How to Save Money on Phone Service with SMS Texting

Did you know that sms texting is one way to help manage your phone bill? We all know that going over minutes on a cell phone plan can be expensive and frustrating. A higher phone bill leads to increased taxes and ultimately an even bigger bill after all charges are added up. Alternating between both text messaging and phone calls can help you manage your bill and save money. Here are a couple of suggestions to consider when deciding to sms text or making a cell phone call.

Manage Your Preferences

One way to save on minutes is to tell friends that you’d rather be contacted via text versus a call. Often times, people don’t realize that minutes are a factor in talk time. You can always text a caller back to let them know your are available after a certain time or when when you have free minutes. You may want to consider leaving a message on your voicemail such as, “For a quicker response, I can be contacted via text” because it lets someone know how you would like to be contacted.

Use Texts for Short Messages

If you need to update someone on your status, then opt for sms texting. For example, if you’re meeting a friend for dinner and running late, it’s better to send a sms text as you can save the conversation for later. Another suitable time for text messaging is when you’re giving specifics like an address or street name. You’re receiver will also have it as reference. These types of messages are impersonal and are socially acceptable ways to communicate.

How Do You Use Your Phone

Consider how you use your cell phone minutes. If you’re someone that doesn’t make a lot of phone calls in the day and can save minutes until nights and weekends when most cell phone providers give customers free minutes, then switching to a lower voice plan and unlimited sms texts may be a good option. On the other hand, if you love to talk and don’t want to be restricted, then a higher voice plan may be better.

If you need to have an important conversation with a friend or family member or just want to catch up, then these are good reasons to use your minutes. A good rule of thumb is if there’s going to be back and forth dialogue, then use the cell phone. Another reason to use your cell phone is if you need to convey a message that may be construed or taken out of context via a text. If you’re going to have an emotional conversation and talk about a break up or discuss a problem that involves feelings, then it’s better to make a phone call. In contrast, for a quick message or something factual, it’s better to text.

These tips can help lower your phone minutes and keep your bill under control. If you notice that over the next few months, you are using less minutes, then consider switching to a lower priced plan and start saving money with sms texting.