I remember life before cell phones. In fact, I remember doing a driving trip to Florida with my sister and brother-in-law in separate cars – sans cell phone.
I distinctly remember discussing different ways we could communicate between cars while on the road. We decided on the very high tech “hand written note in Sharpie marker held up to the window”.
bathroom break next exit!
or
we’re hungry – are you hungry?
The year was 1992!
Now cell phones are in the hands of every man, woman and teenager (in North America at least). I even know a 10 year old that has one (which I think is ridiculous but that’s just me).
I don’t begrudge the cell phone. I see the value, I really do. There was a time when I said that “I wouldn’t even have one if it weren’t that I have kids” but I have changed my tune.
Cell phones are great to have for emergencies, to tell someone that you’re going to be late so they don’t worry, keeping tabs on your teenagers. (Funny, those are the very arguments my daughter used when pleading her case for needing one.)
My mom doesn’t have a cell phone and won’t get one. This really bothers me. She is 70+ years old, drives a car and is out and about (and at home) alone A LOT.
I can’t think of 3 better reasons for why she should have a cell phone!
I can’t seem to talk her into getting one and I think I know why. Besides her maybe not really realizing the value of them, they are expensive!
But I have done some research and found that having a cell phone doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some ideas:
- You don’t need a fancy smartphone. Most providers still have at least one flip phone in their assortment. You may have to ask for it because they don’t promote them and they may not be on display. Flip phone talk and text plans can come in as low as $15 per month.
- Ask your kids if they or any of their friends have an old phone that they aren’t using anymore that uses SIM card technology. As long as you go to the original provider, you can just pay for a SIM card (about $35), put it in the used phone and then get a talk and text only plan.
Bonus – no contract because you brought your own phone. - Get a new, unlocked phone and put it on a basic plan. Again, no contract because you brought your own phone.
- Don’t get talked into a Data Plan. Chances are YOU DO NOT NEED ONE.
- Don’t get a “pay as you go” plan. It sounds like a good idea but if you pay to put minutes on your phone and then don’t use all the minutes that month, you lose them. They don’t carry over. You have no idea how little or how much you’re going to use your phone and wondering if you have enough or too many minutes left is just another thing to worry about.
I hope these ideas are helpful if you or someone you know is still on the fence about getting a cell phone or if you’re at the end of a cell phone contract and are looking for ways to reduce the cost.
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
