Experts seek solutions in sharing airspace between airliners, drones

The unmanned aerial system test facility in New York is working on sense-and-avoid technology that could help commercial airliners detect and avoid drones that invade their airspace.

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The dark truth about your cat food

NESTLE is facing a class action over allegations it uses slave labour and human trafficking to produce its popular Fancy Feast cat food.

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TIna's Gourmet Sausage House caters to European tastes

There's more to Tina's Gourmet Sausage House than sausage.

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7-Eleven wage fraud ‘cover-up’

THE explosive wage theft allegations against Australia’s biggest convenience store chain 7-Eleven go all the way to the top, with claims head office must have been aware of the “half-pay scam”.

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Airbnb looks to tackle the business travel market

With over a million listings in 190 countries, Airbnb already offers up more rooms than Hilton. The home rental service isn't done expanding, however. Now, [the] $25 billion company is trying to tap into a market that's traditionally been the hotel chains bread-and-butter: business travelers.

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Fed Up With Verizon and AT&T? Try One of These Cheap Cell Phone Plans Instead

Photo: Robert Scoble

Are you starting to despise your Verizon Wireless cellphone bill? If so, you’re probably not alone.

According to CBS News, the average Verizon phone bill surged to a level never seen before late last year – $148 per customer, per month. In case you don’t want to do the math, that’s a whopping of $1,776 per year. Further, all of the other big carriers – Sprint, AT&T, and T-Mobile – had average bills of $120 per month or more last year.

Even worse, many of the “big carriers” are now asking you to pay $20 or more per month to lease a phone, which might just be the worst idea on planet Earth. (Here’s a thought: If you have to lease your cell phone, it’s too dang expensive. Am I right?)

11 Cheap Cell Phone Plans You Should Consider

If you’re hoping to get out from under your pricey cell phone and data plan, I have good news. More than a few disruptive technologies and new business models have emerged among existing cell phone providers and new companies, and some of them are offering great cell and data service for a fraction of the cost.

Even better, some of the most popular cut-rate plans will let you bring your own phone or purchase an unlocked phone that will work on their network. If you’re ready to break free of your pricey cell phone and data plan, here are a few discount carriers to consider:

Ting

Because of its flexible pricing schedule, Ting tends to attract the type of customer who only wants to pay for the minutes and data they use. To offer fair pricing based on actual usage, they place all of their services into pricing buckets and allow consumers to move freely through them each month as their needs change.

For example, keeping a device activated costs $6 per month, 1–100 minutes costs $3 per month, 1-100 text messages costs $3 per month, and 1-100 megabytes of data costs $3 per month. However, as you move up and start using more data or minutes, the pricing moves up another tier. For example, 101-500 minutes costs $9 per month and 101-500 megabytes of data costs $12 per month.

This pricing schedule means you never pay for more than you’ll use, which can truly benefit those who just need a phone for emergencies. Plus, no contracts and no commitments.

• Network details: Ting uses the Sprint network.
• Average bill: $26 per month
• Average annual savings over Verizon: $1,464
• Pros: No contracts; only pay for what you use
• Cons: Sprint network may not work in your area; pay more for heavy use

Republic Wireless

Republic Wireless harnesses the power of free Wi-Fi to offer inexpensive phone plans for its users. And as of earlier this year, they have also started “paying customers back” for their unused data in the form of a statement credit. With their new “refund plan” customers are getting unlimited texts and data over Wi-Fi, plus unlimited talk and text through the cell phone plan, plus data – and all for around $14.82 per month.

Base plans before refunding start at $10 per month, and wifi only base plans start at only $5 per month. Another perk Republic Wireless offers – no contracts! The main drawback that comes with these plans is the fact that you can’t bring your own phone, and only a handful of phones are available.

