Save money on cell phone bills

With the popularity of cells phones constantly on the rise, sometimes it almost seems as if they are a necessity,  and some people have even diteched their land lines in favor of cell phones.

With the confusing contracts, costly extras to you in, and ridiculous roaming charges the price for communication can be through the roof. Like any other expense, the key to keeping the bill down is to learn about the fees you are paying and be strategic. Check out our list of 15 tips on saving money on cell phone bills.          

1. Get rid of services you don't use- Call your provider and remove any service you don't use very often like unlimited 411 or roadside assistance.
2. Go pre-paid- Great for people that don't use cell phones a lot. Check out our short article on the topic "compare pre-paid mobile cell phone plans before you buy" for a few pointers.
3. Family plans- If you are responsible for a number of plans, getting a family plan can help you cut back on phone bills. Just be sure to educate everybody on your plan about the cost of extra services like text messaging and ringtones.
4. Watch your texting habits- With rates around $0.10 per text, the price of constant text messaging sure adds up. Restrict "texting" to times when it wouldn't be appropriate to make a call like work meetings, or during a speech.\
5. Or get unlimited text messaging- If you are a textoholic, consider paying an extra monthly fee for unlimited text messaging services. Those that are constantly texting away will save money paying for unlimited service, rather than each individual text message.
6. Don't get caught up in the extras- Ringtones and graphics cost around $2.50 each, and sure do add up. Some phones have a "record" function, simply record a song you already have and use that as your ringtone.
7. Skip 411- Directory assistance can cost you $50-60 annually. Use the phone book, yellowpages.com or free 411.
8. Flat-rate plans- If your constantly on the phone, you may benefit from a flat-rate plan. You never sign a contract, and simply pay a flat rate each month for unlimited service.
9. Beware of roaming charges- Always keep track of when roaming charges apply to avoid paying through-the-roof fees.
10. Don't call toll-free numbers- Save calling 1-800 numbers, and other toll-free lines for your home phone. Although it is a toll-free line, your still paying for the minutes.
11. Employee discounts- Ask your employer if you can get a discount with any sort of provider. Some employers have deals with cell phone companies, and allow employees to save 10% and up. Hey, its worth asking.
12. Evaluate your existing plan- You may need to downgrade if you are paying for a ton of minutes you don't use.
13. Get an evaluation- For a $5.00 fee, you can upload your phone bill at fixmycellbill.com. They evaluate your plan, and give you personalized tips to save money.
14. Get rid of your insurance- Unless you have a brand new, high dollar phone save money by dropping this extra. With rates around $5.00 per month, the annual cost is about enough to buy a new phone.
15. Check voicemail from a land line- Did you know you don't have to use your own phone to check voicemail? Slash minutes by calling from a land line. Learn how by reading our article "Check your cell phone's voicemail from a landline"

Also check out our 15 tips for saving money on your landline.