First of all, be aware when you are shopping that there is more out there than meets the eye. For instance, T-Mobile has what is called Even More Plus plans that are cheaper than their Even More plans but they don't even show the plus plans on their web site anymore. A call to their sales office confirmed that these plans are still available, you just have to ask for them. So, how do I know what to ask?

I always suggest checking with several sources, online, with a retail office, and the company's sales 800 number. Obviously, companies are going to try to get you to sign a two year contract if they can. I would avoid those plans like the plague. Who knows what will be available in one month, not to mention two years? Don't get wrangled into one of those contracts.

I would recommend one of the new breed of prepaid carriers that still offer free nights and weekends and a fixed number of minutes, but no contracts. Many of these plans are even cheaper than their contracted counterparts. You may pay a little more for the phone in the beginning, but you will more then make up for in in just a couple months savings on your plan. These are currently the best plans I have run across.

Virgin Mobile - These guys are out to destroy the competition. If they did more advertising, and people found out about their plans, they would. Right now, they are offering for $25, yes TWENTY FIVE dollars a month 300 minutes WITH unlimited text, data, and web. If you have text and web, you can email and text more and don't need too many minutes. Jump all over this one if it is anything close to what you are looking for. I am afraid they will wake up and take this deal away any time now.

Boost Mobile - This would be my number two choice, possibly number one depending on where you live and if you want unlimited minutes. Boost uses the Sprint network, so they are pretty reliable, and offer everything but the kitchen sink unlimited for $50 a month, which actually DECREASES (you read that right) in price as you pay your bill over time. Eventually, they promise you can pay $35 for everything if you keep on paying on time. Hard to beat if you are a hard core talker.

Straight Talk - This is basically the T-Mobile service being resold by Wal-Mart. Of course, as with everything Wal-Mart does, they cut the crap out of the price and pass the savings on to the unsuspecting public. Unlimited everything on the T-Mobile network for $45 a month, not too shabby.

Metro PCS - Not my favorite company in the world because of the possible lack of coverage in some areas and dodgy customer service. However, for $50 a month for unlimited nationwide everything, they deserve a mention.

Common Cents Mobile - If Grandma needs a phone to call the hospital to let them know she fell in the bathtub and can't get out (assuming she has the phone in the bathtub), this might be the phone service to have. Seriously though, if you don't use too many minutes, this service gives you prepaid minutes at 7 cents a minute. If you only use a hundred minutes or less a month, this would be a bargain.

I am sure there will be more changes and more plans to come in the next few months. Stay tuned to my blog for the latest money saving advice.