Hang up and Look UP!

Ways to trim expenses by looking at the internet and cell phones

Let us reiterate IF one has not fulfilled the minimum term of service in the agreement, canceling or reducing the level of service is a waste of money. One is obligated to pay for the complete term of service whether one cancels the service or not.

That having been said, how many years has one lived without a cell phone? Yes a cell phone is convenience, but at what cost. Mentioned earlier was the friend that bought his daughter a cell phone, and then took it back after she ran up $200 in charges. His daughter never used that phone in an emergency (she never used the three quarters for an emergency either). When one is cutting expenses to relieve debt, one gives up some conveniences. The biggest argument heard about the ‘necessity’ of a cell phone, is emergencies. How many people actually use them for emergencies? Chances are, if one is in an accident for example, that someone else there will have a phone. If one carries a cell phone to ‘be safe’ from abduction or worse, is ‘911’ on speed-dial? How free is ‘free airtime’? If one has a cell phone and the service contract is expired, consider canceling it. If one has a cell phone and the service contract has not expired, read the contract. Use the phone a little as possible, even if one is ‘giving away’ free airtime. It will not be as hard to ‘give-up’ if one has weaned ones self from its use. Consider the alternative of ‘pay by the minute’ cell phones. They work the same way long distance phone cards work. Then it is a budgeted, known item with no surprises.

Internet service is another area where it may be possible to reduce expenses. Again, if the service contract has expired consider alternatives. I can not throw rocks here because I have internet service, but I did shop around to get the best possible deal. It does not mean one has to give up internet service, what it does mean, is look at options. Shop for value; get the best ‘bang for your buck’. Broadband may be less expensive than ‘dial-up’ because ‘dial-up’ may require a long distance call. In many areas, broadband service and TV cable service has one price. Ask if one needs all the ‘bells and whistles’ some service providers charge a premium price for.

In any case consider the TV, cell phone, and internet as ways to reduce the expenses. When one is considering the purchase of a service, think twice. Carefully consider the options. With most service contracts, the cost of minimum service compared to ‘premium’ service seems like a good idea. It is a trap. Do not fall for the sales pitch. Purchase the absolute minimum service. Then upgrade. If one has to have TV, purchase the 50 channel package with the service agreement. Then, later if it is ‘affordable’, purchase the upgrade to 100 or 150 channels. That way, one can decide the additional channels are not worth it. If one purchases the 150 channel premium package, one cannot down grade. One can always upgrade a service agreement, never downgrade until the service term expires. The same is true with cell phones and internet service.

Conservative spending is better stewardship than rampant consumerism.

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” Romans 8:5-6.