We’ve all come to rely on our mobile phones not just to make phone calls and send text messages but check emails, surf the web and play the odd game of Angry Birds. All these extras are fabulous but they meaning phone bills have become more complicated than ever and you can wind up spending exorbitant amounts on your phone.
But, there are plenty of ways you can ensure you’re getting the best deal possible no matter what you’re using your phone for and the Money Maven is here to show you how.
Enlist Your Friends
At Rescu, our friends and family are often the first place we go for advice. Let it be known that you’re looking to change your mobile provider and would love to know the details of friends, family and colleagues plans. This first-hand knowledge will give you a place to start and a base of information to kick-start your research.
Plus, these days many phone companies have lowered rates when you call or sms a phone number with the same company so it’s worth finding out who those you call most are with.
Similarly, the iPhone’s new iMessage system and BlackBerry Messanger allow people with the same type of phone to text for free and this could save you big money.
Extras To Watch
Bit of a jetsetter? You’ll need to know the international roaming costs involved with your service provider.
Constantly on your emails? You’ll want to be sure there’s no additional costs for things like email notifications and that your 3G rates are suitable.
Be Realistic
It’s important that you be realistic about what you want out of your phone and get a plan to fit. A lot of mobile phone users sign up for the lowest plans only to find themselves using the device more than they expected and suffering hefty fees.
If you really want to be sure, keep a log-book for an average day of phone usage and track how many calls you make, how long they are, how many texts you send and how much time you spend using the internet on your phone. Take this information and estimate your monthly usage to get a better idea of the plan you want.
Shop Around
This is of high importance. Don’t get sucked in by the sales people, they are pros when it comes to convincing you their plan is the best out there.
Go to every shop in the mall and make notes of what they can offer you. Take these with you and when someone tries to tell you their rate is the best but it’s clearly not, show them what else you’ve found. It may be a little time consuming and a lot annoying but it could save you hundreds.
Websites like www.phonesandplans.com.au can help with the process. They’ve done the research for you so you can save time comparing plans and they even have a store directory to help you out.
Don’t forget…
Cost is one thing but you don’t want to end up hating your service provider because of the terrible customer service or lack of reception in your area.
Always check the coverage of service providers, especially if you’re living outside of the CBD and do a bit of research into the type of customer service offered to ensure you won’t be stranded if you run into any problems.
Good luck! Money Maven x
