Your Guide to Prepaid Cell Phone Plans
Make Room in Your Budget for Family, Education & Fun!
Are you looking prepaid cell phone plans to save a few hundred dollars or more a year so you can invest those savings in your family or yourself?
You've come to the right place.
I've compared the various companies by looking at what their plans cost, the areas they cover, and the phones they offer. So save time and money by taking advantage of what I've found out.
Why Choose a Prepaid Cell Phone Plan?
So you may be wondering:
- Is it worth the hassle of switching?
- Will you save money?
- Will you still be able to use your cell phone when you need to make a call, send a text or or check your favorite apps or web sites?
With the best plans, the answer is: Yes, yes and yes!
The Problem
You could pay more than $50 a month per phone for a standard post-paid account. The official cost may be less but, once you add up the additional taxes and fees, the final cost can be a budget killer.
Even if you plan is nothing fancy, it will still cost at around a $1000 a year. That's more than the yearly cost of ballet classes for a five-year-old.
Nowadays, for most people, smartphones are a necessity. No-contract smartphones are available for less than $100 and can cost as little as $20 a month including data.
The solution
We initially chose our prepaid cell phones from Tracfone and combined them with an unlimited calling plan for our landline.
Now, most prepaid cell phone plans come with unlimited talk and text,
If you're looking for a cell phone for seniors you have options there as well.
What about airtime cards or other fees?
You may be worried about getting the airtime cards to refill your phone. Don't worry, you can get them online or in the store or even sign up for auto-refill. Also, unlike prepaid calling cards or debit cards, you can bank on the fact that there are no outrageous fees for activating or using them.
In fact, the lack of hidden charges or unexpected fees with most of these phones and plans is one of their big advantages.
Availability
You can get these phone and cards both online direct from the provider or from various places. Big box stores like Walmart, Target and Best Buy carry a pretty good selection.
Online, Amazon has good prices, and you can even find them on eBay though you have to be a little careful there. Sometimes the phone companies also arrange special deals on sites like the Home Shopping Network.
What matters
You can still do all the things you need to do with a prepaid cell phone:
- Share your latest photos or status
- Check on the babysitter
- Meet up with friends
- Report back from that unexpected visit to the doctor
- Juggle your errands
- Get directions
And, (in this economy) you still have enough all the things in your budget:
- Paying the bills
- Taking art and music classes
- Working out at the fitness center
- Making day trips to a local farm or winery
- Going out with friends and family
So check out my reviews of the phones and plans. I go over the features and the yearly costs of each so you can decide.
Read
on to find a prepaid cell phone plan that's right for you.
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