Smart Spending

By clyde

October 23, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this

Somehow I manage to live quite nicely without a cell phone.How’s that for shrinking the bill?

By Monica

October 23, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

AT&T has lousy customer service, but they have the unity plan - calls to AT&T landlines are unlimted. They also have free long distance and unlimited mobile to mobile. Text messaging is not a necessary evil; it’s a luxury.

By Ryan

October 23, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this

How about making your son have his own cell phone bill? That way he can pay for his own usage. That should curb it considerably.

By Brian

October 23, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

Check with your cell provider, because many of them offer discounts to employees of large employers.

By Lynn

October 23, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

Just cut my soon to be 17 yr old daughters off a couple months ago. I thought she would go nuts but so far no whining. Guess she could live without it after all.

By Michael

October 23, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

No downloads, no music, no pictures. This is a telephone. We do e-mail on the computer.

By kaw

October 23, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

Many carriers have unlimited voice and data plans (including text messaging). Could be a good option for some.

By Charlie

October 23, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

I gave up my cell phone in 2003 and have never been happier. What a waste of time and money! Ninety percent of all calls I made were “Hi I’m stuck in traffic what are you up to?” The “I need it for emergencies” is baloney as in a real emergency someone will lend you a phone. Also, how did people handle emergencies before cell phones were invented but now we can’t live without them? This is just another EXCESS that we Americans feel entitled to and why ALL foreign countries laugh at us!

By Heroshi

October 23, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

Use Googles Toll Free Directory for assistance: 1-800-GOOG-411 (1-800-466-4411)

By NoObama08

October 23, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

Clyde is still living int he dark ages!! I coudn’t do without my cell phone, but I feel the pain of the Mr. Cheapskatin’. My wife and daughter are constantly using their cell phones and the bill each month is getting to a point where I’m about to cancel both of their phones.

By Craig

October 23, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Parents need to make their kids pay for their cell phone usage if they want to teach them a lesson in financial resposibility. Everyone feels they are entitled to these items (Cell phones, Ipods, etc…). By teaching our young people that these items are not needed, this will help kids learn how to be more financially responsible..especially during troubled economic times.

I walked past two kids over the weekend that were texting each other while they sat next to each other. Is verbal communication no longer taught by parents? The longer this continues, the more damage this will cause to children and teir ability to comunicate with others (live and in person). It is time to start going back to the basics.

By Becky

October 23, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

Who cares if Clyde is still living in the dark ages? That’s what he wants to do..I don’t have a computer at home, does that mean that I live in the dark ages? If it does, than I like the dark..As for texting, I use that only when I want to talk to my neices & nephew, because that’s the only way that they respond to me.. Plus my husband travels out of town a lot for work & for us a cell phone is needed..

By Charlie

October 23, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

NoBama08 - how is not having a cell phone living in the dark ages? Why is a cell phone a necessity? Why do you feel you need to be accessible to everyone you know 24/7? Do you ever sit and just use your mind or do you constantly need to babble on and on about non-events in your life to people who only half care? I would love to hear why this is a necessity. Someone please enlighten me!

By Filster

October 23, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

My 12-year old daughter has a cell phone mainly so I can reach her whenever and wherever she is. it’s reassuring to me and well worth the monthly additional line fee. As for texting, that’s what kids do these days, so unlimited texting, which was 19.99 permonth, has saved me from what I’ve heard from other fathers, such as 2-300 in a month in texting fees. Also, since my daughter can text to her heart’s content, other than when I call she really doesn’t call her friends so I can go with a lower monthly minutes plan which is a saving right there. Charlie, those “stuck in traffic” calls are great when my wife or I are supposed to pick up one of our daughters somewhere but can’t. As for the spolied american and other countries laughing at us, I’m sure your extensive world travels have shown that to be true. As for my paltry world travels (about 2 dozen foreign countries and not all friendly to the U.S.), our standard of living is still greatly envied, which is why so many people from foreign countries continue to come here to earn a living and GASP get a cell phone.

By Clydeburne

October 23, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

Throw the stupid thing out the window…cell phones are the new cigarettes…they are obnoxious in public spaces, cause noise pollution and just may cause cancer.

Plus, the most idiotic conversation takes place on cell phones…”Hey where you at? Hey, whatch’you’doin?, etc…”

So bag your Ne-yo ring tone and wake up!

By amy

October 23, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

Charlie: You stated: “This is just another EXCESS that we Americans feel entitled to and why ALL foreign countries laugh at us!”

Got news for you I have traveled abroad and see way more cell phone activity than in this country. Everyone in China uses cell phones because outside the main cities the infrastructure is not there to have “land lines” and there is no need for land lines when the technology is there in place of it. And it is appropriate to use them ANYWHERE, in a fine restaurant, in a business meeting, etc. I think There is a time and place for the use. Nothing grosses me out more when I am in the ladies room and someone in the next stall is on the cell phone. Get a grip people, you cant even stay off the cell for a minute to take care of your business? Once I was almost tempted to make farting noises (with my mouth) to show the person how annoyed I was.

