All the ads promise the best features, the best services and the best prices around. But which one is best for you? The best cell phone can change from month to month and year to year depending on your particular needs. Shop wise today so that you can keep from getting robbed tomorrow.

DO NOT get your phone for free. There is really no such thing as a free phone. The company gets you to lock in to a service for around two years guaranteeing that they will get your money for that amount of time (more than making up for the cost of a phone that was probably outdated when they gave it to you).

DO NOT splurge on all the bells and whistles. No matter what business you are in, you do not NEED text messaging, image send capabilities or most of the “great features” that are available with cell phone service. Use your laptop for these instead. You can usually find a place to get free WiFi access instead of paying for the privilege.

DO read all of the fine print. Most of the companies require a one year agreement in the beginning. If you try to leave before that year is up then you will have to pay a cancellation fee (that will likely cost more than paying out the final months of service). However, once you have passed your initial plan period then you will probably be on a month to month service plan and free to change your service at any time free of penalties. You will only know what you can do and when you can do it if you read all the paperwork before you sign on the dotted line.

Know what you are getting into before you get into it and you will be able to avoid penalties, cancellation fees and overage costs.