Studies show that just over 91% of Americans are now using cell phones. But not only are they using them just to talk, they are text messaging and accessing the Internet as well. It is anticipated that within the next two years the remaining 9% will also join in with what was once thought of as a "passing fad." Cell phones are here to stay and are improving with each new model, offering more and more applications to keep us all connected and moving along the internet superhighway as fast as we can. There are three types of plans. Individual, Family, and Prepaid. All plans consist of "minutes" which means the amount of time they talk, text or use any of the thousands of applications available.
Individual plans are for consumers who their cell phones regularly, replacing their permanent landline in their home. They purchase a set amount of minutes by signing a one or two year contract. All minutes are "free" until they meet their limit. If they go over their allotted time limits, say talking 500 minutes instead of the 300 they bought, they will pay an additional fee. These minutes can quickly add up.
The next plan is a Family plan, which can be used for families or groups of people who want to share minutes. Its seems like an easy fix for a lot of different uses, but be aware whoever purchases the plan (also one or two years contracts) will be responsible for the final bill. Its not as easy as you think to keep track of what everyone's usage will be, and one person may be more delinquent than another. Again, make sure you know which plan is the best for you.
Prepaid plans are also for one person, and can be the best choice for those who like to "pay as they go." It is also recommended for people who have less than stellar credit, as it assures you that you will have enough minutes before your need runs out. You determine a set amount for every month, while some other plans allow you to pay whenever you want. It's really a great deal for those people who only use cell phones now and then, or only for emergencies.
Take the time to investigate the various options available to you as a cell phone user. Only you can determine what will fit your lifestyle and how much you can afford. Don't lock yourself into a two-year plan that only ends up costing you more money than you can afford, because having a contract canceled will definitely appear on your credit report as a debt.
Individual plans are for consumers who their cell phones regularly, replacing their permanent landline in their home. They purchase a set amount of minutes by signing a one or two year contract. All minutes are "free" until they meet their limit. If they go over their allotted time limits, say talking 500 minutes instead of the 300 they bought, they will pay an additional fee. These minutes can quickly add up.
The next plan is a Family plan, which can be used for families or groups of people who want to share minutes. Its seems like an easy fix for a lot of different uses, but be aware whoever purchases the plan (also one or two years contracts) will be responsible for the final bill. Its not as easy as you think to keep track of what everyone's usage will be, and one person may be more delinquent than another. Again, make sure you know which plan is the best for you.
Prepaid plans are also for one person, and can be the best choice for those who like to "pay as they go." It is also recommended for people who have less than stellar credit, as it assures you that you will have enough minutes before your need runs out. You determine a set amount for every month, while some other plans allow you to pay whenever you want. It's really a great deal for those people who only use cell phones now and then, or only for emergencies.
Take the time to investigate the various options available to you as a cell phone user. Only you can determine what will fit your lifestyle and how much you can afford. Don't lock yourself into a two-year plan that only ends up costing you more money than you can afford, because having a contract canceled will definitely appear on your credit report as a debt.
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Want to find out more about cell phone plans, then visit Gary Blunt's site on how to best compare cell phones for your needs.
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