I have concluded that the contract method that carriers use (Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T) is a rip off. I was on contract with Sprint paying close to 100 bucks a month. I started getting interested in finance and how to budget etc (I was never taught those types of things) and started to look in ways I could cut expenses.
I decided to go with prepaid phone service, and there are a MAJOR perks.
The main reason is that with prepaid, you avoid all the wild surcharges and hidden fees that come along with traditional cell service. My monthly payment is literally $30 plus PA sales tax -- no 911 fee, no "service charge," or "regulatory charge," and no "administrative charge. Which runs me around $33.00 a month, I think it's less actually.
I have 100 minutes a month, unlimited data and text. This works great for me because I don't talk on the phone much but if I do want to add additional minutes I can. 10 bucks gets me 100 extra minutes. I don't need to change plans and possibly be locked into another two year agreement.
Speaking of two year contracts, I love the freedom that comes with prepaid. If I don't like the service I can try something else next month. All I need to do is pop in a new sim card and keep it moving.
My plan is obviously not ideal for everyone but prepaid service has a many options T-Mobile offers $50-a-month prepaid plan with unlimited talk, text, and Web. Straight Talk has a $45-a-month month plan; and it uses the same name network (Tmobile or AT&T). Rick mentioned Virgin Mobile (which uses Sprints Network, the data is 2.5GB at 3G-level speeds then unlimted at 2G speeds) for 35 a month, which includes 300 minutes and unlimited data. I don't have children just annoying kid brothers so I do understand that kids talk and text a lot so look into those options.
Also you can setup a free land line phone by creating a Google Voice number and using a device called an Obi100 which you connect to your Internet Router and the device connects to your normal home phone (corded, cordless, whatever you have) and it works just like a normal house phone.
I actually learned about this from being a nerd and being subscribed to technology blogs, here are some links that can give you more information.
How to setup a free house phone (It really is FREE, I know how that sounds but as another person posted here, it is using Google Voice which is free. It's basically a VIOP line.)
When I finally decided to make a change, I switched to Virgin Mobile, which offers really reasonable monthly no-contract rates and relatively inexpensive smart phones. I don't talk a lot on the phone, so the 300 minute limit has never affected me. I also make longer calls to family on my free Google Voice line.
Finally dropped my cell plan in favor of a pay-as-you-go. Since I work at home I rarely use it anyway. If I don't use it at all then I'll save approximately $75 a month. (Had a family plan before.)
We do have a land line, for personal and work-related reasons, but it's not terribly expensive since I get it through my Internet service provider.
I have actually been considering quitting coffee all together. My only problem is the taste - I love it. I look forward to sipping on a nice hot cup of joe in the morning.
The problem I have been noticing lately is that an hour or so after a cup of coffee I actually feel more tired than before I drank it. Do you think that has to do with over stimulation or maybe taxing my adrenal glands?
I share this viewpoint as well. For people in their 30s who are healthy, chances are high that your death was because of an accident (say car accident) rather than of natural causes. Given this, why should I not prefer AD&D over life insurance? To me, the fact that AD&D also covers dismemberment is actually a plus over life insurance.
I got rid of our landline and got rid of Cox Cable High Speed Internet. Replaced Cox cable internet with Virgin Mobile's Broadband2Go which is $35 per month. We use Google Voice and the GVoice Android for free VOIP calls and SMS messaging. Broadband2Go includes a portable hotspot which I can take with me wherever I go. Cost of phone service: free. Cost of monthly broadband: $35 per month.
WE HAVE A FLAT RATE FOR TEXTS, A COMPANY DISCOUNT FOR USING THE SAME SERVICE AS MY EMPLOYER AND WE RARELY USE OUR PHONES TO MAKE PHONE CALLS, HONESTLY!
I won't say my system was well organized before I started researching this article. At first I thought I had just a few pieces of information (bank account, brokerage account) but then I realized how much I have out there as you mention.
I have found that if you really need to have all information available to make even minor changes. Otherwise, you can't update email addresses or even cancel accounts. Once, I had trouble proving that I could authorize updates for an online account because of an outdated email address and a bizarre authorization process.
So, it's good to document what you have for your own purposes, and share certain information with those who need to know.
We make very few calls so decided to dispense with our land line and use pay as you go phones. The ironic part is that because we still have internet through our telephone company, we can still receive incoming calls on our old number.
Thank you for your perspective. I agree that in many countries, people willingly work hard for a low wage (I used to live in Asia as well, and I know that many who work for a low wage choose to do so to get ahead, so I don't entirely buy into the notion that people in developing countries all work in sweatshops). I think the Environmental Justice Foundation is concerned more with human trafficking and bona-fide "forced" labor (where workers are not allowed to leave and their documents are taken away illegally). Sadly, it's true that legitimate Thai producers will be hurt by being tarred with the same brush -- nevertheless, I think that readers here would want to be given access to the report, and let everyone shop according to their own conscience.
