placing long-distance calls out of the country via cell phone can be unreliable. Making international calls on the landline usually offers a more reliable connection. It's also worth noting that the cost of making international phone calls is typically much higher with mobile phones than it is with landline phones.

6. Everyone Can Use the Landline

If your monthly service package already includes a landline, it only makes sense to have one plugged in. In the event that you have guests or other family members who need to use the phone, they can easily use the landline without costing you any money. You may also not be as willing to let them use your cell phone for whatever calls they need to make.

If you have a big family, you can save money by having a landline service and installing a landline in the room of each member of your household. This will save you money compared to a cell phone family plan. Landlines generally charge a flat rate every month, regardless of how much you use the phone. If you tend to talk on the phone a lot, you may exceed your cell phone limits and incur additional charges.

7. Misplacing Your Cell Phone

If you frequently misplace your smartphone around the house, then having a landline can provide you with a central location where you can always find the phone. In an emergency situation, this could be a lifesaver. Searching for your phone in an emergency can feel like an eternity.

If your child needs to make an emergency call, it will be easier for them to call from the landline, which is always in the same location. On the other hand, they may not be able to find your wayward cell phone when they need it most.

8. If Your Cell Phone Dies Frequently

We've all been in a situation where our cell phone dies at the most inopportune moment. Consider the very real possibility that your cell phone may not have the power to make an emergency call. With a landline, you never have to worry about your phone running out of juice.

9. It's Safer and More Comfortable

According to The World Health Organization and the Environmental Working Group, frequent cell phone usage can lead to an increased risk of brain tumors, brain cancer, diminished sperm count, sleep disturbances, and even anxiety. Using a cell phone for a prolonged period of time can also lead to earaches, but this hasn't been the case with landline phones. It should also be noted that holding a landline phone between your shoulder and ear during the length of a call will be much more comfortable than trying to hold a cell phone there.

10. It's Fashionable

Some landline phones can double as home decor. There are virtually limitless designs, colors, and styles to choose from, so you can find a new age, technologically advanced option, or you can visit your local vintage store for a phone that will also appear as a work of art.

11. There Are Better Service Bundles

In some cases, you can actually save money by having a landline. For instance, certain Internet, cable, and landline combo plans will save you money, compared to only buying Internet and cable. Look into "triple play" services, which usually include cable, Internet, and a landline at a low cost.

According to Consumer Reports, dropping the landline connection from your triple play bundle might only save you about $5 a month. In some cases, it can actually cause the price of your Internet and cable to go up, so you would be wasting money by canceling your landline.

12. You Can Save Money

Some landlines can cost as much as $50 per month, but you should be able to find ways to keep your bill to $20 or under with a standard home phone service. Depending on which service provider you use, you may already be grandfathered into an affordable service plan. Compared to the overwhelming costs of a smartphone plan, you can actually save money by making your calls through a landline.

Before cutting your landline, make sure you have considered all the pros and cons, and know exactly how much you will save every month by eliminating it. Instead of cutting it altogether, contact your service provider to inquire about how you can save on the monthly costs, and what the cheapest plan is.

Did you cut your landline? How is it working out for you? Please share your thoughts in the comments!

This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Best Money Tips: Find the Best Prepaid Plan

Ashley Jacobs — Thu, 02 May 2013 10:00:33 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some fantastic articles on finding the best prepaid plan, common missed fees you need to avoid, and dealing with difficult work personalities.

Best Money Tips: 4 Phone Calls That Could Save You Money

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 09:48:41 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some fantastic articles on phone calls that could save you money, things you should do this month, and getting rid of your overstuffed wallet.

News & Events

Brad and Alana Chaffee's 8 Year Wedding Anniversary — August 7th 2012 marks Brad and Alana Chaffee's 8 year wedding anniversary! Congrats you two!

The Plutus Awards Voting — Be sure to vote in the 3rd annual Plutus Awards! Voting closes on August 14th.

Be sure to check out our News & Events Calendar to see all the awesome upcoming events in the personal finance world!

