The Lowest Price Unlimited Plans Leave More Money For Smart Accessories

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Momma Told Me: Phones are only as smart as their user.

I'm usually an early adopter. However, when it came to smartphones, the sticker shock of expensive handsets, bundled with overwhelming contract rates, had me sitting on the sidelines for several years. I desperately wanted to throw out my old 'dummy phone,' and begin zipping around with Google Maps and tinkering on Words With Friends. Touchscreens, Mobile Applications, Global Positioning, it all sounded so glamorous. There was only one problem, no matter how smart the phone was- I was not the smartest user. Jay and I are both klutzes, and (Jay more than I) tend to burn through technology rapidly for the silliest of reasons. And that's how the lowest priced unlimited plans really opened a new doorway for us.

When we activated our first smartphones, I treated mine like a second child, while Jay dove right into syndrome-like social behaviors. I could hear the digital music of applications being played from behind the bathroom door, Google Maps became the only singular navigation device ever needed, and suddenly our food was much more interesting than it had ever been before! While he was busy mastering the art of selfies and checking into mundane locations on Foursquare I kept my smartphone tucked securely in my purse and used it strictly as a cellular device.

Of course, while I had the same handset for two years, Jay went through 4 smartphones in just about the same time. It seems, when one gets comfortable with their smartphone they tend to develop what I lovingly refer to as 'Smart Phone, Dumb Owner.' This is a phenomenon where users have adapted to the smartphone way of life so much that common sense is purely thrown out the window. Tell-tale signs may include; handling one's phone in the bathroom (especially while the toilet seat is up), driving with speakerphone on and the handset in one's hand, or the complete loss of navigational skill resulting in one stranded on the bad side of town simply because a data signal went down.

I was determined to cut the financial bleeding of multiple handsets, and this fascinating syndrome, last year when I learned about #FamilyMobile Unlimited Talk Text and Data/Web plans. Not only did they offer the lowest priced unlimited plans, but they had several affordable smartphone handsets under $100 and an impressive coverage map of service. I was instantly convinced it was time for myself to upgrade my 2 year-old handset and switch to a much more affordable, contract-free service. It didn't take Jay long to catch on to my sleek new phone and the $7/month savings I enjoyed through Family Mobile, so I headed back to Walmart to invest in a smartphone upgrade for him.

Not only did we enjoy even more savings ($5 off per additional line) when we activated his new Family Mobile phone on my existing plan, we had a little extra in the budget to invest in some smart accessories too! It's easy to #MaxYourTax refund with so many smartphone handsets under $100, and affordable accessories to protect and enhance them. Gone were the days of balancing my large smartphone on the steering wheel (or worse, my chest) as I followed map navigation. From sports armbands to waterproof cases, and water-damage emergency kits, we were impressed with the range of smartphone accessories stocked for our new Family Mobile phone.

With the monopoly on branding and marketing in the US, many smartphone owners can easily develop Smart Phone, Dumb Owner Syndrome with the preconceived notion that smartphone accessories are linear. Wrong! You do not have to buy accessories branded specifically for your phone model, in fact, most accessory packages will have a wide range of compatible specs right on them. If you're concerned about compatibility, browse your local store's smartphone accessory selection with full product descriptions online, before heading in to buy. These days, most devices with Bluetooth technology are inter-compatible, making hands free headsets and car visor mount speakers more attainable than ever. There simple is no reason for SPDO Syndrome to take over your safe driving practices!

Of course, as smart as smartphones are, there are some things they simply can't do without the aid of a great accessory. No matter how advanced your device is, you'll find yourself running out of 'juice' at the most inopportune times. If you want your ready for roadside emergencies and to still have enough juice for backseat Words With Friends, you need to invest in smart charging solutions. Secondary battery packs can be great on-the-go charging solutions, with easy USB charging outputs built right in. For couples like Jay and I we also need a high speed dual car charger for those times when we're stuck in LA traffic with no additional power source.

Whether your goal is to protect precious cargo with hands-free devices, or protect your new tech investment with a shock-absorbing case, you don't need to compromise common sense for cell phones. With the wide range of contract free services, and the cheapest wireless plans, in the electronics department of your local Walmart, there truly are no more excuses. For those still afraid to dip their toes in the smartphone pond; now's the time to dive right in with handsets more affordable than ever, and wide range of accessories to compliment them. For those suffering from SPDO, take the first step towards recovery with intelligent devices built to protect your investment and help you re-connect with the world again. What's your biggest hurdle committing to smartphones? Do you suffer from SPDO Syndrome?

