PREPAID PHONE CARDS
It’s a well-known story. The parent opens the cell phone bill and falls over – or screams. It seems the teenagers, spouse, or other family member has spent a lot of time on the phone or text messaging friends. The phone bill can be astronomical – maybe over $1000. Unfortunately, you probably really know someone that this scenario happened to. Cell phone usage can be expensive. Text messaging is expensive. Yet, people walk, drive, eat, and sleep while on their cell phones. How do you put your cell phones on a budget?
It’s easy to do. Simply purchase prepaid phone cards. A prepaid phone card allows you to set a limit to the time and money spent on the telephone. The cell phones still come in cool colors and designs. No one needs to know that you are using a prepaid phone. The difference is that you can only use as many minutes as you have paid for in advance. While some people may consider this an inconvenience, it definitely eliminates the scary surprise telephone bills each month. When you have used all the minutes that you have paid for, it is easy to reload the card with additional minutes – if you want to do so. You can even do it online for some prepaid phone cards.
Prepaid phone cards do not have to be used exclusively with cell phones. You can also use your phone card from a land line or a payphone. The advantage is that you can use the cards to make your long distance calls and easily monitor how much you are spending.
Prepaid phone cards are easy to use. Once you have purchased your phone card, you will be given a toll free access number to call and a unique pin number to use. You simply call the access number, enter your pin when prompted, and then enter the phone number you wish to call. The continuity and quality of the phone calls are equal to any other phone options. No one will be aware that you are using a prepaid phone card – unless, of course, you run out of minutes. The call will simply be terminated. Only the caller will know why.
The cost of using a prepaid phone card varies. Check the rates before you purchase and make sure you know the other fees that may apply. The best part of a prepaid phone card is that you do not have to sign a contract. You can continue to refill your card or simply quit using it altogether. Compare the phone rates and any maintenance fees with the length of time you intend to use your card. Some phone cards expire after three to six months. Most require you to refill the card every so often to keep the minutes “alive.” Check the rates for the areas you want to call, as all minutes are not the same. Most companies charge higher rates for calling a cell phone.
Is your teenager going off to college? Are you taking vacation out of the country or area where you live? Emergencies do happen. You may need to check in at home from time to time. Prepaid phone cards are perfect for traveling. No need to spend hundreds on telephone calls while you are away from home.
The next time you open your telephone or cell phone bill, think about all the extra charges for items you don’t use. Think of the minutes you must pay for even though you won’t ever use them. Then give the prepaid phone cards a try. You’ll be glad you did.
