t doesn't, the plan might not be the best. Free windows of time are pretty standard in most plans.

Long distance: Most cell phone plans include long distance along with the regular minutes. This means you can call across the country and not incur extra expenses. It also means you can call long distance during free call times. If your plan doesn't include this and you call long distance on a regular basis, you mi

Not all cell phone plans are created alike. Not all cellular phone companies are either. The best way to find a reliable and affordable phone is to take some time, shop around and read the fine print before signing any contracts.

Since most cell phone customers have their own unique needs, you'll find that there are a lot of choices when it comes to actual pricing plans. What works for your best friend down the street might not necessarily be the best plan for you.

As you shop around for different cell phone plans, there are some things to take into consideration. Paramount in shopping, however, is making sure you read the fine print in the contract. Now, with that said, let's look at some of the basic items to take into account before settling on a plan.

Phone purchase: Does the cell phone plan you're considering come with a phone? If not, is a discounted phone available? Portable phones can be pretty expensive, but the truth is most plans do come with at least a starter model for free or close to it. If you want an upgraded phone, there might be a deal to be had there, as well.

Minutes: How many minutes does the cell phone plan you're considering come with for the price? Shop around and compare this particular figure carefully. It's always best to get the most bang for your buck.

Overage charges: How much does a particular cell phone plan charge per minute for those over and above the free ones? This can add up really fast, so you either want a lot of free minutes included or a low overage fee.

Calling perks: Does the cell phone plan you're considering offer any free airtime? This means nights, weekends, holidays. If it doesn't, the plan might not be the best. Free windows of time are pretty standard in most plans.

Long distance: Most cell phone plans include long distance along with the regular minutes. This means you can call across the country and not incur extra expenses. It also means you can call long distance during free call times. If your plan doesn't include this and you call long distance on a regular basis, you mig

street might not necessarily be the best plan for you.

As you shop around for different cell phone plans, there are some things to take into consideration. Paramount in shopping, however, is making sure you read the fine print in the contract. Now, with that said, let's look at some of the basic items to take into account before settling on a plan.

Phone purchase: Does the cell phone plan you're considering come with a phone? If not, is a discounted phone available? Portable phones can be pretty expensive, but the truth is most plans do come with at least a starter model for free or close to it. If you want an upgraded phone, there might be a deal to be had there, as well.

Minutes: How many minutes does the cell phone plan you're considering come with for the price? Shop around and compare this particular figure carefully. It's always best to get the most bang for your buck.

Overage charges: How much does a particular cell phone plan charge per minute for those over and above the free ones? This can add up really fast, so you either want a lot of free minutes included or a low overage fee.

Calling perks: Does the cell phone plan you're considering offer any free airtime? This means nights, weekends, holidays. If it doesn't, the plan might not be the best. Free windows of time are pretty standard in most plans.

Long distance: Most cell phone plans include long distance along with the regular minutes. This means you can call across the country and not incur extra expenses. It also means you can call long distance during free call times. If your plan doesn't include this and you call long distance on a regular basis, you mi

g come with a phone? If not, is a discounted phone available? Portable phones can be pretty expensive, but the truth is most plans do come with at least a starter model for free or close to it. If you want an upgraded phone, there might be a deal to be had there, as well.

Minutes: How many minutes does the cell phone plan you're considering come with for the price? Shop around and compare this particular figure carefully. It's always best to get the most bang for your buck.

Overage charges: How much does a particular cell phone plan charge per minute for those over and above the free ones? This can add up really fast, so you either want a lot of free minutes included or a low overage fee.

Calling perks: Does the cell phone plan you're considering offer any free airtime? This means nights, weekends, holidays. If it doesn't, the plan might not be the best. Free windows of time are pretty standard in most plans.

Long distance: Most cell phone plans include long distance along with the regular minutes. This means you can call across the country and not incur extra expenses. It also means you can call long distance during free call times. If your plan doesn't include this and you call long distance on a regular basis, you mi

carefully. It's always best to get the most bang for your buck.

Overage charges: How much does a particular cell phone plan charge per minute for those over and above the free ones? This can add up really fast, so you either want a lot of free minutes included or a low overage fee.

Calling perks: Does the cell phone plan you're considering offer any free airtime? This means nights, weekends, holidays. If it doesn't, the plan might not be the best. Free windows of time are pretty standard in most plans.

Long distance: Most cell phone plans include long distance along with the regular minutes. This means you can call across the country and not incur extra expenses. It also means you can call long distance during free call times. If your plan doesn't include this and you call long distance on a regular basis, you mi

t doesn't, the plan might not be the best. Free windows of time are pretty standard in most plans.

Long distance: Most cell phone plans include long distance along with the regular minutes. This means you can call across the country and not incur extra expenses. It also means you can call long distance during free call times. If your plan doesn't include this and you call long distance on a regular basis, you might want to think about a different plan.

Contract term: Carefully weigh the term of the contract before settling on a cell phone plan. You don't want to get tied down to a company for five years if you're not absolutely sure it's the right one for you.

Getting a good deal on a cell phone plan is not out of the question these days. Still, it will require some shopping around and thought on your part to ensure the best buy for your money. Be certain what you agree to and what the contract says jive by reading the fine print, too. You'll be happy you did.