In response to the question on how to save money on telephone costs.

Saving money on phone calls is important information these days as if one is not careful, one can get fooled into a contract where the fine print doesn't let you out for years. Where the contract states things like - after the first 30 days...(insert horrible clause). Where the contract highjacks one into enormous long-distance fees. The list goes on.

These types of phone carriers are everywhere and make life hell on people trying to live within a budget; especially difficult on students and their cell phones. If one is away at College and wants to just call home anytime, they should be able to do that and not pay a month's worth of lunch money to do so.

Who has the time or inclination to sit down with a mignifying glass and read a 20 page contract in print so small one can barely read it WITH the magnifying glass!?

There are several iron-clad ways to make absolutely certain this does Not happen to you!

#1 Option - Use a Tracfone. I have toted the value of these phones before mainly due to the inability to trace them; however the most important feature for most people isn't that - it is the cost of calling. With a tracfone, the minutes (or units) are the same - no matter where you call, no matter when you call, time of day or night doesn't matter. You can just add airtime, you don't need a phone card everytime; just reload them online or over the phone.

It can be to Tokyo and Tracfone doesn't care - a unit is a unit. PERIOD. You will Never have a contract. You will never have a bill. You buy minutes online or by phone. The phone card (or just adding of minutes) cost (for example) is 200 minutes for 40 bucks!! You can buy from as little as 20 minutes to a full year. They also have double your minutes time to pay for as well. The phone is Cheap to buy (15.00) or 30.00 for one with a good camera in it!

#2 Option - Use VOIP. Voice over internet protocol - this is where you use your computer to another computer for talking and you can use a web-cam as well if you wish. The best part about this is it is 100% FREE. You can call and talk anywhere for as long as you want - use video too and it's all free. I don't know WHY it is free as it is better than the telephone...maybe people just havn't gotten used to it yet. Also, you do need to be with your computer/laptop.

#3 Option - Vonage is also a good value and no contracts. You get Flat-rate local and long distance calling anywhere in Canada, & the U.S. You get 20+ calling features including: Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Waiting. You get to Keep your existing number (but not available *everywhere*) You do get free calls to Europe; Italy, France, Spain, the U.K. & Ireland (not sure about where else).

You get 500 minutes anywhere in Canada, the U.S.A. and Puerto Rico. Unlimited incoming calls as well.

#4 - Cricket - looks promising but I wouldn't *trust* it just yet. You *can* get unlimited talk, text and internet for as low as $35/month; but what if you don't WANT or need internet (say you are in school and it is provided) - then it is pretty pricey really.

Stay AWAY from ANY plan that has ANY sort of contract. No signing of anything.

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