By Koala

October 23, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

I remember when you had to get to the bank before it closed — no ATM’s back in the day; I remember using a rotary dial phone; I remember having to use a pay phone on the street; I remember not having a cell phone, and I was just fine without it!! And people, I’m only 40 something.

Kids with cell phones — oh pleez. Such ridiculum. Unncessary waste and pandering to a child — whose really in charge here? Texting? I blocked it from my cell phone. I use about 100 mins a month. It’s not meant to be a gasbagging gadget; it’s for quick “I’m here, where are you?”, “see you in 10 mins,”, etc. If anyone runs over on their bills, they are using their cell as a landline!

Black women are the worst for cell phone usage. (Oh, shut up you whiners, and read on). They just can’t walk down the street, eat, drive or function without that thing stuck to their ear! Oh, and they can’t drive, but I attribute that to the cell phone usage and inattention.

By MyDecision

October 23, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

The fact of the matter is that it is a choice you make. Cell phones are NOT a NECESSITY! They ARE a LUXURY. I, for one, choose to spend my money on that luxury. I enjoy being able to call my wife and talk to her if I am stuck in traffic. I value the ability for her to be able to contact me when she needs me. If you don’t like those things and you would rather spend your money on other things “THAT IS YOUR DECISION”. I for one think that the ability to make your own decisions is the reason why so many people want to live in America. If you want to live in a communist or socialist country please go visit Russia…I hear the weather is really nice this time a year.

By clyde

October 23, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

In London they have had to pad the lamp posts because so many people were walking into them and getting injured while texting on a cell phone.That kind of enlightened age Clyde can do without.

I once watched 4 youg women sitting at a table in a restaurant together,all talking on cell phones at the same time.Either they didn’t have time for each other or they were conversing to each other via cell phone.You choose.

By notquiteright

October 23, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

Koala: Your assessment of cell phone usage is right however excessive phone usage comes in all races and genders..In fact, my daughter and I counted the other day how many people we passed by with cell phones to their ears driving. It was ridiculous at maybe 1 out of every 3 or 4 people…This didn’t count the ones that may have had the ever popular bluetooth going. I am against using the phone while driving…Why? On July 9th of this year I had to have surgery on my hip because a lady ran a red light due to the fact that she was on her cell phone getting directions and not paying attention and Koala - she was WHITE. Now to be relevant and respond to the blog’s content…unlimited texting on a phone bill does cut cost in usage and allow the minutes to be reduced. So the unnecessary evil is needed..

By Gail

October 23, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

Mr. Cheapskatin’ I assume your son is in college. Just want to make sure you realize that those “calls to scattered cities across America with which I have no connection” are probably calls to other college students at his college. Most likely he’s not really calling people actually located in those cities.

By Gil

October 23, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

Charlie,

That is fine that you gave up your cell phone. However, please don’t expect others to follow your lead.

By DT

October 23, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

Another way to keep your bills low is to find a friend that works for a phone company and get on their plan. My best friend works in the corporate side of a phone company and she put me on her plan. Everything I have is unlimtied…Data, text, ect… I also have a wireless internet card for my laptop and my bill is cheap. Just a suggestion… Even if you have to use someone (wink, wink).

By Villa Rica DAWG

October 23, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

AT&T has a feature called Smart Limits. This feature allows you to regulate what calls can be made to who and what time of the day the calls can be made. It also allows you to block usage on features such as text messaging and ring tone downloads. I have this feature on my son’s phone for only $5 a month. I venture to say that it paid for itself four times over in the first month alone.

Anyone that says that having a cell phone for emergencies is baloney is living in a dream world. I think it is fair to say that most emergencies trigger several 911 calls in today’s world. What did we do before cell phones? We used pay phones. Good luck finding one of those the next time you get mugged or your car flips on a lonely highway.

For $9.95, plus $5 for Smart Limits, and another $3 or so in junk fees per month, I think it’s a bargain that your stupid not to equip your teenager with.

Wake up…

By Alphar

October 23, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

Anybody who thinks he/she needs anything more than a prepaid cellphone is crazy. Most people use their cellphones simply talking trash.

By NO_LANDLINE

October 23, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

We canceled our landline service and for only 5 bucks more, we both have cellphones and wireless internet card from at&t. needless to say we can surf anywhere or anytime.

another option could be METROPCS. for some people who dont do a lot of traveling outside the metro ATL area.

By Phil

October 23, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

How do I cut cell phone expenses? I don’t have one, but I do have one through my work which I don’t pay for. I can send txt but its a pain in the * so I refrain. As for free calls anywhere in the country, well yes I could, but it’s another pain in the*, I don’t hear as well on my cell as I do on the phone I have at home. I guess my message is to just don’t use it if you don’t need it.

