One of the areas in which many people spend money unnecessarily is for their phone service. If you are still using a landline, be aware of some of the money-saving options that are available to you:

• One option is Vonage. Vonage utilizes your internet connection to make phone calls worldwide, for prices as low as $17.99/month. And you can use a phone that is exactly like your traditional landline
• Another choice is Skype. Via your computer, you can talk for free to other Skype users, and make inexpensive calls to landlines and cell phones. Skype requires that you have a microphone available to you. Many systems require a computer headset. If you have webcam as part of your computer system you and the person you are calling can actually see each other on screen while talking.
• A final option is called MagicJack. It’s a device that is used to plug a phone into your computer. It uses your internet to make calls. The device costs $40 plus there is $20/year charge for unlimited calling.

If you do use a landline you can also save money by not paying for long-distance services. Instead, consider purchasing a calling card. There are cards available that allow you to make long-distance calls for no more than two cents a minute. Be sure that there are no connection fees or minimal connection fees associated with whatever card you use.

If you prefer to use a cell phone, consider one of two options. If you are a heavy phone user, you might want to pay for an unlimited service at a relatively low rate. There are cell phone companies that offer unlimited long distance and local calls for a fairly reasonable fixed rate, such as Cricket.

The other option to consider is a prepaid cell phone plan. If you do not talk frequently on the phone you can use a prepaid plan, such as T-Mobile, Virgin, or AT&T offers. Most of these plans usually charge approximately ten cents a minute and your minutes never expire. And you do not have to pay the taxes and fees that other services require. Also, there is no long term commitment with a contract to be signed.

Keep in mind that talking on a cell phone can be costly, particularly international calls. If you want to save on minutes, consider using Skype when you are at your computer.

If you find yourself with serious economic problems, please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have. Kevin D. Heupel, Colorado Bankruptcy attorney, 303-955-7570, COBankruptcyHelpEmail, free-consultation form. I will answer them with no obligation. I am here to help.