• Network details: Republic Wireless uses the Sprint network.
• Average bill: less than $25 per month
• Average annual savings over Verizon: $1,476
• Pros: No contracts; refunds for data you don’t use
• Cons: Sprint network may not work in your area; must purchase a Republic Wireless phone

Cricket Wireless

Although it started with humble beginnings, Cricket Wireless is now a key player among low-cost, no-contract mobile providers. Owned by AT&T, Cricket Mobile utilizes its parent’s network, but with cheaper plans and offerings.

They offer a wide range of prepaid plans that start at just $25 per month for unlimited talk and text. Meanwhile, unlimited talk and text plans with 2.5 GB of data start at around $35 per month. With Cricket Wireless, you can also save $5 per month by enrolling in auto-pay. Plus you can bring your own phone, provided it is already compatible with the AT&T network.

• Network details: Cricket uses the AT&T network
• Average bill: $25 and up
• Average annual savings over Verizon: $1,476
• Pros: No contracts; cheap unlimited plans; bring your own phone
• Cons: AT&T dead areas with no service; reported subpar customer service

Virgin Mobile

Virgin Mobile is another discount provider with a wide range of pay-as-you-go plans available for cost-conscious consumers. Plans with unlimited texts, unlimited Wi-Fi data, and up to 300 minutes of talk start at just $20 per month, while a plan with unlimited data, talk, and text, plus international calling runs just $55 per month. All Virgin Mobile plans are also contract-free, which means you can switch between plans or shop around for another provider at any time.

• Network details: Virgin Mobile uses the Sprint network
• Average bill: $35 per month
• Average annual savings over Verizon: $1,356
• Pros: No contracts; unlimited plans
• Cons: Must purchase a Virgin Mobile phone, although inexpensive phone options start at around $20

Boost Mobile

Boost Mobile is another low-cost provider offering no contract plans that operate on the Sprint network. Unlimited talk and text plans start at just $35 per month, and the most expensive plan Boost Mobile offers includes 10 GB of data plus unlimited talk and text for only $55 per month.

Although you can’t bring your own phone, offerings include a wide range of Android devices plus super affordable basic options from makers like Samsung, Kyocera, Motorola, and LG. In addition to its monthly unlimited plans, Boost Mobile also offers daily unlimited plans with no contract for as little as $2 per day.

• Network details: Boost Mobile uses the Sprint network
• Average bill: $35 per month
• Average annual savings over Verizon: $1,356
• Pros: No contracts; unlimited monthly and even daily plans
• Cons: Must purchase a Boost Mobile phone, although inexpensive options start at around $20

GIV Mobile

GIV Mobile is the first discount, no-contract phone service dedicated to giving 8% of a customer’s monthly plan amount (starting at $20/month) to a nonprofit charity of the customer’s choice. Utilizing T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network, GIV Mobile’s five affordable, unlimited, no-contract plans allow users to have fast and reliable connections from nearly anywhere in the U.S.

In addition to great mobile service, GIV Mobile collaborates with charities to create a community that is dedicated to giving back. With GIV mobile, you can even bring your own phone provided it is compatible with the T-Mobile network.

• Network details: GIV mobile uses the T-Mobile network
• Average bill: $30 per month
• Average annual savings over Verizon: $1,416
• Pros: GIV Mobile donates some of its proceeds to charity; no contract; you can bring your own phone
• Cons: No high-data plans available; phones can be expensive to purchase or return

Straight Talk Wireless

Straight Talk Wireless is a no-contract, discount provider that offers phones and plans through local Wal-Mart stores and online. Plans with unlimited talk and text plus 5GB of high-speed data cost just $45 per month, and Straight Talk will even let you bring your own phone. Free phones are offered with some monthly plan options, however. In addition to cell phones, Straight Talk also offers mobile hot spots and discount home phones.