This article is from Ashley Jacobs of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Opt-out of the wasteful $26 billion phone directory industry

Paul Michael — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:00:32 +0000

In this day and age of the internet, free Google 411 and a host of other paperless directory services, what use do the big, fat phone directories serve? I don’t know about you, but when I get those large plastic bags filled with 3lb phone books, I usually put them straight in the recycling bin. We never use them. Now a website similar to the National No-Call registry is asking you to sign up and stop receiving these archaic books.

The facts speak loud and clear; the massive amount of money and resources the phone directory industry sucks up is phenomenal. This, from YellowPagesGoesGreen.org :

540 million directories are printed annually in the United States.
The average weight of each directory is 3.62 lbs.
1.79 directories are printed for every man, woman and child in the US.
The phone directory industry is worth over $13 billion in the US (that figure doubles to $26 billion worldwide).
It takes 24 trees to make 1 ton of paper.
It takes over 19 million trees to make half a trillion directories.
It takes 380 gallons of oil to produce that ton of paper (over 7.2 billion barrels per 500,000,000 books).
3 cubic yards of waste are taken up by one ton of paper (that equates to 1.6 billion lbs per 500,000,000 books).
Over 270,000 cubic yards of landfill are taken up per 500,000,000
7,000 gallons of water go into the production of one ton of paper.
4,000 kilowatts of energy are also needed to make that ton of paper (3.2 billion KW hours/500,000,000 books).

As a frugal shopper, I deplore waste (the main image at the top of this article came from someone who spotted DOZENS of yellow pages in their apartment building's dumpster). And the idea that these millions and millions of directories are being printed so that at least 90% of us can just put them into the recycling bin, well, that just burns me up. So much money, so many resources, all for nothing.

Decades ago, there was a need for phone directories. But that industry needs to face one hard fact; it is going the way of the dinosaur. And continually producing these books is merely prolonging the inevitable, but wasting precious time and money in the process. However, if we all do something about it, maybe we can speed that process up.

Simply click on this link and you’ll be directed to the opt-out page at YellowPagesGoesGreen.org, where you can opt out of both the yellow and white pages. The website’s mission statement is both clear and admirable:

Yellowpagesgoesgreen.org is an organization working to educate consumers and promote the green movement to eliminate the unsolicited delivery of Yellow and White Pages books. This site is aimed at starting a national movement to solicit the White/Yellow Pages industry to proactively stop the delivery of books or to begin moving legislation to mandate the stoppage of this activity. This movement should be similar to the National No-Call Registry that have stopped and/or decreased the number of unwanted solicitations telephone calls to consumers.

A college student who was renting a house in Liberty, Missouri founded Yellowpagesgoesgreen.org. The number of telephone books delivered to the house was overwhelming and the work required to recycle them was daunting. When he spoke with his neighbors they all told him they just threw them away. Due to the use of technology, he felt these books were now outdated. However, he understood that some people may still want them and felt the best way to limit this tremendous waste was to mimic the National No-Call Directory. Additionally, he wanted this site to serve as a depository for information and educational issues concerning the green movement.

I put my name down this morning; and unless you have a real need for these books, like in the video below from collegehumor.com , or maybe propping up a young child at the table, so that they can reach their chicken soup, I urge you to do the same. It's time to put the phone directories out of their misery.

Note: There's a tiny bit of "colorful" language in the vid...turn down the volume if you're at work or around young ones.

Thanks to The Denver Egotist (via LifeHacker) for bringing this subject to my attention.

This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Unsolicited Phone Calls: How You Could Unwittingly Change the World

Linsey Knerl — Sat, 24 May 2008 23:21:14 +0000

Amidst a crying baby, a noisy dryer, and the steam from my tea kettle, I barely made out the sound of my ringing cordless phone. The caller ID flashed “unknown caller – unknown number.” I should have let it be.

