1Affordable Ways of Communication – Technology Options

As technology improves so do our methods of communication; budget-savvy people all over the world are taking advantage of everything that technology has to offer in order to keep the lines of communication open while ensuring that the wallet remains firmly shut.

• Social Networks

  In the last decade or so there has been a marked increase in the number of people who are using social networks to communicate with their friends, co-workers, and the members of their family. With an easy to navigate layout that even the least computer and technology-savvy person can understand, social networks sites like Facebook and, to a lesser extent Twitter and MySpace, have risen to the top of free effective methods of communication with those inside of your social and family circles. More than photo and video sharing, you are able to hold real-time instant messaging conversations as well as share interesting websites and even information related to your day-to-day activities. Social networking websites are, in general, free to use and are an excellent method of reconnecting or keeping in touch.



• Instant Messaging

  Instant messaging, or IM’ing, has long been the standard in online communication methods; from AOL Instant Messaging, Yahoo Messaging, and MSN Live Messenger, these free text ways of communication are easy to use and rather simple to keep up with. An added bonus to these types of IM services is that they offer a file sharing option in addition to a free voice-chat option that will allow you to speak to your chat partner instead of typing to them – using your computer’s speakers and microphones.



• Virtual Worlds

  Virtual worlds are an excellent low-cost or even free method of keeping in touch with your friends, family members, and even a romantic partner. Companies like Second-Life offer their customer’s a 3D virtual world in which you can see an avatar representation of yourself - for people involved in long-distance relationships, this can help to ease the pain of separation from your partner just a little bit. Vzones is another company that has, for over 15 years, offered its client-base a virtual world full of games, fun role-playing events, and excellent member conversations. A virtual world is a great place to bring your friends and family members together for fun and conversation when you are all scattered across the world.



• Internet Phone Options

  While many people still have a “land-line” in their homes, there has been a sharp increase in the number of people who are making the switch to a VoIP (voice over IP) phone option. A VoIP option, like those offered by Vonage and Skype, can help you to see a dramatic decrease in the amount of money that you spend on your phone bill. With hugely discounted long-distance and international rates, VoIP services have rapidly become a firm favorite for the budget-conscious person. Skype is one service, however, that manages to stand out from all others as it offers a text-chat option as well as a voice and video chat option to its users – as a free service. Skype has even developed an application for use on mobile devices so that you can call someone in another country using Skype on your cell phone – without using your minutes and running up a large phone bill. Many businesses around the world have also started to view Skype as the ideal method of keeping phone and communication costs to a minimum.



• Blogs & Photo Sharing Websites

  Creating a free blog or starting an account on a free photo sharing website is a great method of keeping family and friends up to date on the latest happenings in your life. Grandparents who live out of state or even out of the country can watch their grandchildren grow up right in front of their eyes by reading about the latest antics on blogs and photo sharing websites.

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Affordable Ways of Communication - Calling Options

In addition to free and lost cost internet-related phone choices, a budget-conscious and savvy consumer can locate additional savings for their mobile phones and landlines.

• Unlimited Calling Plans

  Many mobile phone carriers offer their customers unlimited plans that include unlimited data, unlimited voice (including long-distance), and unlimited text. For someone who may have friends and family scattered around the USA this plan is an ideal option to help keep your cell phone bill manageable while still allowing you the freedom to talk to everyone that you care about.



• Calling Cards

  To help you save money on long distance or international calls you should consider a calling card that can help you to avoid the oftentimes costly monthly fees associated with having a long distance or international package on your phone line. A calling card can help you to carefully budget how much you will spend on your long distance and international calls to friends and family. If you have a child away at college a calling card will help them to keep in touch with you without busting either of your budgets!

• Land Line Good Sense

  To ensure that your landline is not busting your budget you should ensure that your calling plan is one that works effectively for your calling needs. Your long distance packages should provide you with the freedom to call every person within your family and friend circle without busting your monthly budget. Many telecom companies offer bundling packages that will provide you with a steep discount if you have both a landline and a mobile phone with their company.

By taking advantage of the multitude of free or budget-friendly ways of communication at your disposal, you will not only be able to effectively manage your budget but you will also be able to stay in touch with everyone you care for!