By Charlie

October 23, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

Gil - I am not expecting others to follow my lead as that was my decision. My point is that most people believe “they cannot live without their cell phone” when in actuality it is very easy to live without one.

I think “My Decision” put it best….it is a luxury, not a necessity. By not using this luxury I save over $700 per year. That’s 2 free car payments or 1-2 months of free groceries. Heck it is 2-3 nights at the Ritz Carlton. Now that is a true luxury!

By Nixon

October 23, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

Metro PCS. Unlimited calling, unlimited texting. $45/mo. No surprises there.

By JT

October 23, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

You know, what you DO in your life determines the importance of a cell phone. If you live a sedentary life, then you probably wouldn’t need one. If your life is ACTIVE, then it would probably make life a LOT easier. As far as kids go, when a child reaches a certain age(someone mentioned their kid lives in a nother state or something) and have no perception of money and how to use the celll phone within set boundaries, i.e., plan minutes, etc. Then they ned to pay their own bill, they blow twice that much every month anyway and it’s time(they should already know by now) they learned value.

By catlady

October 23, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

To the blogger with the 12 year old daughter: you can reach her IF she answers the phone. So can anyone else. Where would she be (at the age of 12) that you would NOT know where to check on her???

My older 2 got cells when they went off to college. The younger was 15, when she was involved in theater at school and needed to be able to advise me of what time (finally!) to pick her up, as the times varied. It is a 35 mile round trip to the school, so just driving by did not make sense. Before then, with sports and band, there was a set time.

Any overages for stupid stuff (ringtones, downloads, excessive texting) were hers to pay for through jobs of MY choosing. Didn’t take too long for her to modify her behavior. Now she has an IPHONE which is unlimited everything for an additional 10 dollars a month.

I live far out in the NGa mtns. No pay phones for miles and miles—sometimes no cell phone coverage, either. I am glad to have my phone, and I have a terrific deal from ATT so I have a ton of rollover minutes each month. Switching to a plan with fewer minutes would now cost me more. I have had great service from them so far (8 years, I think). I have a hard time understanding one of my friends who has a family plan with 4 phones and his bill is 350 per month (lots of those text msgs., ring tones, game downloads, etc) He cannot afford it, but what you think is a waste on money may not be to others, right?

By Wanda Morris

October 23, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

Keep a close eye on your bill. I had admonished my 14 year old daughter for $40 in charges that were being charged to her line on my Cingular bill on a monthly basis because I thought she was downloading games. She denied it. I asked the Cingular representatives to set up a bIock and was told there was no way to do that. I cut out the internet and text messaging and the charges still appeared. I then learned that certain companies send a offer for a subscription for games and if you do not confirm that you do not want it, it is charged to you . What a racket! Now they tell me that they can only refurnd 3 months of these charges. Cingular has assisted these companies in highway robbery.

By sam

October 23, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

ive had sprint/nextel for over 5 years..when me and my husband first got together he had metro..then his job status changed slightly which at times he goes outside of atlanta area or even the state..metro became a waste..so i added him to my nextel plan..and luckily my discount i had on my service..through a company im no longer at..still works! yay..so 2 lines..1400 minutes..unlimited 2 way..300 text on each phone for 5 bucks a piece..including taxes our bill is under $100 a month.now that they changed there plans around..it would cost more to lower our minutes..so im fine with what we have.

but i do get irritated when people do use them at lousy times..specially the bathroom..and that is why i laugh if someone drops it in the toilet. bye bye $300 blackberry

and i do agree fat chance of finding a payphone nowadays..if you actually see one..its a 50/50 chance that it is working.

By mr. cheapskatin'

October 24, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

Great suggestion, Heroshi, on the free Google directory assistance. Will give it a try.

And, Wanda, good idea to check your bill for improper charges.

As for needed a cellphone, well, i feel it’s mandatory for my lifestyle. Others may decide differently for themselves. Let’s not begrudge those of us who feel we must have one, and don’t blame us all for the cellphone rudeness of a few.

For those who asked about my son, yes, he is in college, so I feel he needs one. He doesn’t have time yet for a job, so I gotta pick up the tab.

Thanks, Gail, for pointing out those distant cities could be calls to fellow students. Wish I’d thought of that before pouncing on my kid.

Keep calling — er, writing — with more suggestions

By MANGLER

October 24, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

Get your entire family and/or groups of friends to go in together on a family plan. You know, one of those $100/mo plans, but can add on up to however many people to it. If you have 5 people, that’s $25/mo +/- with fees. More people would be a lower fee.

The only hang up would be if you can trust the whole group and whomever’s name the plan is in. Thus, family or friends only.