Frugal Cell Phone

Vacation Lesson 8: Travel with a Cell Phone

Can you even believe that before August I didn't even have a cell phone? Now I have one, but I probably won't give you my number (nyah nyah nyah.)

So, racking up high cell phone bills (and paying for cable TV, netflix, gym memberships, etc.) doesn't really jive with the frugal zealot mindset that my Gramma instilled in me, but I still like those fun things. (Hint: YES I will accept a one-month Netflix membership as a holiday gift.)

So, I researched the CHEAPEST phone plan in the world, and I think I found it. So, to have my phone with STI Mobile costs me 0.09/day just to have the phone ON ($32.85/year). Then, my calls all cost 0.09/minute and must be prepaid. I find that the plan is working great. STI uses the Sprint network, I think, so I get coverage in cities well, and anywhere along major roads. When we went way off in the mountains there were some dead spots.

So, it could get pricey if you use the phone for chatting, but I don't (see, I'm connecting with YOU electronically!). While traveling, it really helped me connect with people when we tried going on outings as a large group traveling in several cars. It also gave everyone peace of mind knowing that I could call for help if we had auto trouble or got lost.

The other great benefit of having a cell phone is that I can now go jogging at the nature preserve while leaving the kiddos in the care room at the health club (which is adjacent to the conservancy). They only require I carry my phone with me. Now I can get fit...for only 0.09/day.