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An increasing number of financial experts suggest a recession is on the horizon, which may spur you to batten down the financial hatches and start saving more. But most tips on “how to save money” tell you to cut everything fun out of your budget—which doesn’t sound like fun at all.
Is it possible to keep your lifestyle and save money simultaneously? The answer is yes, with some time (and initial outlay) spent on your part.
You don’t have to stop shopping at your favorite stores or cancel all your streaming services. The five ways to save money below can carve out savings without sacrificing your lifestyle.
1. Rethink Your Cell Phone Bill
As of 2018, Americans paid an average of $157 per month for their cell bill, with today’s averages almost certainly trending higher. However, you could score serious savings if you’re willing to get creative with your cell phone spending.
Switch to an Alternate Carrier
Gone are the days when you have to go with one of the major cell phone carriers like AT&T or Verizon. Scrappy new cell phone carriers are abundant, and some have networks powered by larger companies. They also make it easy to transfer your phone number.
While your best choice for an alternate cell carrier might depend on where you live, always explore online reviews specific to your city before committing to a new plan.
With some alternative carriers, you could also experience slower data speeds than you would as a subscriber on the main network. For example, even though Visible runs on the Verizon network, a Visible customer would likely have slightly lower data speeds than a Verizon customer. The reason is simple: Verizon serves Verizon customers first.
Here’s what you can expect to pay for an unlimited talk, text and data plan with three different alternate cell carriers:
- Cricket Wireless (AT&T network): $55/month, $50/month with autopay
- Google Fi (T-Mobile and Sprint networks): $50/month
- Mint Mobile (T-Mobile network): $30/month for a 90-day prepaid plan
- Visible (Verizon network): $40/month
Build Your Own “Family and Friends” Plan
If you’re single and jealous that your friends can take advantage of low rates on a friend’s and family plan, it’s time to make your own family. Gone are the days when a “family” cell plan meant everyone on the plan had to live together. Today, …….
Source: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-finance/how-to-save-money-keep-lifestyle/