Recent studies prove what most Americans already know: Over 91% of us are using cell phones. Not just to talk, but to text, send messages and take pictures. It is probably the most society changing invention in the 20th century, probably only second to the automobile. It is assumed that this percentage number will only increase, until every single person is using a cell phone. They are no longer and passing fad and with each model brings new improvements and applications. There are three types of plans associated with cell phones - Individual, Family and Prepaid.
People who use their phones regularly are more likely to opt for an Individual plan. A one or two year contract is signed and they are given a set amount of minutes to talk, text or use any other applications attached to their plan. If they do go over their allotted cache of minutes, they are charged a fee and pay for each additional phone call. It can add up fairly quickly, so be certain of what you are getting.
Family plans are for families and for one or two people in a group. They save money by pooling their minutes together in a contract, which also may be from a one to two year commitment. It seems like a good idea, but only if you are able to track how much minutes each person is using. Although it may seem like an economical easy fix, the minutes can add up fast, so pay attention to what you and the other people in the plan are using.
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.
People who use their phones regularly are more likely to opt for an Individual plan. A one or two year contract is signed and they are given a set amount of minutes to talk, text or use any other applications attached to their plan. If they do go over their allotted cache of minutes, they are charged a fee and pay for each additional phone call. It can add up fairly quickly, so be certain of what you are getting.
Family plans are for families and for one or two people in a group. They save money by pooling their minutes together in a contract, which also may be from a one to two year commitment. It seems like a good idea, but only if you are able to track how much minutes each person is using. Although it may seem like an economical easy fix, the minutes can add up fast, so pay attention to what you and the other people in the plan are using.
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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