It's true that I don't "personally" know what is going on, but that is true of almost any injustice being perpetrated around the world. We only know about possible abuses based on the information that the media and human rights organizations give us. Of course, it is possible that information is biased or inaccurate. Whether you believe that information or not is up to you, as is whether it changes your buying habits.
In any case, Daniel, thank you for your point of view. Readers -- take note, and make up your own minds.
I do not have a smartphone in order to save money. I have a $32 bill every month for 1500 minutes of talk and text, which I never get close to using anyway.
Quit drinking, quit smoking and driving older vehicles: we were guilty of all these. In our 20's and 30's we always wanted brand new vehicles, sometimes trading in every six months. In our 40's, we hired a financial adviser who was just starting out. Ten years later, we found we were each saving 18-20% of our gross pay (401's and 457's). We have now been retired quite comfortably for 12 years. While we aren't adding to our savings, we are giving money to nieces and a nephew. We decided to do this instead of waiting until our wills were read. This way, we get to see them enjoy an early inheritance. And our saved capitol is intact in case we need it. If we don't, my daughter and two grandchildren will be surprised when they receive what is left of a frugal lifestyle of 40 years or so. So my advice? Save as much as you can now . . . it'll be so worth it later. PS I retired when I was 54.
My husband I share the same plan we've had for years so we're grandfathered into a great rate. I save by making my son pay for his own phone bill once he graduated from high school.
I have only a cell phone, no landline. Most cell phone companies have discounts for almost any major employer, and my company discount gives me 21% off. I also switched from an unlimited text plan to a 100 texts for $2.99 one and asked everyone to send me free messages through Facebook Messenger.
We moved to a prepaid plan. We have magic jack for a home phone. We also have 1 prepaid cell phone our children share when necessary. A phone is a tool not a toy.
We don't have a home phone and my wife and I split the cell phone bill with my parents. Also, we have smart phones but shut off the data plan through the cell towers and only use wifi to run all our apps so we don't have to pay for any data package.
I seldom use my phone, so several years ago I dropped my landline and ported the number to a pay-as-you go plan. I pay $100 once a year for minutes, and I've yet to use them all. I used to pay about $35 dollars a month--for something I hardly ever used!
You sound exactly like my father except he refuses to fund my wedding he insist on me getting a house, if your wife got the wedding of her dreams so should your daughter.
I have concluded that the contract method that carriers use (Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T) is a rip off. I was on contract with Sprint paying close to 100 bucks a month. I started getting interested in finance and how to budget etc (I was never taught those types of things) and started to look in ways I could cut expenses.
I decided to go with prepaid phone service, and there are a MAJOR perks.
The main reason is that with prepaid, you avoid all the wild surcharges and hidden fees that come along with traditional cell service. My monthly payment is literally $30 plus PA sales tax -- no 911 fee, no "service charge," or "regulatory charge," and no "administrative charge. Which runs me around $33.00 a month, I think it's less actually.
I have 100 minutes a month, unlimited data and text. This works great for me because I don't talk on the phone much but if I do want to add additional minutes I can. 10 bucks gets me 100 extra minutes. I don't need to change plans and possibly be locked into another two year agreement.
Speaking of two year contracts, I love the freedom that comes with prepaid. If I don't like the service I can try something else next month. All I need to do is pop in a new sim card and keep it moving.
My plan is obviously not ideal for everyone but prepaid service has a many options T-Mobile offers $50-a-month prepaid plan with unlimited talk, text, and Web. Straight Talk has a $45-a-month month plan; and it uses the same name network (Tmobile or AT&T). Rick mentioned Virgin Mobile (which uses Sprints Network, the data is 2.5GB at 3G-level speeds then unlimted at 2G speeds) for 35 a month, which includes 300 minutes and unlimited data. I don't have children just annoying kid brothers so I do understand that kids talk and text a lot so look into those options.
Also you can setup a free land line phone by creating a Google Voice number and using a device called an Obi100 which you connect to your Internet Router and the device connects to your normal home phone (corded, cordless, whatever you have) and it works just like a normal house phone.
I actually learned about this from being a nerd and being subscribed to technology blogs, here are some links that can give you more information.
How to setup a free house phone (It really is FREE, I know how that sounds but as another person posted here, it is using Google Voice which is free. It's basically a VIOP line.)
http://blogs.computerworld.com/mobilewireless/21123/google-shrink-phone-...
Prepaid Vs. Contract (At least run the numbers and see what you come up with). I'm saving well over 600 a year.
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9225968/Cut_the_contract_How_prep...
My husband and I share one cell phone, which is a flip phone. No data package!
When I finally decided to make a change, I switched to Virgin Mobile, which offers really reasonable monthly no-contract rates and relatively inexpensive smart phones. I don't talk a lot on the phone, so the 300 minute limit has never affected me. I also make longer calls to family on my free Google Voice line.
I don't have a smart phone or even web access - if I have a laptop, why would I need constant wifi? :)
Finally dropped my cell plan in favor of a pay-as-you-go. Since I work at home I rarely use it anyway. If I don't use it at all then I'll save approximately $75 a month. (Had a family plan before.)
