| Not all cell phone plans are created alike. Not all | | | | phone plan charge per minute for those over and |
| cellular phone companies are either. The best way | | | | above the free ones? This can add up really fast, |
| to find a reliable and affordable phone is to take | | | | so you either want a lot of free minutes included |
| some time, shop around and read the fine print | | | | or a low overage fee. |
| before signing any contracts. | | | | Calling perks: Does the cell phone plan you're |
| Since most cell phone customers have their own | | | | considering offer any free airtime? This means |
| unique needs, you'll find that there are a lot of | | | | nights, weekends, holidays. If it doesn't, the plan |
| choices when it comes to actual pricing plans. | | | | might not be the best. Free windows of time are |
| What works for your best friend down the street | | | | pretty standard in most plans. |
| might not necessarily be the best plan for you. | | | | Long distance: Most cell phone plans include long |
| As you shop around for different cell phone plans, | | | | distance along with the regular minutes. This |
| there are some things to take into consideration. | | | | means you can call across the country and not |
| Paramount in shopping, however, is making sure | | | | incur extra expenses. It also means you can call |
| you read the fine print in the contract. Now, with | | | | long distance during free call times. If your plan |
| that said, let's look at some of the basic items to | | | | doesn't include this and you call long distance on a |
| take into account before settling on a plan. | | | | regular basis, you might want to think about a |
| Phone purchase: Does the cell phone plan you're | | | | different plan. |
| considering come with a phone? If not, is a | | | | Contract term: Carefully weigh the term of the |
| discounted phone available? Portable phones can | | | | contract before settling on a cell phone plan. You |
| be pretty expensive, but the truth is most plans | | | | don't want to get tied down to a company for |
| do come with at least a starter model for free or | | | | five years if you're not absolutely sure it's the |
| close to it. If you want an upgraded phone, there | | | | right one for you. |
| might be a deal to be had there, as well. | | | | Getting a good deal on a cell phone plan is not out |
| Minutes: How many minutes does the cell phone | | | | of the question these days. Still, it will require |
| plan you're considering come with for the price? | | | | some shopping around and thought on your part |
| Shop around and compare this particular figure | | | | to ensure the best buy for your money. Be |
| carefully. It's always best to get the most bang | | | | certain what you agree to and what the contract |
| for your buck. | | | | says jive by reading the fine print, too. You'll be |
| Overage charges: How much does a particular cell | | | | happy you did. |