3 Good Reasons Why You Don’t Need A Cell Phone

I know I just wrote a whole long article about cell phones, and how to save money on your plan. It’s kind of funny, however, that when I was writing the article it never occurred to me, not once, to advise people to cancel their cell phone plan altogether. I mean, it wasn’t even on my radar.

Which is weird. But, the article got me thinking. After doing all that research, I was bound and determined to call up Verizon the next day and switch to a “Pay As You Go Plan”. Which I haven’t done yet, but only because before I was about to call, a novel idea hit me: why do I even need a cell phone at all?

I mean, I’m paying $50 a month for a phone I rarely, if ever use. And even if I switch to a “Pay As You Go” plan, I’m still going to have to buy a new phone (mine is dead; I’m paying $50 a month for a dead phone…)

So, why bother? Why not just get one of those cheap “emergency phones” that give you 5 or 10 minutes of talk time and leave it at that?

The idea, when I had it, seemed so radical, and so fringe, that I had to mull it over a few days to get used to it. I mean, who doesn’t have a cell phone? Would I spontaneously combust if I cancelled my plan without getting another?

This is why I’m offering up 3 reasons why canceling your cell phone plan might be a good idea.

Now, I fully realize that many people, especially parents with children, consider their cell phone to be a crucial part of their life. And admittedly if I had children, I would not even think of giving up my phone.

For the rest of you who aren’t as attached to your cell phones, here we go:

3 Reasons You Should Cancel Your Cell Phone Plan

1. You Can Save A Lot Of Money

I know this is the most obvious reason, but I couldn’t leave it out.

I fork over $50 every month to Verizon. If I cancel my cell phone entirely, this will save me $600 every year. How much would you save without a cell phone bill? How much would you save without all the extra “fees” of going over your minutes, texting, watching TV, and everything else?

The number might be staggering…

2. Quality of Life

If you use your cell phone so you can be available once you leave work, then this means you’re working even more every day and probably not getting paid for it.

Remember this novel idea, years ago, when you worked while you were at work, and then didn’t work when you left?

I know, it’s a fascinating concept that seems almost too good to be true…

All joking aside, however, maybe this is an idea we really need to explore more. I mean, what’s wrong with not being reachable 24/7? Don’t you think it would be liberating not being tied to a cell phone? Wouldn’t it be a bit fun to be, well, on your own?

3. Health

We’ve probably all heard of the cases of people who got tumors in their brain that were shaped like a cell phone. And while it’s easy to pass this off, it still begs the question: do we really know if cell phones are doing us harm?

I mean, last year the FDA was certain that the BPA chemical in plastic bottles was completely safe. Now, they’re not so sure.

Years ago, the tobacco industry swore on a stack of Bibles that cigarettes were completely harmless. Now? Yikes.

I’m certainly not advocating we go around like Chicken Little, afraid of everything, but if you’re thinking of trying a life sans cellphone, then this might be the best reason to kick the habit. Because really, we just don’t know how safe they really are.

Why You Should Have A Cell Phone

Emergencies happen. While I’m starting to love the idea of not having a cell phone, I guess what I should say is I love the idea of not having a cell phone plan. I love the idea of not having a phone where people can call me up anytime, or send me text messages.

What I don’t love, however, is having a dead car or flat on a dark road when I’m alone and no way to call for help.

Which I why I think having an emergency phone, even if it only gives you 5 minutes a month, is still a very good idea.

Last Word

Funnily enough while writing this post, I decided to take the plunge and just do it. I cancelled my cell phone (I had to pay $99 to get out of it, of course).

And, I didn’t even combust. Amazing.

Tomorrow, I will go on a search for the most stripped down emergency phone I can find. I feel liberated already…

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