Saving money can often feel like a daunting challenge, but it certainly doesn’t have to be. In fact, there are many ways that you can save money and often all it takes is to look into specific areas of your spending. Whether that be your rent, car insurance or electricity bills.
Today, we will be focusing specifically on your mobile phone bill. You may be surprised to know that there are many ways that you can save money on your mobile and here are six of them:
Switch To A SIM Only Plan
Traditional phone contracts can land you with a hefty bill each month, especially if you like to have the latest smartphone on the market. But, did you know that switching to a SIM only plan could help you cut the price of your monthly bill as they are a lot more cost-effective? One of the main reasons for this is the fact you don’t need to pay for the handset. You’re only paying for the SIM itself. If you have a phone that you are happy with then switching to a SIM could well be a no brainer.
There are many pros to switching to a SIM only plan and cost-saving is just one of them. Check out these pros and cons of SIM only deals to cast your own judgement. Arguably, the pros outweigh the cons especially when it comes to saving money.
Downgrade Your Handset
It is no secret that the price of smartphones has skyrocketed over the past few years. Now, the latest smartphone can send you back hundreds of pounds. The average handset now costs £355. If you are looking to cut costs, then it might be time to lower your mobile phone standards. Ask yourself, do you really need the latest smartphone? Or could you deal with an older model to save yourself those all-important pennies.
Downgrading your handset is a fantastic way to save money and if you are someone who only uses their phone for making the odd text and call then this is an ideal solution. You can even purchase a second-hand phone online or from your local second-hand store.
Look Into Referral Schemes
Referral schemes are often overlooked by phone users. However, you could be missing out on the opportunity to both save and earn yourself some extra cash. Some networks will offer a cash reward for referring a friend like Lebara. They give you multiple options that let you earn cash online and all you have to do is get a friend in on the money saving action.
Referral schemes not only help you but also your friend or loved one. If you’ve found a great SIM only plan, by sharing it, you are also helping those around you to save money too. It is always worth talking to your provider to see if there is a scheme that you can benefit from.
Question What You Use Your Phone For
When it comes to choosing a device, it can be difficult to know where to start. With so many options out there, how do you know that you’ve got the right phone for you? Sure, a sparkling new iPhone may look great, but if you don’t use half of its features, then what is the point in spending lots of money on it?
It can be a good idea to sit down and think about what you use your phone for. Keep track of how many minutes, calls and data you use monthly. So, when it comes to choosing a plan, you don’t need to overspend by giving yourself a bigger allowance than you need. Like any money saving tips, planning is always essential and the same goes for your phone bill. Check out this article on how to keep track of your mobile data and minutes to help keep you on budget.
Avoid Unexpected Charges
There is nothing worse than getting your phone bill through the door to find out that you have extremely overspent. No one likes facing unexpected charges but there are some steps that you can take to avoid them. Capping your phone bill is one of the best things you can do if you want to keep on top of your monthly allowance. Don’t be afraid to research different providers and find someone who will let you cap your bill at zero. This way, you won’t be able to stray over your allowance and you can say goodbye to surprise charges.
Research Different Providers
You could currently be paying your phone bill with one provider whilst there are better deals out there. This is where price comparison sites can help to make a difference. As long as you are not tied into a hefty contract, you can often switch provider as and when you please. Using comparison sites, like this one, can allow you to compare deals across a number of providers so you can ensure that you are getting the best deal possible.
If you are ever unhappy with your current deal, then don’t be afraid to reach out to your current provider. With their help, you may be able to lower your bill. If you still aren’t happy with the price you are paying, you can then start to look elsewhere for a better deal. The chances are one is waiting for you out there. The internet is a great resource so use it to your advantage.
Summary
There is no denying that a mobile phone is one of the many luxuries in life. However, they also come with a hefty price tag. Luckily, with the help of these handy money-saving tips above, you will be well on your way to saving those pennies and working towards a brighter financial future. Always remember to keep an eye out for deals being offered by different providers and don’t be afraid to question your provider if you are not happy with your bill. There is always money to be saved and your mobile phone is just one of them.