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How to Save Money on Text Messaging
By Christina Mulberry
Text messaging or SMS is a form of communication preferred by many individuals over voice calling. It offers a number of distinct advantages. One obvious strength of messaging is that it is less disruptive to those around you. It allows you to both receive and send messages without others having to be disturbed by your conversation. SMS messaging is extremely popular with individuals under the age of 30 and is gaining traction with older individuals as well. Of course with this popularity and increased use, comes the problem of cost. In the US, most cellular providers charge for both messages sent and messages received. Some cellular plans charge as much as 15 to 20 cents per message, so if you send many messages they will add significantly to your cell phone bill. There are however, a number of ways to save on the cost of text messaging. Here are a few ideas from my experience and the experience of users who responded to a poll some months ago. -- Choose the appropriate text messaging package.
Nearly all cellular proivders allow you to purchase bundles of messages for a set fee. In general, the larger the bundle you purchase, the greater the savings. For instance, Verizon's 20 cents per message charge drops to only 2 cents a message when you get their 500 messages for $10 plan or even less when you purchase 5,000 messages for $20. As of 2009, most cellular providers also offer unlimited cell phone plans for those who text and talk a great deal. Many of the plans cost just under $100, so they are designed for those who have a lot of use during the course of the month. -- Prepaid Options
Prepaid phones can also provide text messaging for similar prices as traditional carriers. The advantage of many prepaid plans is that you can keep track of expenses easily. If you prepay for the service, you know when you need to stop in order to stay within your budget. Many parents find this useful with teenagers who text a great deal and may not be responsible for paying the bill. Prepaid cellular providers have also begun offering unlimited plans and, in fact, often undercut the prices of traditional providers. Net10 for instance offers unlimited calling and messaging for $45/month. -- Free Messaging
There are ways of sending text messages for free. Most traditional carriers have a page on their website that allows you to send text messages at no cost. In addition, Google, Yahoo, and others have messaging services that are free. You can also perform a search online to find additional free messaging services. -- Texting Only Options
For people who use text messaging exclusively, they can save a lot by dropping the voice calling plan. Traditional providers offer text only plans, but some of them are available only for those who are deaf. Some prepaid providers offer text only plans that are available for everyone. Virgin Mobile and QWERT are two possibilities. If texting is your only need, then another option is available. You can skip the cell phone altogether and purchase a messaging device such as the Peek Pronto which costs $20/month, or less if you decide to pay a one time upfront fee of $300 for life. -- Kids Pay Their Own Messaging Costs
Several website visitors who took the poll indicated that by having their kids pay for their own text messaging expenses, they were able to keep expenses down. Prepaid cell phones are perfect in these instances, so that kids find out immediately if they are about to exceed their budget. Some traditional carriers also offer cellular services that are designed to put a limit on kids cell phone and texting use in order to stay on budget. Kajeet is good for younger kids. T-Mobile's kidsConnect and AT&T's SmartLimits are other examples of plans/phones that let you set limits. Text messaging costs can be controlled, allowing you and your family to enjoy it's many benefits. You may need to investigate all of the options to determine which plan or device will fit your needs best. |
Text Only Plans
| Prepaid Cell Phones
| Best Cell Phones for Kids
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There is a problem with kids and phone bills. Good to see you promoting teaching them responsibility by making them pay for their own usage. Wishing you all the best.
Reg
More about my interests here.
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
Yes. The sooner kids learn how to handle money and budget, the better off they will be.
Making kids pay for their own texting... I love it! You know what though, Christina, I never text, and never respond to a text. I'd rather talk to people.
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
I prefer talking as well. For me a text is for something quick while at work. Like, Hey, don't forget to pick up the cat at the vet.
Good info on text options ~ 
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
Thanks for stopping by.
I confess to being a dinosaur in that I have not taken up text messaging. I did text my friend once, just to see how it was done. She didn't know how to answer me. End of experiment. I can appreciate that there could be uses for it, however.
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
I think most older people (like myself) tend to use it only when they have kids or grandchildren that want to text.
Unfortunately, I feel that texting is teaching a way of communication that is not Healthy. Many children have trouble with english, spelling and speaking. Texting doesn't help.
Thank you for sharing, Christina.
Best wishes.
Frederick
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
Yes, the problem is that so many kids text so much, it's their primary mode of communication...thus they find the abbreviations as so forth to be normal. Spelling and normal grammar are seldom used in those cases.
I love texting and fortunately my unlimited data plan supports it without any additional charges. Not all do.
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
The unlimited plans are perfect for people who text a lot. For others, they are too pricey.
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This intel was contributed by mulberry
mulberry
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