One of the fastest growing industries in the US now is mobile technology. Every day we hear about more smart phones, tablets, and mobile Internet "hot spots" being released by several different manufacturers. With "feature phones" giving way to "smart phones" as the next big thing in wireless stores, and each one carrying a mandatory data plan (starting at about $30 per month), the family cell phone bill can get rather big rather quickly. What can you do? Well, take a close look at your bill and see what you really need.

Do You Really Need Those Minutes?

First of all, look at the amount of shared minutes in your plan and compare it to your average usage over the past year. Is the monthly average under the cap? By enough to drop to a lower "minutes tier"? If so, think about switching to a plan with less shared minutes per month. If not, is the average number of monthly minutes over the next lower cap by little enough that the overage charge would be cheaper? For example, suppose 700 minutes is $70/month for two lines ($.45/min. over that) and 1,400 minutes is $90/month ($.40/min over that). If you have a 1,400 minute plan, but average 740 minutes per month it would be cheaper to drop to the 700 minute plan and pay the overage ($70 + $18 for the overage).

Texting

Second, how much does your family text? Is it worth the cost of the "unlimited texting" plan? If you have kids, the answer is most likely yes! Depending on your circumstances, however, e-mail might be cheaper. If everyone in your family has a smart phone (or a feature phone with e-mail capability), e-mailing instead would be cheaper. It is included in you data or e-mail plan and allows for more than 140 characters in the message. Worst comes to worst, cancel the texting plan and lock out the phones from that feature. Your kids might not like it, but the money saved could make a difference.

Are the Extra Services Worth It?

Third, how much are the extra services like VZNavigator, VCast Media and the like really worth it (nothing against Verizon, it's just my carrier and I know them better)? How often do you use them? Could you do without them? Those costs can really add up and can lead to serious savings if cut. Finally, do you (or others in your family) really need a smart phone? Do you really just use it for calls and texting? If so, consider downgrading to a feature phone and save yourself the data plan every month. Even if it is only one phone, $30 is $30.

We all love our mobile technology. Studies show that people upgrade to the "next latest thing" every year, rather than the 20-month plan offered by most carriers. Don't get caught up in keeping up. Be frugal and cut back on those "fun" extras. After awhile, you may find you don't miss them that much, and would rather have the extra money in your pocket. That's always a good thing!

The Law Office of Steven J. Richardson serves New Jersey, including:  Gloucester, Camden, Burlington, Salem, Cumberland and Atlantic Counties and surrounding New Jersey communities, including Woodbury, Colonial Manor, North Woodbury, Woodbury Heights, Deptford, Thorofare, Gloucester City, Washington Township, Blackwood, Brooklawn, Westville and Pitman.

Richardson Law Offices
40 Newton Avenue
Woodbury, NJ 08096
Phone: (856) 686-9910
Fax: (856) 686-9911