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Post by Anne-Marie on Sept 26, 2017 16:47:12 GMT
Our girls are 12 (almost 13) and 15 and clearly are the last two on the planet, or at the very least in their schools, that do not have phones. We gave them iPods for Christmas two years ago and only one of those still works.
With one riding the bus after school and the other involved in extracurricular activities, we are realizing we have to bite the bullet and do this. But the cost is staggering.
Still need to talk it through with DH (who has been leaning this direction for a while) but I am thinking this may be their Christmas gift this year. Is there any way to do it so it doesn't kill us cost-wise?
We are an apple family and as they both have music and apps they've purchased for their iPods we would like to stay that way if it all possible.
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blue tulip
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,984 
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Post by blue tulip on Sept 26, 2017 16:50:02 GMT
we really like total wireless. we got a decent smartphone for $40 for our 12 yr old, and it would work well for an older teen as well. he's onour 3 line, 20G shared plan for $85/mo, otherwise it would be $35 a month for just him. they also have a 2-line plan for $60/mo. no contract.
we have Kaspersky safe kids installed to limit his usage and screen internet, it's been great too. for androids, it even lets me see who is texting him and who he's texting, tho not the actual messages themselves.
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SweetieBsMom
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Posts: 4,600
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Post by SweetieBsMom on Sept 26, 2017 16:51:38 GMT
My son is 14 and doesn't have a phone. Probably the only kid. He's on the spectrum and I've asked him if he's wanted a phone and he's like "no". I'm not going to fight him about it.
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tracylynn
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Posts: 4,861
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Post by tracylynn on Sept 26, 2017 17:12:30 GMT
If you want to keep them on an iPhone platform, your choices are limited as far as saving money. Check with your carrier, I konw TMo is offering pre-owned 6s still for around $400 (or $17 a month for 24 months). Maybe your carrier is offering something like that.
Or take your chances online and buy a refurbished one - just make sure it matches your carrier because unless they are unlocked, they don't always cross carriers. And even when unlocked, not all the features are necessarily available.
Either way, you're going to spend a few hundred bucks each to get them an iPhone. There are other cheaper options, but it would mean not being on the iOS platform.
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twinsmomfla99
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Posts: 3,979
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Post by twinsmomfla99 on Sept 26, 2017 17:28:24 GMT
AT&T prepaid.
$40/month ( if you sign up for autopay) for unlimited text/calling, plus 6 GB data.
You can get a new iPhone 6 (not refurbished) right now for $200. The 6S should show up soon, but it will be in the $350 range more than likely.
The online price is $245, but that includes a month of service.
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Post by Linda on Sept 26, 2017 18:25:24 GMT
we went with Straighttalk and an older iphone (WM - DD17's was a Black Friday deal last year and I think $99 for 5s?). It's $45/month - we buy the card but you can also refill online. DH's phone is the same deal - no contracts or anything.
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bethany102399
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Posts: 3,521
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Post by bethany102399 on Sept 26, 2017 18:35:06 GMT
We went through this with our DD last spring, she's 11. The phone was her birthday gift. We just bit the bullet and got her an iphone 6, both because I know how to "fix" it when she breaks it and I'm comfortable operating it to read her texts etc.
I'm not happy with the family plan that apple offers just FYI they STILL can't get her listed as a minor under my account. They keep having me repeat the same steps and going well that should work when it doesn't. My original plan was to have her on my itunes as a minor account which means she can't download anything without my password and I get notified of anything she does download. Right now she's listed as me, and has to come to me for the password etc. At 11 she's also not allowed on social media so I've been able to skirt the need for that at the moment. I'm not sure what we're going to do when she turns 13 and can access those things in terms of giving her her own itunes account or what.
I realize this doesn't answer your cost question but having walked this path I did want to share our experience.
as for cost, we added a line and she shares our data and text. My phone was paid off, so her phone cost basically replaced mine so our bill only went up the cost of the additional line.
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peaname
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,389
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Post by peaname on Sept 26, 2017 20:11:29 GMT
Cricket. Buy phone outright and pay $20 per month per phone includes 1GB of data then it gets throttled down but still usable. My 11 year old has an iPhone 5C, DH and I have 6s, 16 year old has a Samsung and its $100 total per month.
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Post by Anne-Marie on Sept 27, 2017 16:11:09 GMT
Thank you all so much. This gives me a several things to consider - I appreciate your input!
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Post by auroraborealis on Sept 27, 2017 18:28:42 GMT
Another option would be to get an Apple Tracfone SE or 5s (Target has them) for $199 and then buy the "pay as you go" cards.
You can get $15-one month "smartphone only" cards that include data (or $25 for 2 months). (Other options include more minutes/data, or add as you need it).
Or, you can get a "basic tracfone" card for $20 for 90 days but it will only work for calls and texting. However, they could still use apps and such with WiFi. It would be a starter option for $7/month vs. the $12.50 option above that includes some data (plus buying the phone).
You can also get a one-year card for $125, then you don't have to remember to refill it for a year.
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Post by Tammiem2pnc1 on Sept 27, 2017 19:39:51 GMT
We have Metro PCS, unlimited talk, text and data. I think for 2 phones we are paying $75 a month total. Plus streaming music through Pandora, I Heart radio and such don't eat into your data, so if you decide to go to a lower plan that caps data that is good to know.
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Post by gale w on Sept 27, 2017 21:59:01 GMT
I saw the iPhone 5s for straight talk for $99 at Walmart. It didn't work out for us because we couldn't request an AT&T Sim and kept getting t-mobile ones but it should for most areas.
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Post by leslie132 on Sept 27, 2017 23:39:14 GMT
I'm in this debate process as well. My son turns 13 next month and is BEGGING for a phone. I'm not sure as to what we (the parents) think, but I will say that I looked at them at Walmart for him.
We currently have a 3 person fairly basic package with Verizon. At Walmart, if we all make the switch and add my son we can get a 4 person plan and a larger data package for $60 less a month. My husband and I are going to talk to Verizon to see the details of breaking our contract. It may be smarter!
If anyone knows more on Walmart plan, and doesn't think it's the best idea please share. I think finding the right plan is so hard and once you commit you are usually stuck!
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Post by jumperhop on Sept 28, 2017 1:37:42 GMT
Twigby.com $9 a month unlimited texting 200 talk minutes
Jen
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 3, 2024 17:17:59 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 28, 2017 8:34:12 GMT
I've got a GREAT recommendation, but I'm sure that teens (and most people) wouldn't appreciate it, yet it's EXTREMELY cost-effective!! We use Ting. I found this company because my brother said that all of the doctors in PA were using it. It's no contract, and more like a "pay as you use it" deal. There are NO hidden fees and you could even see where you're using your talk/msging/data, day by day! My bill is usually around $17, and I use my cellphone daily, HOWEVER, I strictly limit my online time, unless it's an emergency or unless I'm on someone's wifi with their password. You can't beat $17/mo!!!!!!! Let me know if you'd like the info--I could msg you a link. They give referral gifts out, which is nice.......
It's a great way to restrict people from overusing their cell. I take pics, I send pics, I talk on the phone, I msg........ except that I'm VERY careful about going online or overusing the phone. On a "bad" month, it's been up to about $30, at most. I get great coverage with them and I can't speak more highly about them. Ooh, and you could purchase phones on their site--either new or refurbished.
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