Are you so busy with everything you have to get done in the course of a day that you barely have time to pay your bills let alone read them?  It is a challenge for many of us to look at any more than the amount and due date of each bill each month.  As long as a bill is the usual amount, you pay it without question.  Although you should review all of your monthly bills for accuracy every month, for many busy people this is just not possible. 

Cell phone bills can vary month by month if you are not on the right plan.  Many people only look further at a bill if the amount due changes by a noticeable amount.  If your bill jumps by an alarming amount, you definitely want to make some time to see why.  

Most cell phone companies will allow you to change a plan if you need more minutes or add a feature so you can use additional services like text and picture messaging for a monthly subscription rate instead of paying as you go.  Monthly subscriptions for messaging and other services are most always less expensive than paying per use.  Even if you are not being billed massive overage amounts, review your bill.  Below are some easy tips to make sure you have the best cell phone rates for your cell phone plan.  

1. Change your plan.  It is normally better to change your minute allowance if you tend to go over what your current plan offers.  If you come nowhere near the amount of minutes you are allowed, move to a cheaper plan.  

2. Everyone is text and/or picture messaging.  Maybe not.  If you do not text or picture message, don't pay for a messaging plan.  

3. Try it for free!  Free trial periods for features and services are often offered.  You may be billed each month if you do not remove or cancel them on or before the end of the trial period.  

4. Everyone is text and/or picture messaging.  If this is you, make sure you do not go over the monthly messaging allowance.  Increase the number of messages available to you each month if necessary.  Check out the unlimited messaging plans which are very popular with most cell service providers.  

5. Monitor your usage.  Providers have methods and tools to keep an eye on usage.  Visit the provider's website or use your handset to gauge your use.  If you are unaware how to do this, call your provider to ask.  

6. If you use the Internet from your phone, know how you will be billed prior to making the connection.

7. Are the line items on your bill for the amounts you agreed upon?  Codes can get entered incorrectly, and add on services can be added in error.  Make sure if you signed up for a $39.99 per month plan, that you are billed $39.99 per month.  Taxes, surcharges and other usage charges are not included.  

8. Do you carry insurance coverage for an older phone?  If so, you may want to drop the insurance at least until you upgrade to a new phone.  

9. Analyze your rate plan.  Get help from your provider or refer to www.myrateplan.com - it is a great resource to make sure your plan is working for you.  

10. Talk with friends and family to see what cell phone rates they get.  New promotions or plans may be available to you.  Sometimes a contract renewal is required to take advantage of these offers so a company will not automatically make the change.