How to Cut Back on Cell Phone Costs

States nationwide are targeting cell phone users to help cover their budget gaps through hidden cell phone fees and taxes, according to a recent study by the Tax Foundation. One way to combat such fees is by re-evaluating your own cell phone bill and plan to make sure you are getting the most for your money.

Here are three ways to save money on your wireless plan, from Jonathan Geller, founder and editor-in-chief of Boy Genius Report.

No. 1: Talk to your carrier. Picking up the phone and speaking to a representative at your carrier can help to ensure you are on the best plan possible for your usage. Geller said reviewing the past one to three months of bills helps to pinpoint usage patterns and can help to lower monthly bills. “A lot of carriers now are conscious of all of the taxes and fees that people are frustrated with,” he said. “It can be hard to change (service) plans, but that is always an option as well.” Geller said there are automated sites like BillShrink.com and Validas.com that review your bills to get them lowered, for as low as $5 for service.

No. 2: Review your data plan. Having an unlimited data plan may seem all-important to your high school daughter, but that doesn’t mean even she can use all of the data provided in many plans today. “Everything is more data-centric, but you may not need an unlimited plan” Geller said. “Some plans offer a reduced amount of data for a more expensive price.”

No. 3: Consider a family plan. This tip is only for those who have multiple phone lines, Geller said, but many family plans can seriously impact the monthly bills of those with more than one phone line face. Also, carriers know how competitive the market is and may be willing to strike a deal with you to sign your family. “By calling your carrier or researching, people are saving hundreds of dollars with multiple lines,” he said.