Frugal Challenge: Don’t Use Cell Data for an Entire Month

June 30, 2017 by Thomas 7 Comments Richmond Savers has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Richmond Savers and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

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I’m writing this on a Friday afternoon, before a major upcoming holiday, while looking outside at a beautiful summer 85 degree day. This is probably the worst time to issue a frugal challenge. But I’m going to do it anyway.

I dare you to go an entire month without using cell data.

Yep, you read that right. You see, for exactly three weeks I’ve avoided using any cellular data. As in–I’ve physically turned off cell data on my device and haven’t turned it back on. If you can do the the same for a month, you’ll unlock mental freedom and some new savings in your budget.

Why I Stopped

When I took an inventory of my average day, I realized that I’m on a wifi network 98 percent of the time.

Is my life really so pathetic that I need to refresh my phone every few minutes? No.

I’m assuming that there’s about one half hour each day that I’m in the car without wifi. That’s actually an exaggeration because I don’t drive very much currently. And even when I do, my phone latches onto wifi networks along the way.

I have wifi at the grocery store, hardware store, gym, restaurants, hotels, airports, and just about anywhere else I go.

Not only that, but I realized that I was often using my phone unnecessarily. I’m guilty of checking it at stoplights, then again the second I park the car (mostly to check for new email). Is my life really so pathetic that I need to refresh my phone every few minutes? No.

Results

The results of this have been pretty amazing. First, not using data will save you money. It could get you down to a $15 per month plan at Republic Wireless, or a $12 plan at Ting Mobile.

It’s nice to know that I’m stuffing my pockets each month, by not using something I don’t need and that only adds more stress to my life. That’s been a win-win.

I’ve actually found that by looking at my phone less often, I’ve had a much better work-life balance, and when I do turn my attention to work (or email, etc.) I’m more focused and complete tasks more quickly.

One Tactic to Use

The biggest fear I had about giving up data was that I would need the GPS feature occasionally. This is incredibly easy to work around, though. I simply download the directions for offline use before I go.

With Google and other map tools, you can simply download a whole section of a map, so that the app can still guide you without a network connection.

Join Me?

I hope someone will take me up on this challenge. It’s liberating, will save you money, and you won’t miss the fireworks finale next week because you’re staring down a digital rabbit hole.

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Comments

David says
June 30, 2017 at 4:12 pm
Enjoyed your “Don’t Use Cell Data” article. I have Tracfone so don’t have much data to spare. I do use a little on occasion. I have used Google Maps offline feature which works very well. Another app that I really like is Here WeGo from here.com. This app allows you to download a map of an entire state or country rather than just an area. It works entirely offline yet still has points of interest, restaurants, etc. It’s definitely worth a look for both Apple and Android.
- Thomas says
  June 30, 2017 at 4:41 pm
  That’s awesome David. Sounds like you’ve already got the limited data idea down pat. Thanks for the app tip–will definitely check that out!
Will says
July 1, 2017 at 12:34 am
I don’t use data on my phone. I have that turned off, and have for a few months now. Challenge accepted (and conquered).
- Thomas says
  July 1, 2017 at 1:08 pm
  That’s awesome–nice work. I’m curious–did you find that you ended up using your phone less in general (even when on wifi)? Or have you managed to just avoid data but still use it about the same amount otherwise?
  - Will says
    July 2, 2017 at 12:52 pm
    I actually am using my phone less overall, even when on WiFi. While I can appreciate being able to use a phone as a “pocket computer” to me a phone is still mainly a phone used for calling people. If I am with people in a social setting, I feel it would be rude of me to be doing things on my phone. I even turned off texting. If someone wants/needs to reach me, they can call me or use Facebook Messenger.
Sarah. says
July 7, 2017 at 9:54 pm
Ever thought about giving up the cell phone all together?
The last time I had a functioning cell phone was in 2005 when my employer paid for it. Since that time, there has not been one time that I needed a phone for an emergency (well, there were two times that it would have come in really handy but I was in Mexico both times and I didn’t have anyone to call anyways so I just hopped in a cab and took my kids to the hospital — when one has stitches, the other one wants them too).
The few times that I wanted to talk to someone, I borrowed my husbands, used the courtesy phone in the store and/or asked a kind looking person to borrow theirs. When I remember, I bring my “cell phone” along and connect to a local WiFi. I’ve debated buying the (android) app that allows you to make “free” phone calls over WiFi but still haven’t been able to justify the $12 price tag.
A cell phone isn’t a need or even a want for me and I like not being connected everywhere, all the time. I can give up a lot of things but don’t suggest living without internet (at home) for even 5 minutes.
Looking forward to your future challenge ideas.
- Thomas says
  July 10, 2017 at 9:26 am
  That’s awesome, Sarah! Not gonna lie, life without a cell phone does sound pretty awesome. And good point about spouses. I do that with my wife too (use hers for data when I need it). So that definitely helps if one spouse has the upgraded option and the other has something cheaper. That’s awesome that you guys are making your system work so well.
  And yeah, I’d love to continue the “challenge” idea, maybe on a monthly basis. If you think of any good topics, please let me know!