Having a reliable phone is something you can't take for granted. We've been seeking the lowest priced unlimited plan for a few months now. A little over a year ago, we decided to take the leap at get iPhones. BIG mistake. HUGE. We didn't really know what we were ordering and I guess the iPhone 4S was on it's way out. What does this mean? We have SO many issues with our phones. There is absolutely no space on the phone for apps, photos or even to function. At least 4-5 times a day, my phone will shut off unexpectedly. Also, I have to constantly charge it, even if no apps are running or syncing. To take a photo, I have to delete apps--not quite convenient when you're trying to capture a quick moment at t-ball practice! Every night, we have to hookup our phones to the computer and upload everything and start from scratch. EVERY.NIGHT.
You're probably thinking: why don't you just upgrade or go to AT&T to fix the problem? We have. At least 4 times and there is "nothing they can do". Moral of this story: no more phone contracts for us! We are basically paying over $100 a month for useless phones. What a waste of money!
Since a functioning phone is essential for working at home (plus I take all blog photos with it), I knew I needed to do something for the summer. Plus, we have so many events and summer fun to capture, I don't want to have to worry about my phone working when I need it. What if we have a flat tire on our road trips?!
I've heard nothing but great things about Walmart Family Mobile. But I wasn't quite sure how it worked, so Gabby and I went to get more info at Walmart. Here's what you need to know:
- You pay for the phone up front. There are many different price ranges and the one I picked (ZTE ZMAX) was $179. It has amazing reviews and I loved the larger size.
- I figure not having a contract is worth the initial charge upfront. Plus, if I want a new phone in a year, it's simple to save up and upgrade without paying an arm and a leg to get out of a contract!
- Disclaimer: All prices for phones and plans included in this post are accurate as of the date of posting; however, these prices are subject to change. Please refer to http://cbi.as/ax84 or your local Walmart for current pricing.
- You need a starter kit. If you are a first time buyer, you need a $25 starter kit. Inside is activation instructions AND the SIM card.
- If you order your starter kit online, be sure they correctly ACTIVATE it when you pick it up. I had an issue with that.
- This SIM card can be transferred to any card you get, so you'll only have to buy this once.
- Ordering online is easy! I initially checked out all options in store at Walmart, but I had to order the phone I picked online. It's nice to read reviews, see more options and get cash back from Ebates for my order!
- Shipping is FREE. You don't have to wait for a home delivery, there are Site-To-Store options or Store Pickup!
- Activating the phone is SO easy! I was scared the process would be tedious, but my phone was activated in less than 5 minutes!
- The Walmart Family Mobile service is $29.88/month. That is unlimited talk, text and data (1G of 4G LTE!). Compared to our other plan, this would save us over $30/month for my phone alone! There is no contract, you are just billed monthly.
- If you don't want to continue the service, cancel whenever you want! This is a great option for someone who travels occasionally and wants a business phone.
The Walmart Family Mobile plan will save us SO much money, which is essential during our busy summer when we are already cutting corners. Once Ricky's contract ends in August, we will add him to this plan and we'll be saving even more! With reliable service, great phone options and an amazing coverage area, you can't go wrong. I can actually use my phone in my basement or in the grocery store, places that never had service before! Compared to my old phone, the ZTE ZMAX has so much more space for apps and photos--plus the camera is crystal clear.
We are heading on our summer road trip next week to Mackinac Island and I am so happy I'll have a working phone. I have no sense of direction, so a map app is must-have, but there are some others we love too. Now that I can have more than 2 working apps on my phone, I'm so excited to use some of my old go-to road trip apps:
- Gas Buddy. You can search for the cheapest gas in the area you are in. If you're on the highway, you can see how far the nearest gas station is.
- Songza. Listen to family friendly playlists or your favorite 90's hits while driving. We like to bring a bluetooth speaker with us for hotel rooms. I have found this app more fun than Pandora.
- Photo Grid & Flip-a-Gram. Capture all of those fun vacation pics with collages and quick videos with these free apps. I like to print off the collages later!
- Yelp. We like to find great places to eat--just don't always trust the reviews! People like to complain!
- Kindle. When I was little, I hauled tons of books in a backpack for vacations--now you can just use the Kindle app to read. Our library offers free books, magazines, music and audiobooks. Definitely something to look into!
To save on gas, be sure to check your local favorite gas stations for rewards programs. These are NOT credit cards, just ones you swipe to save on gas. My favorites to save at least $0.03/gallon are Shell Fuel Rewards, BP Driver Rewards, Speedway Speedy Rewards and Meijer Mperks (your fill-up goes towards Mperks rewards!). I just keep all of the cards clipped together in my car, that way they are always available when I fill up. I know there are so many more gas rewards programs, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled when you're filling up! Every little bit counts, especially when you're on a road trip!
I'll be sharing pics and posting during our trip to Mackinac Island, be sure to follow along on Instagram!
What are your go-to apps for travel? Any Mackinac Island tips for us?
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