Dialing Down Your Phone Bill: Tips for Affordable Cell Plans
Did you know that the average American spends around $157 each month on their cell phone plan? That’s nearly $1,900 a year. This is money that could go toward groceries, utility bills, or that weekend getaway you’ve been dreaming about.
Most people stick with the big three: Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. But here’s a secret: there are smaller, budget-friendly carriers that “piggyback” off those same networks. That means you can often get the same coverage for a fraction of the price.
Still, we get it: comparing plans can be overwhelming. There are so many options, features, and hidden fees. So we’ve broken things down to help you confidently choose a plan that fits your lifestyle and your wallet.
Understand What You're Paying For
Cell phone plans are made up of two basic parts:
Talk & Text: Most plans include unlimited voice call minutes and text messages, especially if you’re on a major or well-known discount carrier.
Data: This covers internet use like streaming, browsing, social media, and using apps when you’re not connected to Wi-Fi. Plans vary in how much data they include. Run out? You could face slower speeds or extra charges.
Pro Tip: If you're always on Wi-Fi at work or home, you might not need a ton of data. But if you stream on the go or hotspot your device, consider a plan with unlimited or higher GB limits.
Types of Cell Phone Plans
Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common options:
Postpaid Plans (aka Contract Plans): You pay at the end of each month. These plans usually offer reliable service, consistent pricing, and don’t cut you off when you hit limits.
Prepaid Plans: You pay before the month begins. These plans often skip credit checks and offer lower prices, but if you run out of data or minutes, your service could stop until you top up.
Family Plans: Need multiple lines for your family? These plans usually offer shared data, talk-time and text messages which can be more cost-effective for multiple users compared to individual plans.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing
Think about how you use your phone:
Just need basics like calls and texts? Look for a talk-and-text only plan.
Stream podcasts on your commute or watch videos while waiting in line? Go for a plan with plenty of data or unlimited options.
Want to avoid credit checks or lock-in contracts? Prepaid might be the way to go.
BOOST-Approved Budget Plans
| Plan | Type | Price | Data Included | # of Lines | Hotspot? | Network | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
T-Mobile Essentials Saver t-mobile.com |
Postpaid | $60/month | 50GB high-speed | 1 | ✅ | T-Mobile | Unlimited calls/texts, usable in Canada & Mexico |
|
US Mobile Unlimited Flex usmobile.com |
Prepaid | $17.50/month | 10GB high-speed (then slower) | 1 | ✅ 10GB | Verizon or T-Mobile | Taxes/fees included, great for budget users |
|
Total Wireless (4 Lines) totalwireless.com |
Postpaid | $110/month | Unlimited 5G | 4 | ✅ | Verizon | Ideal for families, runs on reliable network |
|
Mint Mobile (4 Lines) mintmobile.com |
Prepaid | $60/month | 5GB per line | 4 | ❌ | T-Mobile | Super low price, free calls to UK, Canada & Mexico |
You work hard. Your phone plan shouldn’t be draining your paycheck. Whether you’re texting with parents, streaming circle time songs, or just catching up on your favorite shows during down time, there’s a plan out there that fits your life and your budget.
Want more tips like these? Stay connected with us for practical ideas and real-life resources by following us on Facebook and Instagram. You can also reach out to our Director of Teacher Success Whitney Carper at wcarper@boostbyhinge.org for more help navigating personal financial challenges.