Ask for a cheaper cellphone plan

If you have an unlimited-talk cellphone plan on Verizon Wireless or AT&T, the company has just cut your monthly bill by $30. Oops, they forgot to tell you.

Both companies have new plans that will give you unlimited talk (on an individual or family plan) for $30 per month less than their previous unlimited plans, but they’re not going to volunteer that information. You have to call and ask.

Cellphone packages are always changing. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the available plans and ask friends what they’re paying. Even if you’re under contract, most wireless providers will let you change your plan without penalty as long as you stay with the company.

It’s also good to take a look at your use. If you’re paying for a lot more minutes than you’re using, you might want to downgrade. Or maybe the teenagers need unlimited text, but the parents are wasting their money on a texting plan.

Also consider whether you’re better off paying per-unit prices. I was surprised to see charges of about $3.50 for text messages one month (somehow that’s not included in unlimited data). But even if I write that many texts every month, paying for messages individually is still cheaper than the least expensive texting plan.

For those who are occasional cellphone users, a prepaid plan might be the best deal. Don’t consider your research complete if you’ve only checked your provider’s website. Unadvertised, no-frills plans may be available, so if you want something you don’t see, ask.

Once your contract runs out, be sure to check the offerings of other carriers. Even Wal-Mart has gotten into the wireless business.