5:13pm Thursday 11th February 2010
See a sexy new mobile handset and often all you can think about is getting your mitts on it.
Yet, when comparing phone deals, it’s the tariff that counts – ignore tempting distractions like handsets or cashback.
The number of phone package combinations out there is vast. There are about a dozen mobile networks, each with multiple tariffs, sold at different prices. The networks make cash from our confusion, leaving many folks paying more than they need to – and this is big money, over the year we’re talking £100s wasted.
Before you start, there’s nothing more important than working out just what you need.
If you get a contract with too many minutes and texts – they’ll be unused so you’ll end up overpaying on the monthly fee.
Too few and you’ll be overpaying for the excess calls. So take a look at a few bills if you can, and see what you actually use – often it differs from what you think you use. Things to check are:
• How many calls and texts do you use on average?
• Do you mainly telephone at peak (usually 7am-7pm midweek) or off-peak?
• Are most of your calls to other mobile networks or to landlines?
• How many texts do you send?
• Do you often use your phone to access the internet? If so data costs are important too.
As a rough rule of thumb, use less than 150 minutes of calls and 100 texts a month and pay-as-you-go is cheaper than contract as the higher call cost is offset by the lack of monthly fee.
For everyone else, contract usually wins. Sadly, those with poor credit histories have no choice – contract applications are credit scored, so pay-as-you-go is the only option.
Recycle your old mobile for up to £150. If you do get a new handset, you can flog your old one at speed and get up to £150 in cash using mobile recycling sites. Yet as these all pay different amounts for handsets, use the mobilevaluer.com website which tells you who pays the most.
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TV money guru Martin Lewis runs the consumer revenge website MoneySavingExpert.com Ensure you get his weekly e-mail so you’re constantly saving money. |
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