The cost of living crisis might be a depressing topic to have to revisit, but the fact of the matter is it’s not going anywhere soon.
If anything, it’s going to get worse before there’s any sign it could improve.
This is because, after April this year, even more bills are going to become more expensive, with households across the country forking out more for their council tax and water bills, to name just a couple of expenses.
Another expense that is going to rise for most is the cost of owning and using a phone. Phone bills rise every year and have done long before the cost of living crisis, but the rise could be steeper this year – and hit when people’s finances are already stretched.
People are said to be facing ‘exorbitant’ prices and exit fees. So, with that in mind, how can you keep your smartphone and its essential apps but cut down on the costs?
Metro.co.uk spoke with experts at uSwitch to identify five money saving tips…
Switch to a SIM only plan
Catherine Hiley, mobile expert at Uswitch, explains that the first tip that many could do is to switch their data plans.
This is especially the case if you’ve already paid off the contract on your device and own it outright.
With no handset to pay for, you can get a plan with all the data, minutes and texts you need for a lot less than monthly handset contracts.
She estimates that this could end up saving you up to £321 a year.
Purchase a refurbished phone
If you definitely need to buy a new phone, consider shopping for a refurbished model.
With new models released so regularly nowadays, the chances are a refurbed phone won’t be as old oe run-down as you might initially think.
And with the release of new phone models coming so consistently, the difference between the latest models and a refurb might be minimal.
If you don’t need the latest camera specs and whatnot, a refurbed phone will be a cheaper option that can still give you access to all your favourite apps.
Choose a mid-range priced phone
Similar to buying refurbed, if you are in the market for a new phone, ask yourself if you need the latest model?
uSwitch’s expert explains that ‘today, there are a wide variety of mid-range mobile phones on the market… offering a range of prices, styles and performance.’
‘Mid-range mobiles can provide you with an experience comparable to that of a flagship phone, such as the latest iPhone 14. The iPhone SE and Samsung Galaxy A Series are examples of the highly-rated and budget-mid-range options available, providing plenty of premium features, such as a high-quality camera and wireless charging.’
If you aren’t particularly tech-savvy, consult the experts or ask someone for their tips on the best phones that might not be the well-known, flagship models.
Only pay for the data you use
Another point raised by uSwitch’s expert is around the data plan you sign. Many of us see the word ‘unlimited’ and think it’s a great option.
But… do you really need it?
She explains: ‘It’s essential to check your monthly data usage so you can calculate how much data you actually need. It’s easy to check your usage by logging into your network’s website or app. If you have a data surplus at the end of each month, you could save money by switching to a smaller allowance.’
Cap your spending
If you find yourself spending extra on out-of-plan charges, the expenses can add up quickly.
This is because networks typically charge inflated rates for out of plan allowances such as additional data packages. To limit further costs, you can set up a spending cap on your mobile account.
Most providers will then notify you when you get close to your monthly cap limit, preventing you from surpassing your allowance.
MORE : Woman shares how she keeps bills down – by ditching her oven and charging her phone on a solar panel
MORE : Therese Coffey solves cost of living crisis: ‘Get a job, work more hours’
Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Share your views in the comments below.
