Did you know that according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Americans spent $99 a month for their cell phone bills in 2018? That’s $1,188 per year, on average!
Some might say this is unavoidable. After all, your cell phone is an essential item with which you can communicate with your loved ones, businesses, it stores all your precious data, you can check e-mails, social media, use other services which are by and large online, etc.
Today we’re here to tell you there are ways you can cut your bill significantly. You just need to be smart about it and you have to start considering what services you actually use, what services you need, and what extras you’ve been paying for without having even touched them.
One of the quickest ways to save more money is to lock in more clients under a single plan from one provider. That’s why many households use the same plan. When you approach a provider with five or more people you’re more likely to strike a deal that will benefit you in the long run.
But not everyone might be able to do that, even if they employ the help of other friends or members of their tight-knit communities. So what can you do if you’re in this situation all on your own?
Well, it’s time to look at 10 clever ways to reduce your phone bill today!
Click through to find out our best strategies. With the help of financial experts and smart savers, we were able to come up with a perfect plan!
1. Evaluate Your Phone Usage
Have you considered that maybe you’re not really using all the services you’re paying for? It is estimated that you could save $200, if not more, per year if you evaluate your phone usage.
Let’s say you prefer to spend time talking on the phone and you barely even touch any social media. Even when you do, if you’re always on WiFi anyway then you shouldn’t be paying extra! That’s just wasted money going out the window.
Start by analyzing how you use your phone and then begin researching other providers that better fit your needs. Make sure to check out your provider’s other plans too before you make any big changes.
2. Always Check for Free WiFi
Data usage via the internet doesn’t count towards your monthly data cap. That’s why you should try to use WiFi as often as possible, be it when you’re out and about or when you’re at home. After all, that’s yet another service that you’re paying for so you should make the most of it.
As for when you’re going outside, it’s almost impossible to not find free WiFi. From your local public library to Whole Foods to Starbucks, pretty much every establishment offers it up!
Word of advice, though, don’t go out of your way to buy a muffin or a coffee if you don’t have to. After all, we’re all about saving money around here!
3. Look to the Little Guys
Just because major carriers are the loudest in terms of advertisements and deals doesn’t mean they’re the best. Ask yourself, is there any real reason you’re going for one of the big players? What’s stopping you from making the switch towards a smaller company?
You might not have realized this but smaller companies might have competitive deals. Their aim is to get more clients and they can only do so if they provide something that major companies can’t or won’t.
Republic Wireless and Consumer Cellular have a variety of plans that fit different lifestyles!
4. Ask for a Discount
When all else fails and you can’t switch carriers then it’s time to just take it up with the company you’re currently using.
You should never be afraid to speak with a representative to try and figure out what works best for you. Reports have also shown that companies are likely to want to work with their clients even more during periods of economic downturn, otherwise, they might lose them altogether.
Call in and see if you can get someone to waive certain fees and charges. Also, ask for recommendations for changes in plan and, last but not least, talk to them about special promotions. These may not appear on the company’s website but people on the inside might be able to offer them for clients that need a little extra help!
5. Sign up for Autopay
Hard to believe that something as simple as this could save you money, right? That’s because you’re basically giving the company a guarantee that you’ll pay your bills every month, so they’re likely to subtract sometimes as much as $10 from your bill just for signing up for autopay alone!
Of course, doing this for a whole group can save you even more money, so if you and your family are using the same plan, it’s even better news for your wallet and/ or savings.
6. Ask About Employment-based Discounts
Where you work can have a major impact on your phone bill. Some companies have been known to offer discounts depending on their clients’ career paths.
You can save a surprising 10% on your phone bill. For example, if you’re a veteran, first responder, nurse, teacher, or even a student, don’t forget to let them know and ask if you qualify for any special deals.
Different companies may even extend this list, so being candid with a representative about your current situation might help, don’t just assume it’s information they would rather not have and that they can’t do anything with!
What’s more, you could save on phone deals, activation fees, and accessories as well.
7. Inquire About Small Business Discounts
What if you’re your own boss? In that case, certain providers in your area, major or otherwise, might be more than happy to do business with you!
Consider signing up your lines through your small business in order to gain access to a dedicated sales rep and business-specific customer service. You’ll also very likely to qualify for discounts that are similar to those corporate employees get!
If you haven’t set up your small business yet, make sure to add this part to your to-do list!
8. Ask About Senior Plans
Those who are over the age of 65 should contact wireless carriers who specialize in low-cost plans, either over the phone or online. These companies will also help you transfer your existing phone number if needed.
Even if you haven’t turned 65 yet but someone in your family has, make sure to talk to them about senior discounts and how to take advantage of them anyway! Oftentimes these ads are ‘hidden’- not so much secret but they definitely don’t get as much attention as the ‘regular’ ones do, so some may have flown under the radar.
A bit of internet searching will point you in the right direction in no time!
9. Consider a Prepaid Plan
Postpaid plans cost more than prepaid ones. If you’re willing to pay upfront then you might end up saving a lot more money.
I made the switch a few months ago and, let me tell you, the money really adds up. I didn’t even have to switch carriers. One phone call with one kind representative and everything was set up for me effortlessly.
You won’t be getting a worse deal, despite what many people think about prepaid plans!
10. Ditch Your Insurance
Do you even need phone insurance? Did you even forget you’re paying it? Unfortunately, this is something many American households face on a daily basis.
If you’re looking for a quick way to save money then we recommend ditching your insurance. Very few of us actually need it and, like most types of insurance, we’re usually made to think it’s necessary and that we shouldn’t go without an added layer of protection.
Does that make sense for your lifestyle? What about your savings, budgeting, or financial plans? If the answer is no then say goodbye to your insurance and hello to more money in your pocket!
And there you have it. Those are out 10 effortless tips.
Comment down below with your experience in trying to cut your phone bill, we’d love to hear from you.
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