Despite my frugal ways, everyone in my family has a cell phone. There are a few reasons for that:
- a.) I find it a necessary evil in saving money. I use my phone to comparison shop, find the best deals and browse sales ads online.
- b.) I like that my kids have communication with me almost all the time.
- c.) I like having a cell phone. It’s one of the luxuries I budget for.
Having said all that, I hate (with a capital H) paying my cell phone bill each month. Actually, let me rephrase that: I used to hate paying my cell phone bill. I recently switched cell phone providers, and my bill is much, much cheaper.
I used to have a family plan through one of the big-name providers, and my bill ran almost $200 a month! Because I felt the phones were necessary, I paid it. It wasn’t until I saw a commercial on TV that I decided to do a little research to see if there was anything cheaper. What I found blew my socks off! I dropped my big-name provider and signed up with a lesser-known, but just as good, provider and save about $125 a month.
Here are 3 cheap cell phone companies you’ve probably never heard of, but should definitely take a look at.
1. Freedom Pop
This is the company I switched to and can vouch for. With Freedome Pop plans starting for $0 (Yes, that’s right) and up, you have to at least give it some consideration. They have a bring-your-own-device program or you can choose from one of their phones. So far, I’m quite happy with the service.
2. ChitChat Mobile
With plans starting at just $9.99 a month for unlimited text and 250 minutes of talk time, you’ll save a bundle if you’re a light cell phone user. ChitChat works on the Sprint network, so coverage is pretty good.
3. Kajeet
For parents concerned about their kids’ cell phone usage, Kajeet is the only company that offers a suite of online parental controls. Limit who your child talks to or texts with, how much time they can use the phone and how many features they can access. Plans start at just $4.99 a month
What I really like about cell phone companies like this is the fact that there are no contracts and no credit checks. Unfortunately, the biggest drawback to going this route is that you have to pay “full price” for the phones. While this can be pretty pricey up front, the money you save on your monthly bill quickly exceeds the initial cost.
Would you consider switching?
Photo Credit: Thinkstock