We do have a land line, for personal and work-related reasons, but it's not terribly expensive since I get it through my Internet service provider.
I have actually been considering quitting coffee all together. My only problem is the taste - I love it. I look forward to sipping on a nice hot cup of joe in the morning.
The problem I have been noticing lately is that an hour or so after a cup of coffee I actually feel more tired than before I drank it. Do you think that has to do with over stimulation or maybe taxing my adrenal glands?
I share this viewpoint as well. For people in their 30s who are healthy, chances are high that your death was because of an accident (say car accident) rather than of natural causes. Given this, why should I not prefer AD&D over life insurance? To me, the fact that AD&D also covers dismemberment is actually a plus over life insurance.
Long live the Credit Union.
I got rid of our landline and got rid of Cox Cable High Speed Internet. Replaced Cox cable internet with Virgin Mobile's Broadband2Go which is $35 per month. We use Google Voice and the GVoice Android for free VOIP calls and SMS messaging. Broadband2Go includes a portable hotspot which I can take with me wherever I go. Cost of phone service: free. Cost of monthly broadband: $35 per month.
WE HAVE A FLAT RATE FOR TEXTS, A COMPANY DISCOUNT FOR USING THE SAME SERVICE AS MY EMPLOYER AND WE RARELY USE OUR PHONES TO MAKE PHONE CALLS, HONESTLY!
Thanks Valerie!
I won't say my system was well organized before I started researching this article. At first I thought I had just a few pieces of information (bank account, brokerage account) but then I realized how much I have out there as you mention.
I have found that if you really need to have all information available to make even minor changes. Otherwise, you can't update email addresses or even cancel accounts. Once, I had trouble proving that I could authorize updates for an online account because of an outdated email address and a bizarre authorization process.
So, it's good to document what you have for your own purposes, and share certain information with those who need to know.
We make very few calls so decided to dispense with our land line and use pay as you go phones. The ironic part is that because we still have internet through our telephone company, we can still receive incoming calls on our old number.
Hi Daniel,
Thank you for your perspective. I agree that in many countries, people willingly work hard for a low wage (I used to live in Asia as well, and I know that many who work for a low wage choose to do so to get ahead, so I don't entirely buy into the notion that people in developing countries all work in sweatshops). I think the Environmental Justice Foundation is concerned more with human trafficking and bona-fide "forced" labor (where workers are not allowed to leave and their documents are taken away illegally). Sadly, it's true that legitimate Thai producers will be hurt by being tarred with the same brush -- nevertheless, I think that readers here would want to be given access to the report, and let everyone shop according to their own conscience.
It's true that I don't "personally" know what is going on, but that is true of almost any injustice being perpetrated around the world. We only know about possible abuses based on the information that the media and human rights organizations give us. Of course, it is possible that information is biased or inaccurate. Whether you believe that information or not is up to you, as is whether it changes your buying habits.
In any case, Daniel, thank you for your point of view. Readers -- take note, and make up your own minds.
Camilla
I do not have a smartphone in order to save money. I have a $32 bill every month for 1500 minutes of talk and text, which I never get close to using anyway.
I bundle my phone and DSL service for a cheaper rate.
Tracfone--$11.18 for 60 minutes
Quit drinking, quit smoking and driving older vehicles: we were guilty of all these. In our 20's and 30's we always wanted brand new vehicles, sometimes trading in every six months. In our 40's, we hired a financial adviser who was just starting out. Ten years later, we found we were each saving 18-20% of our gross pay (401's and 457's). We have now been retired quite comfortably for 12 years. While we aren't adding to our savings, we are giving money to nieces and a nephew. We decided to do this instead of waiting until our wills were read. This way, we get to see them enjoy an early inheritance. And our saved capitol is intact in case we need it. If we don't, my daughter and two grandchildren will be surprised when they receive what is left of a frugal lifestyle of 40 years or so. So my advice? Save as much as you can now . . . it'll be so worth it later. PS I retired when I was 54.
My husband I share the same plan we've had for years so we're grandfathered into a great rate. I save by making my son pay for his own phone bill once he graduated from high school.
I have only a cell phone, no landline. Most cell phone companies have discounts for almost any major employer, and my company discount gives me 21% off. I also switched from an unlimited text plan to a 100 texts for $2.99 one and asked everyone to send me free messages through Facebook Messenger.
We moved to a prepaid plan. We have magic jack for a home phone. We also have 1 prepaid cell phone our children share when necessary. A phone is a tool not a toy.
We don't have a home phone and my wife and I split the cell phone bill with my parents. Also, we have smart phones but shut off the data plan through the cell towers and only use wifi to run all our apps so we don't have to pay for any data package.
I seldom use my phone, so several years ago I dropped my landline and ported the number to a pay-as-you go plan. I pay $100 once a year for minutes, and I've yet to use them all. I used to pay about $35 dollars a month--for something I hardly ever used!
We share a family plan! We also have never had a landline either.
You sound exactly like my father except he refuses to fund my wedding he insist on me getting a house, if your wife got the wedding of her dreams so should your daughter.
Straighttalk - basically same as AT&T