Although you always said that you’d never get your child a cell phone, here you are, contemplating doing just that. You’ve decided that having a cell phone will give your child a sense of independence, as well as an added layer of security when he or she is away from you. Cell phones for kids also bring about another issue: A higher phone bill if you aren’t careful.
Between phone calls, texting and being online, your child can rack up quite a large phone bill that you’ll be responsible for paying. However, if your family is on a tight budget, there’s still hope. You can purchase a phone for your son or daughter without digging too deep into his or her college fund.
Purchase a Prepaid Phone
Prepaid phones have one main purchase: To limit the amount of money one spends each month on cell phone service. It may not be the latest iPhone or Android smartphone, but a good prepaid phone allows users to call, text, go online and take pictures, just like their more expensive counterparts. Parents don’t have to sign a contract and can purchase as many minutes deemed necessary.
Several large providers have prepaid phones and plans to fit every family’s needs. These cheaper phones are good for those whose children are prone to losing things. Prepaid phones also allow parents to monitor their children’s cell phone habits without breaking the bank each month. Prepaid phones are available online or at any major department store.
Buy a Refurbished Phone
If a big name phone is in your child’s dreams, consider purchasing a refurbished or used phone, which can save you 50 percent or more compared to a new one. Because most of the larger cell phone carriers make their money on the services they provide as opposed to the phone itself, this is a great way to save a few extra bucks up front.
Remember, a new cell phone becomes used or refurbished when it is returned within its typical 30-day return window. Don’t purchase this type of phone if you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with the seller or the company in which it was refurbished. Refurbished phones should also come with some type of warranty, typically 90 days.
Look at the Unlimited Talk and Text Plans
This is where you will have to do your homework. If your child uses a phone a lot for online work or texting, consider purchasing a cell phone plan with unlimited data to accommodate these needs without going over budget. Phone plans with rollover minutes are a good place to start, but be sure to read the fine print. Unlimited doesn’t always mean unlimited.
Don’t Forget About the Free Apps
If you are worried about games and apps eating up your cell phone budget each month, consider only downloading free apps. Google Play and iTunes have a large variety of free apps, both educational and for entertainment. Free apps are just as enjoyable and useful as paid ones.
It’s quite easy to go over budget with a cell phone bill, especially when it’s a child who doesn’t know his or her budgetary limits. Buying a cell phone can be a great learning experience and teach a child about the realities of budgeting.
This is a Guest Post By Jennifer Thayer
Jennifer Thayer is a technology writer from Southern California who loves finding ways technology can make life easier. She enjoys sharing her tips and tricks with readers. Follow her on HYPERLINK “https://twitter.com/TechyJen” Twitter.
