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Most people have cell phones these days. What was once a gadget owned by a few has become a commonplace item owned by people from all walks of life.
However, the cost of owning a cell phone can be prohibitive. There are things you can do to get an affordable rate for your cell phone, both in terms of purchasing a phone and paying the monthly bill. Whichever affordable cell phone or service plan you choose, you can pay your monthly bills using a prepaid card.
One way to save money when buying a cell phone is to not get the very latest model. Sometimes the phone carriers will offer you a deal where you get a refurbished phone for free when you sign up for a service plan. Typically, this means you get a cell phone model that has been on the market for about a year, instead of the one that was released a couple of months ago.
When deciding on a service plan, use the Internet to help you get affordable rates. If you go to the websites for the major carriers, you can enter your zip code and find out what the best deals are in your area. Compare what the best available rate is on a few different sites, and then determine which is best for you.
Evaluate what kinds of features come with different cell phone plans. If all you’re looking for is a cell phone to have handy in case of emergencies or to check in briefly with friends and family, then a plan that includes texting and similar features may not be right for you.
