This is a purely selfish post. But when you run your own site, you can do that!
Ever since we launched Home Economics, I’ve been shocked by the deals some people get on their cell phone plans. In October 2024, we published Home Ec from a couple who were spending $22 a month. “Yay, Mint Mobile!” the writer added. More often, families are spending under $100—not dirt cheap but still pretty reasonable.
Meanwhile, my phone bill for two lines with unlimited data is creeping close to $200 a month. Obviously, it’s a business expense, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to minimize it.
I feel zero loyalty to my carrier (AT&T) despite the fact that I’ve been a customer since Ken and I got a family plan around the time we got married. Earlier this year, we paid off the iPhones we got a few years ago, and right on schedule, they’ve stopped working as well, so it’s probably time to replace those. (We usually just buy a refurbished model of a somewhat recent release. We don’t really care about having the latest tech.) But that also means this is the perfect time to find a new, hopefully cheaper, option.
Inspired by all these Home Ec writers with cheaper plans, I started looking around to see what’s out there. Beyond Mint, there’s also Cricket, U.S. Mobile, and so many more choices. I’m not even sure where to begin!
Of course, I decided to ask Purse readers. I feel like you’ll know what’s up—or at least have some strong opinions that might point me in the right direction.
So tell me: How much do you pay for your cell phone? And do you like your carrier? Any tips for those of you who have recently made the switch?
