The Best Family Cell Phone Plans
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Jon Stone
While smartphones add convenience to our lives, they come with rather hefty bills… especially if you’re looking to equip the whole family with new phones. “Family plans” claim to offer increased savings, simplified bills, and a greater level of control for keeping tabs on what people are using their phones for. But are family plans worth […]
Phone Number Porting Guide (Plus How to Keep Your Number when Switching Carriers)
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Jon Stone
When you sit down and think about all the things tied to your phone number, the idea of losing it is scary… You’d have to contact your bank, utilities, doctors, and go through the hassle of setting up any two-factor authentication you have on services again. That doesn’t include all the family and friends you have who […]
Bringing Your Phone to a New Carrier: What You Need to Know
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Jon Stone
How much are you paying for your cell phone bill every month? $30? $50? $100? For the average American, the answer is about $60 a month. That’s a lot of money! Especially when you add on the phones of family members. The good news? Prices are actually dropping. Increased competition, a lack of unique new […]
Will My Phone Work with Other Carriers? A Complete Guide to Phone Compatibility
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Jon Stone
Whether you’re signing up for a new plan or looking to switch providers, being able to bring your own phone (or buy one outright) often means savings in the long run. It also means you can switch providers should service not meet your needs or your find a better deal later. But how do you know which phones work with […]
Will My Cell Phone Work When I Travel Overseas?
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The Informr Team
Do you want to use your mobile phone on your next trip to Europe or abroad? If so, you’ll want to check a couple things before you set sail. First, you need to ensure your phone is compatible with the networks at your destination. And second, if you want to save on roaming fees, you need to confirm it’s […]
Activation Fees & SIM Card Costs: All Phone Companies Compared
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Jon Stone
You’ve spent the time to crunch numbers, check prices and find the phone and plan that fits into your budget. Everything is going great. No need to eat only rice and beans this month. Then the first bill rolls in… What are all these added activation and SIM fees? Much like bag fees at the […]
Cell Phone Insurance: Is It Worth It & What’s Best?
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Jon Stone
If you’re like us, there are few things scarier than the sight of your phone facedown on the pavement. No one wants to fork out hundreds of dollars unexpectedly. But it’s not just the thought of replacement costs that are scary. It’s the thought of not having access to our mobile office, entertainment hub, fitness […]
Early Termination Fees: A Guide to Ending Your Phone Contract Early
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Jon Stone
Dumping your current cell phone service provider isn’t always as simple as calling up and cancelling. If you’re still under contract or owe on a phone financing plan, you might find a nasty surprise on your final bill called the Early Termination Fee. Early Termination Fees (ETF’s for short) add up…and they can add up fast. Especially if you have […]
Enough Already! Here’s How to Stop Robocalls
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Jon Stone
Does it seem like every other time your phone rings, it’s some sweepstakes, scam or telemarketer? An endless barrage of robocalls that keep coming no matter how many numbers you block. You’re not alone… The FCC estimates that half the calls we receive might be Robocalls. Enough is enough. It’s time to fight back. This guide will […]
What Is VoLTE? Everything You Need to Know
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Jon Stone
Alongside Wi-Fi calling , VoLTE (Voice-over-LTE), is one of the latest features popping up with major mobile networks. It promises faster, clearer voice calls plus video calling without the need for extra apps or services. So What is VoLTE Exactly? In essence, Voice-over-LTE is exactly what is sounds like. Instead of falling back to an older network […]
The Best Prepaid Cell Phone Plans
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Jon Stone
For all the convenience and utility mobile phones provide, they don’t come cheap. Between phone costs and monthly service plans, you could spend more than $1000 per year with ease. Rates in recent years are on a downward trend. If you haven’t checked out the competition in the past few months—or don’t have service at […]
What Is a SIM Card and What Does It Do?
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Jon Stone
You’ve probably seen the terms SIM-only phone plan or prepaid SIM card before. And, if you’ve ever purchased a phone online or added mobile data access to your tablet, you’ve probably even installed a SIM card. But what do these tiny chips do? Are all SIM cards the same? Is there any personal information on […]
These Blue Light Filtering Apps Will Help You Get a Good Night’s Sleep
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Branden
The pile of proof that blue light is wrecking your sleep keeps piling up and mobile devices are major contributors to blue light exposure after dark. Exposure to excessive light at night, including extended use of various electronic media, can disrupt sleep or exacerbate sleep disorders. ~ The American Medical Association This Harvard Health Letter recommends avoiding screens two to […]
What Are Refurbished Phones and Why Would You Want One?
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Jon Stone
The shiny new phones you see on TV look amazing. Until you check the price. $800 for the latest smartphone? Not happening this month. But what if you could get a powerful phone without spending all your grocery money? The good news is… you can. And it doesn’t mean doing anything illegal. What’s the secret? Refurbished […]
15 Ways You Can Lower Your Cell Phone Bill
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Jon Stone
It starts like any other day. Coffee, email, work. Then it happens. You get a notification that your cell phone bill is due. Panic sets in as you wonder what it’s going to be this month. You want to curl up and hide in the corner. You’re not alone. Bills have a habit of creeping […]
Here’s What You Should Know Before Buying a Used Cell Phone
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Jon Stone
Want to buy a used phone but worried about being ripped off? This guide will help you minimize risk to find a great phone at a great price! We’ll break things down into three sections: Let’s get started! Where to Find Great Used Phone Deals From stolen or broken phones to scammers that don’t have […]
The Best Encrypted, Secure Messaging Apps
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Jon Stone
If you’re like most people, until recently you didn’t think twice about who might be looking before you sent a text message or placed a call with your mobile phone. Our mobile devices store tons of personal information—and it’s becoming clear that this information might not be as private as we thought. Thanks to secure […]
What is Wi-Fi Calling?
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Jon Stone
Wi-Fi calling is one of the latest features touted by carriers. It’s even the backbone of a few new virtual carriers. But what is it and why would you want to use it? We’re about to break down everything you need to know about this new feature–including any pitfalls you might face should you enable […]
The Best Cell Phones for Seniors
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Jon Stone
Editor’s Note: This post has been updated for 2022 While cell phones might seem complicated at first, they hold a number of benefits for seniors looking to stay in touch with family or friends and explore the world around them. But which model should you choose? With hundreds of options available, finding the best phone […]
How Does Getting a Cell Phone Affect My Credit Score?
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The Informr Team
If you want to avoid hefty deposits, unlock the best device financing deals and enjoy maximum flexibility with your cell phone plan, good credit is essential. But what happens to your credit score during the plan application process or over the course of your contract? Let’s break things down and see what’s really going on […]
How to Get a Cell Phone Plan With Bad Credit
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Jon Stone
While carrier ads might make it seem like anyone can pop into a store and walk out with a shiny new smartphone and great rates, the reality is less pleasant. Unless your credit is pristine, there’s a good chance you’ll walk in and face a hefty deposit–if you qualify for a monthly plan at all. […]