We are a nation of mobile phone fanatics, and with screentime on the rise, we are now using our mobiles more than ever. However, the average smartphone price is rising significantly, and now most people can end up spending a lot of money on their monthly bills.
Luckily, there are some things that you can do to help. Take a look at these eight top tips below for some inspiration on how you can tackle those rising mobile phone costs.
It is essential not to choose a mobile phone because it’s new on the market. Not only will the price be sky-high, but the phone might have a tonne of features that you don’t even need. Therefore, you must do your research when buying a new device. Think about the essential features you need, which will help you narrow down your search.
It is advised that you use price comparison sites to help you find the best deal possible. With the help of the internet, you will find some of the best budget smartphones out there. It isn’t always about having the latest release. There could be a better phone and a cheaper deal waiting for you elsewhere. Research is key.
Are you fed up with getting extra bill costs at the end of each month? It’s time to stop straying over your phone’s allowance by putting a cap on your bill. A billed cap is a sure-fire way to help you save money. Not only does it give you the option to cap your bill at your chosen amount, but it will also stop you from overspending each month. If you cap your bill, essentially, you are setting a limit of how much you are willing to pay on your bill each month. For example, if your plan is £30 a month and you cap your bill at £5. The most money you will be required to pay on your monthly bill is £35. It is worth speaking to your provider to find out if they offer this.
Also Read: What are the Benefits of Unlimited Data Plans?
Is your phone highly valuable? Then you could benefit from taking out some insurance to protect it. As careful as some of us can be, all it takes is one accident to lead to a damaged phone. Insurance will cover your device if it is lost, damaged, or stolen. It can certainly help to give you peace of mind. Although phone insurance requires money, it can end up saving you a lot of money in the long run. For example, if your phone isn’t covered and gets stolen, you would end up having to pay for a brand-new device outright.
If you are not sure whether you need insurance or not, then it is worth doing your research. There are plenty of resources online which can help you decide whether your device needs protection. If you have an old device that would cost more to repair than replace, then it might not be worth taking out this extra cover.
If you have been on a contract deal for the past couple of years, then you could be missing out on some significant savings. Switching to a SIM-only plan offers several benefits, one being the price. SIM-only plans are significantly lower in cost when compared to a contract as they do not come with a handset. Instead of paying for the price of your device, you are paying for the minutes, texts, and data. This is the ideal solution if you have a device that you are happy with.
SIM-only plans are often 30 days rolling, so you have the option to make amendments to it or cancel the plan at any time. The setup is also stress-free. Unlike a contract, the credit check for a SIM-only plan is a lot less rigorous. So, it is likely you can qualify for this plan even if you have a poor credit history. If you like the sound of a SIM-only plan and think it could be for you, then you can find out more here.
Are trends important to you? If you are not bothered about having the latest smartphone, why not consider purchasing a second-hand phone? You could save yourself hundreds of pounds by doing this. Now, there are plenty of websites out there where you can purchase a second-hand phone at a fraction of the retail price. Some websites will even give you the option to trial the phone for a week or two, and if you don’t like it, you can send it back.
It is no secret that new phones can cost as much as one thousand pounds. For some of us, paying that much money for a phone is not feasible. This is one of the many reasons why purchasing a second-hand device is a great idea. Most second-hand phones look as good as new, and no one would even know that you didn’t buy the device brand-new.
A lot of us overpay for our phone usage. If you pay for 2000 texts but only use 200 on average, try to amend your plan. If you are unsure about what usage you require, it is worth tracking it over the next couple of months. You will find out how many minutes, texts, and calls you to use on average. This will help you to avoid overspending on them further down the line.
Don’t hesitate to contact your provider to ask them if they can amend your plan. You could end up shaving those all-important pounds off your monthly bill. If your provider does not want to change your plan, look elsewhere. Always use price comparison sites to see if you could be getting a better deal.
Is your monthly phone bill due at an awkward time? Then don’t hesitate to switch it. Often, if our phone bill is not due until the middle of the month, we can find it difficult to pay it. Before we know it, payday becomes a distant memory, and now you need enough money to get through the month. It can help to switch your phone bill to the day you get paid. That way, the money can come out of your account alongside your other bills. It will give you a clearer idea of what budget you have left for the month.
Saving money can be difficult for a lot of us. However, there are plenty of things that you can do to help. It is worth looking online at some money-saving tips. Saving money on your mobile phone is just the start, and there are plenty of other things that you can do to extend that monthly paycheque.
For most of us, our phones are a necessity. Some may even argue that they can’t live without them. However, owning a mobile phone doesn’t have to cost you a lot of money, and with these top tips above, you will be well on your way to shaving money off your monthly bill.
