Frugal Phone Service

10 Ways to Save Money on Phone Service

1. Use Skype. Skype is a pretty fantastic service and can be accessed through a smart phone, IPad, or a computer. Choose global video calls or simply dial phone numbers via the key pad as though Skype was a telephone. Skype also promotes two million public WiFi hotspots worldwide giving customers access to the Internet.
2. Set up a Google Voice number. Google Voice can through your smart phone, mobile device or computer. You can send text and picture messages for free, receive transcripts of voicemails via email, and select different ringtones to identify different types of callers. The phone number is attached to you, not a specific device.
3. Choose unlimited text and picture messages. Many carriers offer cheaper pricing for text messages as opposed to phone calls. Going over is especially cautioned and expensive, so if there is any question of an overage, unlimited is a great option!
4. Call people at off-peak times of the day. Most cell phone carriers reward customers for calling after 7PM and on the weekends. Try to make a majority of cell phone calls during that time, relying on cheaper texting and email options during peak hours of the day.
5. Decrease your anytime minutes. With the implementation of unlimited text messages and a focus on calling during off-peak hours, many people find they are no longer using anytime minutes. This is the biggest way to save money on a cell phone bill as anytime minutes are the “bread and butter” for cell phone carriers. Decreasing anytime minutes can shave as much as 50% from a monthly cell phone bill!
6. Loose the long distance. Many households have gotten rid of land lines all together while others prefer the safety net of always having access to a phone in case of cell phone disruption. Given the online solutions to long distance calling like Skype, land lines can truly be taken down to bare bones with only local service.
7. Don’t use 4-1-1. Back in the day calling information was all the rage but it has been replaced with this little known company called Google. According to Pew Internet Research, 56% of adults have a smart phone with 71% of American households having access to the Internet. Given those statistics, and the fact that you are clearly on the Internet reading this blog, just Google whatever information you are seeking. But, if you prefer to call, dial Google’s version of 4-1-1 (1-800-GOOG-411) and forget the $2 charges.
8. Bundle your services. If you have the ability to bundle cell, land lines, cable and Internet, go for it. The company you choose to bundle all or some through will happily take your business and give you 10-20% off your bill each month.
9. Get a pre-paid cell phone. If you are one of the many Americans that only use cell phones occasionally, remove the fixed monthly charged in favor of reloadable minutes that last for 6 months. The savings can be upwards of 50%.
10. Set-up helpful usage tracking. Many carriers provide users with usage trackers. The tracking can be delivered to just about any and all methods including email, voicemails, or tracked directly on your phone. Setting overage limits and reminders will keep cell phone usage in line thereby keeping your budget under control!

Any other frugal phone service ideas? 

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