What Daughter Says: Get the most our of your smartphone with smart accessories and affordable unlimited service.

The Cheapest Wireless Plans Can Save Valentine's Day For A Tech Sweetie #shop

Momma Told Me: Give a gift that keeps on giving.

Valentine's Day is almost upon us. I don't intend to solicit chaos and discount store riots, but the big day is less than a week off, and it's the women who have it hard on this one. Sure, men are easy enough to please, but when you've been with someone more than a few holidays you either ignore the date altogether or intend on making the occasion something extra special. And, while I could give you a dozen romantic ideas, one featuring a singing penguin telegram, the simple truth is, most of the people I care about can benefit from a good tech upgrade. Whether it's my father, boldly leaving behind his land-line for a much more affordable, and mobile, unlimited talk, text, and data plan- or Jay and his year-long campaign for a new smartphone with reliable service. This year, when the calendar hit February, I immediately knew I wanted to give a Valentine's gift that would have a positive impact all year round.

In our household, with Christmas in December, Valentine's in February, and Jay's birthday in April, it seems like there are several months spent campaigning for gifts. Men can be fickle creatures to shop for; they always seem intent on brushing off holidays as if they could go with or without. But it's hard to deny the, sometimes less than subtle, messages they casually drop between cuddles and in front of mutual friends. Do you have a Valentine that's interested in tech and trying to save a few pennies? If so, then Jay just might be onto something big with his demand for a new contract free cell phone. When it comes to couples, especially those that live together, it can be a big step to combine cellular service, as well as a practical one.

As Jay's excessive loving notes have indicated over the past few months, adding him onto my Walmart #FamilyMobile plan as an additional line could not only be more affordable for us both, but might allow us to connect more through a shared service. As a general rule I feel buying electronics for loved ones can be dubious. Who wants to invest in that Man Cave TV and take away quality relationship time throughout the year? But Jay made several good arguments towards upgrading his old phone and combining our service. More often than not lately I've awoken to hand drawn re-imaginings of the sunrise attached to a sentiment about poor network service. His cell phone provider has even been notorious for not processing auto-payments and shutting down his phone all-together. If you've ever stood in front of the discount theater in a dress and heels waiting for your sweetie to show up a half an hour late- you know the damage a poor data connection can have on a relationship!

So, this year I broke my 'no technology' gift rule, and headed into my local Walmart to look into the potential of upgrading Jay's cell service and phone for a Valentine's gift. I didn't receive a large tax refund this year but I knew one could easily #MaxYourTax with the wide variety of smartphones under $100 on the Walmart #FamilyMobile plan. There were several great models to shop, and even explore, before buying at the wireless center. It didn't take long for the recently price-dropped one-touch Evolve smartphone to catch my eye at just $79. With the $25 Activation Kit I was also not only gifting a new smartphone, but providing a $25 credit towards the first month of service, all for just over $100 out the door. And, by activating Jay's new line on my existing account, he'd be paying just $35 for one of the lowest priced unlimited plans around.

Normally I'd worry about the cheapest wireless plans having the potential for service and speed issues, but I know from experience I can count on the coverage in our areas. Not only is there an easy to search coverage map customers can fit their service with online, but I can instantly manage all of my Family Mobile accounts online, or directly through our smartphone devices. No more billing errors, and missed calls on the old network! And, because our home and surrounding work area are in the 'Excellent' coverage zone for service, I can rest assured I won't be getting any more hand drawn photo texts.

Because Jay will be working for Valentine's Day this year, we decided to celebrate the holiday a little early over a nice dinner in. And, because I'd also grown tired of the campaign for a new smartphone, I happily presented him with his gift then, too. Not only was he immediately excited to learn we'd soon be sharing the same wireless plan, but he quickly picked up on the savings he'd be enjoying over his previous plan. And I, like a good girlfriend, was quick to remind him that I'd be expecting to see those savings go towards honorable investments, like our 'B' Movie Date Nights and a AAA Membership for roadside assistance. Most years I struggle with Valentine's Day and what to do with my tax return, this year it was a no-brainer. I helped my sweetie save on great wireless service, year-round, and presented him with a brand new smart-phone all for just over $100. Now, if you excuse me, I think I deserve a chocolate or two! #CollectiveBias

What Daughter Says: Why not spoil your sweetie with a gift that will save and help you connect all year round?