Looking to use a smartphone? Don't want to pay too much monthly? Well, you can have your cake and eat it too. Smartphones are expensive devices, and require data plans, so if you are still thinking about buying one, think long and think hard. Smartphones are an investment on both the consumer and mobile phone company's parts.

 

What I mean is that phone companies reduce the price of getting a phone in exchange for a long term contract. This means that for a year or two of paying for internet and phone service you are also paying off your phone. Of course, since smartphones cost more than two times the price of ordinary cellphones, the price to "pay off" your smartphone will raise the amount you will pay monthly significantly. There are ways to lower the cost of using a smartphone, and I am going to share them with you.

1. Consider Alternatives

There are devices that can do everything that smarphones do, without a monthly bill. Many can pair with a regular cell phone that has a data plan enabled on it (Which costs less than a smartphone data plan) and browse the internet. Internet tablets, netbooks, and UMPCS are just a few of these said devices, for more information on smartphone alternatives.

 

2. Consider Prepaid Companies

By prepaid, I am not talking about postpaid companies that offer prepaid. Neither am I talking about Prepaid companies that offer pay by the day or minute plans. I'm talking about Prepaid companies that specialize in unlimited plans like Metro PCS, Cricket, or Straight Talk. After being introduced to Metro PCS, I refuse to go back to postpaid wireless services. Unlimited plans offered by these prepaid companies include web browsing, email, text, talk, and GPS for a $45 monthly flat rate. Smartphone plans cost around $50 ($45 for Straight Talk) and best of all no credit check!

 

3. Cut down on features you use

The features I am speaking about are texting and internet. While you may be tempted to go for unlimited web browsing and text, YOU MAY NOT NEED IT! If you are not an active texter, then paying for unlimited text is like buying food you know you will not eat, it makes no sense. The same goes for web browsing. Why pay for unlimited web browsing if you use 20 MB per month and there is a plan for 30 MB monthly? Remember, an extra $10 monthly is and extra $120 yearly.

 

4. Use one company for all services

Cellphone companies like T-mobile, Verizon, and ATT offer at home telephone and internet services for a large fraction of what phone companies are charging. On top of that, you will get a discount for using one company for all of your services, so you will save on household expenses on a whole.

 

5. Prevent overage charges on your bill

Give yourself a daily allowance for usage and keep track of how many minutes and text you are using. It is commonly known that cell phone companies make money off of overage charges since, prices for cell phone usages tend to climb after your monthly allowances are used up resulting in "surprise" $250 bills. It is important to take all actions necessary to

 

6. Eliminate services you don't use

Comb through your bill and look for services that you are paying for that you do not need or use. Services like gps, roadside assistance, mobile TV, or media plans are often included into your plan, with out your knowledge and you are paying for them. Something as simple as eliminating a media plan can save you $20 per month!

Remember, smartphones were meant to improve your productivity, but they come at a cost. With proper evaluation of your finances, you can afford these productivity enhancers.