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How to Save Big on Your Phone Bill and Find the Right Plan

It’s easier than ever to switch your plan — and doing so can save you hundreds! Whether you’ve constantly got your phone in hand or only use it for calls, finding a plan that suits your needs can be a boon for your wallet. A recent survey of 90,000 cell phone users found that 50 percent of people who switched providers cut their bill by up to $40 a month. More good news: These days, you can make a move and still keep your phone number.

With so many options out there, though, it can be dizzying to figure out which one will work best for you. In fact, there might even be better plans within the network you’re already using. “Call phone companies aren’t going to alert you to better prices, so you need to investigate,” says Logan Abbott, president of Wirefly, a comparison website for cell phone plans. “The first step: Look over your last three bills, average out your data usages, and consider what you want most out of your next plan.” 

The next step? Use this chart to find the most cost-effective plan for you:

Best phone bill price chart

(Photo Credit: First for Women)

3 Smart Ways to Save Even More

Try these little-known tricks from the experts to lower your cell phone bill today:

  1. Pay Automatically: Some of the major phone carriers offer discounts as high as $10 off per month per line when you sign up for paperless billing and opt to have your payment sent automatically each month.
  2. Skip Insurance: If your phone is more than three years old, insurance isn’t worth it — the deductible will cost as much as a comparable phone. For newer phones, see if your home insurance will cover it.
  3. Check Your Bill: Taxes and fees vary from state to state, so if you’ve recently moved or have a child who has gone to college, you could save money simply by going online to update your service address.

This article originally appeared in our print magazine.

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