If money is tight and you need a new phone, you really do need to take the time search the market properly. Whilst the latest editions of the iPhone and Samsung’s new Galaxy S4 may look extremely appealing, you need to stop and consider if you can afford to spend so much money over the next two years. Because not only are the expensive and trendiest phones getting more expensive, they are, increasingly often, only available on 24 month contracts. Where before you might have been eight months in, beginning to regret your decision and looking to the end that’s four months away, now that end is only the halfway point. Mobile phone contracts are still next to impossible to get out of – once you’re in, you’re in.

If, however, you’re dead set on a Galaxy or an iPhone then why not consider going for an older model? Usually when a new model has been released the prices of older models are often significantly reduced.
No matter what phone you’ve chosen you should shop around. Look online, go to your high street stores and talk to the experts, find the network that offers you the best deal.

Contract options

Think carefully, go back over your bills to see how often you’ve used your phone in the past and consider how many minutes, texts and data you really need. Do you actually spend much time talking or are you a heavy texter? Question if you really need to download as much as you do. You may be surprised at what exactly you do, or don’t use your phone for. It would make sense to opt for the contract offering the things you actually need, rather than choosing a plan which costs more and gives you ‘unlimited’ minutes, text messages and data.

Finally, does it really have to be a contract?

If you’re not convinced you’ll be able to pay the monthly bills of a contract phone then Pay As You Go (PAYG) is the sensible choice. With PAYG it’s easier to limit how much you’re spending on your phone and best of all, you’re not tied into a contract. So, for example, when you can’t afford to pay £20+ a month, you only top up by £10. At the outset it might not seem like the coolest option but it’s far superior to being tied into an expensive 24 month contract you can no longer afford.