• Network details: Straight Talk uses the T-Mobile,Verizon, and Sprint networks
• Average bill: $45 per month
• Average annual savings over Verizon: $1,236
• Pros: Bring your own phone; no contracts
• Cons: Reports of awful customer service online; few plan options to choose from

Scratch Wireless

Scratch Wireless offers no-contract plans plus plans that are entirely free for Wi-Fi use only. Outside of the free use on Wi-Fi, you’ll have to pay for your voice minutes. Unlimited talk plans start at just $2 per day each, or you can buy bulk plans with minutes and/or texts starting at around $6.99 for 100 voice minutes.

On the free Wi-Fi-only plan, you can also buy “passes” that hook you up to cell service for $1.99 per use. Meanwhile, texting on Scratch Wireless is always free – whether you’re on Wi-Fi or not.

• Network details: Scratch Wireless operates on the Sprint network
• Average monthly bill: less than $10 per month
• Average annual savings over Verizon: $1,676
• Pros: Free to use on Wi-Fi; cheap plans and one-time-use passes available
• Cons: Only one phone to choose from

GoSmart Mobile

With GoSmart Mobile, you can enjoy unlimited talk, texts, plus 1 GB of 4G Web browsing and unlimited 4G LTE Facebook access for $30 per month. Other plans with more data are available, however; the top-tier plan costs $45 per month but includes 10GB of data and Web browsing.

If you don’t need access to the Internet, unlimited talk and text plans start at just $25 per month. Added features include voicemail, call waiting, caller ID, free 411 calls, and mobile hotspot/tethering.

• Network details: GoSmart uses the T-Mobile network
• Average monthly bill: $35
• Average annual savings over Verizon: $1,356
• Pros: No contract; low-cost plans; bring your own phone
• Cons: No online account management; slow customer service reported on message boards

Consumer Cellular

As a provider geared toward senior citizens, Consumer Cellular offers no-contract, “no-frills” plans that start at just $10 per month. Cellular minutes and data/text plans are billed separately, which allows you to pick and choose which services – and how much of them – you want to pay for.

A plan with 250 minutes plus 30 MB of web data and 300 text messages, for example, would cost just $17.50 per month. If you’re worried about coverage on the AT&T network, you’ll also benefit from a 30-day money back guarantee.

• Network details: Consumer Cellular uses the AT&T network
• Average monthly bill: $50 per month
• Average annual savings over Verizon: $1,176
• Pros: Pay-as-you-go; no contract plans; a la carte pricing; you can bring your own phone
• Cons: Expensive data plans and add-ons

FreedomPoP

FreedomPop says it offers up to 200 voice minutes, 500 text messages, and up to 500 MB of data per month absolutely free with no gimmicks, no hassles, and no contracts.

If you need more, you can also pay for more. For example, a plan with unlimited talk and text plus 500 MB of data costs just $6.67 per month. You can bring your own phone to FreedomPOP if you want, or you can choose from one of their new or refurbished devices starting at $39.99.

• Network details: FreedomPop uses the Sprint network
• Average monthly bill: Less than $10 per month
• Average annual savings over Verizon: $1,676
• Pros: Free plans available for infrequent phone users; you can bring your own phone
• Cons: Reports of “gotcha” pricing after free usage and bad customer service on message boards

The Bottom Line

While all of these plans seem amazing, it’s important to read through all of the fine print and check out some reviews before making the switch. While you may be saving money, you’ll usually have to give something up – whether that’s excellent customer service, unlimited service, coverage area, or phone options. While some sacrifices may be worth it, others – like spotty service in your home area – may not.

Still, if paying more than $100 per month for cell phone service irks you, it might be time to at least consider your options. While switching plans and providers can be a hassle, the savings could very well be worth it. Imagine what you could do with an extra $80, $90, or even $100 per month!

What low-cost cell provider do you use? Have you had good or bad experiences with any of these options?

The post Fed Up With Verizon and AT&T? Try One of These Cheap Cell Phone Plans Instead appeared first on The Simple Dollar.

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4 Ways My Freezer Helps Me Save $65 a Month on Groceries

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When I think about budget cooking, too often images of beans and rice fill my mind.