Knowing that I sometimes get important cell phone calls from friends and relatives that don’t show up properly on my caller ID, I answered it anyway. A fast-talking older woman with a twangy accent sped through a script of about 250 words in less than a minute. I vaguely caught the words “energy crisis,” “Lieberman,” and “state’s rights” amongst the chatter. At the end of her breathy spiel, she stopped and asked me, “Would you like us to add your name to the letter going out to your Senator?”

Huh?

Flabbergasted, I wondered how on Earth anybody could agree to such a strange method of political action. I have always considered myself a fairly informed citizen. I read my regular updates from my state and local representatives, drafting personal letters or emails once or twice a year, when it seems appropriate and necessary. I enjoy the “town hall” transcripts from my legislature, and I take time to talk with my 9-year-old daughter about the complexities of our unique Nebraskan unicameral system.

This really did take the cake, however. I replied cheerfully that, “I appreciate your offer, but I already use the opportunity to communicate directly with my government representatives with my own letters and phone calls. Thanks, anyway.” She didn’t have an answer, but wished me a happy holiday weekend and suggested that I enjoy the weather.

I still don’t have a clue what the phone call was about. Whoever spearheaded the phone campaign had one tactic on their mind – to blast through a telemarketing script with the recklessness of a runaway semi-trailer in the hopes that loaded language and fear mongering would get me to agree on any term.

I don’t work that way. Neither should you. And since phone calls from “non-profits” and PAC’s don’t fall under traditional Do Not Call registry guidelines, I suggest a few options for keeping yourself off of aimless “world-changing” petitions and form letters:

Let the caller ramble. It’s a perfect opportunity to grab that last load of laundry out of the dryer and snag a pen and paper.

When they are finished with their passionate plea for change, ask them some basic questions, specifically:

What organization they represent
What legislative bill or action they are addressing
Their formal stance on said bill or action
Where you can find out more information (bill status, drafters, lobbyists, etc.) on the issues

Politely end the call and spend a day or two doing your OWN research on the topic; If it prompts you to take action, find a group that closely represents your opinions on the matter, and align yourself with them, or simply contact your representative via the government website (email) or phone them.

By taking the matters into your own hands, you are guaranteeing two things:

Your views will not be misrepresented.
You will usually get a personal (albeit form-letter) response mailed directly to you regarding the issue at hand. You will have the satisfaction of knowing where things stand, and you can follow up accordingly.

And while I’ve since figured out that the lady was probably referring to the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act of 2007, I’m not sure if the letter she called about was “for” or “against” the cause. In matters of finance, politics, and anything else of the utmost importance, it is usually best to be prudent and very, very involved.

This article is from Linsey Knerl of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

phone

5 Smart Ways to Save on Smartphones

1. Repair the Phone You've Got

2. Sell Back Old Devices

3. Don't Purchase Phones Directly From Cellphone Carriers

4. Purchase an Unlocked Smartphone

5. Choose the Best Plan for You

Like this article? Pin it!

7 Apps That Make Budgeting Fun — No Really!

1. Pennies

2. Prosper Daily

3. CoinKeeper

4. Digit

5. Toshl

6. BUDGT

7. Mvelopes

Like this article? Pin it!

The 5 Best Apps for Busy Working Parents

1. Happy Kids Timer

2. KidsEatFree

3. Mint.com

4. VarageSale

5. Trekaroo

Like this article? Pin it!

Is There Any Reason to Pay for a Landline Anymore?

1. Emergency Situations

2. Power Outages

3. If Your Reception Is Spotty

4. Home Security Systems and Fax Machines May Require Them

5. Making Long Distance Calls

6. Everyone Can Use the Landline

7. Misplacing Your Cell Phone

8. If Your Cell Phone Dies Frequently

9. It's Safer and More Comfortable

10. It's Fashionable

11. There Are Better Service Bundles

12. You Can Save Money

Best Money Tips: Find the Best Prepaid Plan

Top 5 Articles

Other Essential Reading

Best Money Tips: 4 Phone Calls That Could Save You Money

Top 5 Articles

Other Essential Reading

News & Events

Opt-out of the wasteful $26 billion phone directory industry

Unsolicited Phone Calls: How You Could Unwittingly Change the World