October 2009

 Beware of Over-texting

If you have a mobile phone, you may feel like you can't live without it. But someone who racked up more than $4,000 in one month for sending and receiving about 20,000 text messages will have to live without a phone for a while. Her dad smashed her phone with a hammer! Since text messaging was not an included service on her family's plan, she now has to pay the price of not having a phone at all.

Whether you're on your own cell phone plan or your parents', be aware of the plan's limitations and use your phone responsibly. The following tips can help.

DON'T DIAL UP DEBT
  • Understand your plan. Know how many minutes are included each month for calling, and if texting and web browsing are allowed and what they cost. Remember you'll probably pay for incoming messages too. Try to stick to the plan's limitations, or you could end up with expensive extra charges on the monthly bill.

  • Explore other plans or phone services. Finding a plan that includes a certain number of text messages each month can help you save money if you text a lot. Prepaid or pay-as-you-go phone services may be other options to consider.

  • Mind manners and rules. Cut back on texting by not doing it when you are spending time with others (texting in front of someone else is rude). And don't use your phone where you aren't supposed to, such as while driving, at the movies, or in class.

 
  LET YOUR FINGERS DO THE SAVING
Keeping your phone use under control and saving money can help you manage your phone wisely when you have to pay for your own plan. Saving money at DCU is a smart way to prepare for the future.		  
 

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