While I love well-prepared rice and beans, I’ve found another easy way to help save money in the kitchen: preserving meals and foods in my freezer.

This technique doesn’t rely on pinching pennies, a particular set of skills or exclusively buying marked-down bread and produce (both of which I do!). Instead, I use my freezer to make the most of my grocery budget and meal preparation time, saving me at least $65 per month while reducing the daily stress of cooking.

But what exactly is “freezer cooking”? It means using a freezer to store ready-to-go entrees, sides and ingredients for future use. By strategically using my freezer, I always have meals and ingredients on hand to keep my cooking tasty and on budget.

1. It Prevents Mindless Eating Out

I like going out to eat for fun, not because I’m feeling lazy or tired. On those days, I like to eat already-prepared meals that require little more than turning on the oven or pulling out a pan.

Freezer cooking also takes some of the expense and mental work out of eating healthy. I can carefully budget and plan meals that meet my nutritional goals, instead of running to the grocery store at the last minute to buy food for a healthy dinner when all I really want is mac and cheese and chocolate chip cookies.

Lunch can be a difficult meal to plan for, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of going out with your co-workers if you don’t have leftovers from the night before.

My husband usually takes his lunch to work, so I also make a few single-serving meals he can pop in his lunch bag. Items like cheesy refried bean burritos and soups can thaw during the morning and you can microwave them by lunchtime.

Savings: $30 a month

2. It Maximizes Your Grocery Budget

Have you ever been at the grocery store and seen a great deal, but been hesitant to stock up because you’re not sure what to do with a large quantity of one item?

Freezer cooking helps me take advantage of sales and promotions because I create a plan to use the food in a batch of a particular recipe.

The opposite also works. If I know I want to make recipes that need a specific ingredient, I can start watching for those items to go on sale. I’ve purchased multiple pork loins at half price to make pork ragout and pounds of discounted shredded cheddar cheese for quiche.

If you’re a farmers market regular or a CSA member, take full advantage of seasonal produce. Are sweet peppers in season, with tons of bounty at incredibly low prices? Research recipes like red pepper pesto and pepper steak, then stock up, cook away and fill your freezer.

Savings: $10 a month

3. It Keeps Meal Staples Handy

I try to keep a handful of convenience items on hand in my freezer to make meal prep a breeze.

Items like pizza dough, naan bread, chicken broth and cooked beans are far cheaper to make than buy, and you can store them in the freezer until you’re ready to eat them. For example, I make multiple recipes of naan bread and freeze it to eat with Thai pizzas or coconut curry.

Every few months, I make a couple of pounds of cookie dough and freeze it in one-pound packages. Each one is a perfect last-minute dessert for an event or special treat for an evening at home.

Savings: $15 a month

4. It Minimizes Food Waste

Do you ever wind up throwing away odds and ends from recipes (half a can of tomato paste, anyone?) or leftovers because they go bad before you can use them?

My freezer has become my prime kitchen storage for perishable ingredients I’d otherwise stuff in the back of the fridge and forget.

I freeze ingredients like leftover tomato paste, buttermilk or homemade roasted peppers in small increments to grab for future recipes. If I have leftovers I’m not sure I’ll eat before they go bad, I’ll throw them in the freezer for future lunches and dinners.

Savings: $10 a month

By strategically using my average-size freezer, I’ve been able to eat well at home, maximize my grocery budget and keep food waste to a minimum without subsisting on rice and beans.

Want to save more? Click here and we’ll help you make over your grocery budget!

Your Turn: How do you use your freezer to keep your food budget on track? Any tips or favorite recipes?

Abigail Murrish enjoys helping people enjoy delicious food while staying on budget. She is a food and agricultural writer situated in the heart of the Midwest who is passionate about encouraging people to know their food and eat well.

The post 4 Ways My Freezer Helps Me Save $65 a Month on Groceries appeared first on The Penny Hoarder.

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