Five Small Expenses That Wreck Your Finances

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After doing tons of research, I found that PagePlus -- which provides unlimited calls and text per month at $44.95 -- is the best way to go. (Through Babblebug, the cost is $44.55.) No contract. Renew at the end of each month. It also has national coverage. PagePlus also has $80 minute plans where the cost per call works out at under 5 cents per minute.
I don't work for PagePlus, honest. I'm just a frugal cell phone user. Also, I got rid of my land line. Go away land line. I get around not having 911 by having the numbers of the local police forces and state police posts set up in speed dial.
For my cell usage, I purchased a $39 LG phone and a back up clone in case the 1st cheapo went on the fritz. So far, so good.
Also, get the data software so you can back your phone's contact list to your PC hard drive.
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As far as renegotiating with Verizon for Internet usage, I flatly told them I would jump ship for the competitor (I was bluffing because the competitor cost just as much) if they did not reduce the cost of my DSL plan. I now play $19.99 a month for DSL. Also, if you don't have a land line and only need DSL, your costs will immediately go down, because the cable need is different. Don't let the Internet provider play you for a sucker.

HannahK of IN 11:30AM August 15, 2010

Oh yeah for SURE cell phones can wreck your finances. As an owner of a small business it's been so hard to get my employees these contract cell phones that are just taking way too much money out of my budget. I recently switched to prepaid phones and i am saving so much money in the company. I prefer to use Tracfones just because there value is great and the service has been wonderful. It's just such a no brainer.

Janet of KS 9:11AM August 15, 2010

"Depending on your cell phone use, a prepaid plan could save you a bundle." - Definitely!
Recently found this out myself. Decided to not just automatically sign up for a new plan again and had a good look around at other options for my home-based business. Found mention of the Straight Talk prepaid plan on the internet and after some initial checking out took the plunge.
Cell phone bill before the change: $120+
Cell expenses now (no bills of course): $45!
Add that up over the two years of a normal contract period and see what you get!

Meredith of NY 1:17PM August 13, 2010