How I saved money on my phone bill
Hey guys,
Back in 2017, I decided to get a phone on contract. At the time it was a Google Pixel 2 with a good data package and minutes and texts. I got the contract for 24 months and paid £40 a month over the course of two years. At the time it seemed like a great deal but as I started my debt free journey a few months later, I realised how much of a burden this was on my finances each month.
As a result, once the contract came to an end in 2019, I decided I was not going to upgrade and in fact I was going to keep my costs as low as possible and get a sim only contract.
Over the last year, I have found this to be much more affordable spending just £12 a month on my phone contract, however I am ready to reduce even more!
I realise, that I'm not necessarily getting the best deal and despite saving £28 a month which is £336 a year saving, I still believe I can save more, mainly because I don't use all my data. Therefore, I thought I would share with you the steps I took to reduce my monthly contract from £12.50 a month to £8 a month.
Before I do, I just want to mention a few factors to consider when looking for a new contract:
Here’s the steps I took to reduce my phone bill.
Back in 2017, I decided to get a phone on contract. At the time it was a Google Pixel 2 with a good data package and minutes and texts. I got the contract for 24 months and paid £40 a month over the course of two years. At the time it seemed like a great deal but as I started my debt free journey a few months later, I realised how much of a burden this was on my finances each month.
As a result, once the contract came to an end in 2019, I decided I was not going to upgrade and in fact I was going to keep my costs as low as possible and get a sim only contract.
Over the last year, I have found this to be much more affordable spending just £12 a month on my phone contract, however I am ready to reduce even more!
I realise, that I'm not necessarily getting the best deal and despite saving £28 a month which is £336 a year saving, I still believe I can save more, mainly because I don't use all my data. Therefore, I thought I would share with you the steps I took to reduce my monthly contract from £12.50 a month to £8 a month.
Before I do, I just want to mention a few factors to consider when looking for a new contract:
- Duration of contract - What duration would you be happy with being locked into a phone contract?
- Number of minutes and texts - Do you make a lot of calls? If so what's your current use? As you may find it useful to know this when searching for deals.
- Data package - Do you use a lot of data? Has your lifestyle changed recently where you use it to commute? Or maybe you stay at home more often? Take note of you’re current data use so you can find a suitable deal.
- The Signal - Do you live in a rural area? If so, will you struggle to get signal from some networks? Do your research.
Here’s the steps I took to reduce my phone bill.
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Step 1 - Know your current package?
Funnily enough, I always forget my current package. As I type now, I remember I have 3gb of data but I cannot remember if I have unlimited minutes or not. Knowing how much you currently have puts you in a position to compare.
Step 2 - Know your current usage?
Are you using all your package every month? If not, maybe it's worth getting a cheaper package as it isn't worth spending. Or maybe you are over using your package and have to get add ons. This cost alone can soon mount up as it's not part of the price so maybe it is worth considering getting a larger package on a good deal.
Step 3 - Decide what package you would like.
Do you feel you need to have a smaller data package or maybe a bigger one. List the desirable data, minutes and texts (if you still use them) down.
Step 3 - Research
Now you’re equipped with what you use and what you need. Time to head to the comparison websites and search for the current deals. Take notes of what other companies are offering, especially if it's a better deal than what you currently receive. Also take note of New Customer deals your current provider is offering, as you can mention this when speaking to them.
Step 4 - Call your provider
Call your provider and mention your current situation, explain that you have seen deals elsewhere and you may be considering this. See if they can match. You would be surprised that they most probably can.
These were the four simple steps I took to save money on my phone bill. It is very easy to think, ‘Its only £30 a month’ however it can all mount up and can be a waste if you don't use the package. A £30 a month saving can equate to £360 a year saving. Imagine what you could do with that money!
Here's a free printable to help you view all deals in one place! Hope it helps!
Funnily enough, I always forget my current package. As I type now, I remember I have 3gb of data but I cannot remember if I have unlimited minutes or not. Knowing how much you currently have puts you in a position to compare.
Step 2 - Know your current usage?
Are you using all your package every month? If not, maybe it's worth getting a cheaper package as it isn't worth spending. Or maybe you are over using your package and have to get add ons. This cost alone can soon mount up as it's not part of the price so maybe it is worth considering getting a larger package on a good deal.
Step 3 - Decide what package you would like.
Do you feel you need to have a smaller data package or maybe a bigger one. List the desirable data, minutes and texts (if you still use them) down.
Step 3 - Research
Now you’re equipped with what you use and what you need. Time to head to the comparison websites and search for the current deals. Take notes of what other companies are offering, especially if it's a better deal than what you currently receive. Also take note of New Customer deals your current provider is offering, as you can mention this when speaking to them.
Step 4 - Call your provider
Call your provider and mention your current situation, explain that you have seen deals elsewhere and you may be considering this. See if they can match. You would be surprised that they most probably can.
These were the four simple steps I took to save money on my phone bill. It is very easy to think, ‘Its only £30 a month’ however it can all mount up and can be a waste if you don't use the package. A £30 a month saving can equate to £360 a year saving. Imagine what you could do with that money!
Here's a free printable to help you view all deals in one place! Hope it helps!