considering cutting off the cell phone...

**Nishu** · 03-27-2011, 11:27 AM

I converted my att cell phone to prepaid and I pay about 15 a month if that. They used to convert your old sim cards to prepaid for free, or program them to a new number if your old one expired, but now they charge you 25 bucks to get a new sim card. I've heard cell phone companies are losing a lot of profit on prepaid phones. Apparently they're trying to make it up anyway they can.

I tried to get them to program my husband's sim card with a new number and they wouldn't do it. They told me to go to an ATT store and get a new sim card. We just decided to go without.

It amazes me how much people are willing to blow on their cell phones.

**Droppedonmyhead** · 03-27-2011, 12:49 PM

I used to spend $150 a month on a cell phone. However, at the time I felt it was worth it because I would very often get stuck working in court for long periods of time. I couldn't make phone calls, but I could discretely text people and get on the internet. So it was worth it to me. But I didn't renew the contract after I retired. I didn't need all the bells and whistles anymore. So I got a Straight Talk phone at Walmart. It serves my purpose very well and I'm pleased with it. Especially now I only pay $45 a month.

**GoodThyming** · 03-27-2011, 01:42 PM

I cancelled my landline and upgraded my cell to a smart phone. I didn't feel like I needed both a cell and landline, especially since the cost of the landline kept creeping up in my area.

I am, shall we say, "directionally challenged" and my cell phone has GPS, which has come in really, really handy, especially when I moved to a new city. I got the lowest minutes plan I could get and make most long conversation calls when minutes are free on the weekend and at night. The price of having texting was ridiculous so I just blocked all texts. Then I discovered I could get free texts with Google Voice so have been using that. Works like a charm!

**Inkstain82** · 03-27-2011, 01:49 PM

Nothing on my budget irks me more than my cell phone. It's a necessity, especially with my job, but it's way more than I want to pay for phone service.

**miss_cas** · 03-28-2011, 11:56 AM

I drive a beater too. It has quit on me. If the thought of walking for help or being stranded in a bad neighborhood bother you, I would keep the cell phone.

If you are driving through a rural area with very limited phone coverage, a good pair of sneakers would serve you better in a breakdown.

**RaineyDaye** · 03-28-2011, 12:10 PM

Originally Posted by Ramona

. An aside; did you know AAA has their own battery delivery truck? The technician will roll up, install and take away the old battery and see you on your way.

Yep, I found this out the hard way - the battery is way over-priced!

**MissSeetonFan** · 03-28-2011, 12:48 PM

We have a T-Mobile (now ATT - yuck) pre-paid phone. I don't know how the merger will affect our rates. But it does help to have a pre-paid. My husband's company actually opted not to have phones installed since everyone has cell-phones. So there was no way to get a hold of him unless he has the cell phone. But a $25 refill card usually lasts for 2-3 months. Then we also use it for trips too.

**Daisygirl** · 03-28-2011, 06:30 PM

I don't have a cell phone. Every once in a while I vaguely wish I had one, but for themost part I never miss it. If I'm not at work my kids are with me so I haven't come up with a reason to get one.

My oldest has one, though, because she has a long commute to school everyday, with bus transfers. I pay $25 fot it and it gives me a lot of peace of mine. It also has unlimited texting for her!