The other day my mom texted my sisters and me about her wireless bill. It was too high and she wanted our input regarding cell phone plans and carriers to switch to. We found out that she was paying $155 per month for two lines on Verizon even though our family of three pays $160.
Also, when my mom called the carrier’s customer service about upgrading phones, she was told that she would have to buy the phones upfront at full price. Though her 2-year contract ended long ago, the plan she was currently on didn’t offer an upgrade discount. Something wasn’t adding up right so Frans and I offered to take a look at her bill.
1. Lower Cell Phone Plans: Help Decipher the Wireless Bill
Apparently, my mom and her husband were on a 65 Plus Two-Line Share Plan. In theory, this should be one of the least expensive cell phone plans for seniors at only $59.98 for two lines. However, if you want to use data at all, the smallest plan for a smartphone is $30 for 2GB per phone. So, in addition to that base price of $60, my mom and her husband were paying another $60 to get data. The only thing they use their phones for, though, is an occasional text, maybe to check something online, and play Solitaire.
We also found out that her husband, who owned an old iPhone 4, was still paying $10 per month for insurance. Not even an iPhone 4S but the original iPhone 4. He had no idea they were still paying for that! The rest of their bill was made up of taxes.
2. Lower Cell Phone Plans: Consolidate & Share If Possible
So what did we end up doing? We decided to add them to our MORE Everything Family Plan. Since we pay the base $40 anyway, they would only have to cover the monthly cost for their two lines. Now they were also eligible to upgrade to new phones (they love their new iPhone 6 phones).
Doing so through Verizon added two more GB to our existing data plan. We never use all of our data and they only use some 500MB each. That leaves plenty for all of us to share. So, we pay the same and they pay only $80 (plus taxes) instead of the $155 they used to.
My mom is quite capable and very good with money. However, the details of her cell phone plan were just too technical for her and we were glad to help them save more than $50 a month. Especially so, because at times they’ve been so generous in their financial support of us. Putting her and her husband on our plan works out better for everyone.
3. Lower Cell Phone Plans: Better Safe Than Sorry
So, if you haven’t already, it might be a good idea to check your parents’ mobile plan to make sure they aren’t paying more than they need to. What a great way to help them after all they’ve done!
This post is part of my participation in the #VZWBuzz Lifestyle Ambassador program. All opinions are my own.
4 comments
Those are great ideas for helping. My parents are trying to stay on top of tech, but a little out of touch with what things cost. It’s great to be have a frank conversation about costs & what they need.
The terms of cell phone plans can be hard to follow. I”m glad when a company makes them easy.
I added my mom on our plan so she an get better benefits.
I have been with Verizon for years now and feel our bill is too high ($155 per month for two lines). I need to make it a point to call and discuss options with them soon. Thanks so much for the reminder!
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