Communicating on a Budget

Staying Connected  

One of the fundamentals that Circles teaches their leaders is the importance of social capital. Social capital means being connected with neighbors, church members, co-workers, and community members. Staying connected in 2025 is important but can be challenging when options for phones and prices are hard to navigate. Especially when we live in a time where access to our devices is the main form of communication. Applying for jobs happen on an app, it is curtesy to text your neighbor before visiting, schools text you on updates about what is happening in your child’s school, and emails are easily accessible with just an app on your phone. With the mountains giving spotty service and a budget being a barrier, phone services that are available in our region can be tricky. Phone services like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T offers bundles and plans with great coverage for our region. There are also prepaid plans that can fit a budget as well like Mint, Straight Talk, and Cricket. This can be found on the website or can be found at a local retailer. Depending on where a person is on their finances, a person can receive assistance with phone services. If a person’s income qualifies, Lifeline, a government assisted phone service plan can be a good choice. These are some of the options for our region, we as Circles of Jackson County is not endorsing or promoting any phone services, but simply showing you options for what you can work with within your own personal budget. 

Straight Talk Service  

A phone plan that can be purchased monthly, every three months, every six months, or yearly at Wal-Mart or the straight talk website.  Multi-line or single line options available. Prices vary with $30/month being the cheapest option and $45/month being the unlimited option. You will have to purchase your phone at retail price and straight talk compatible. More information can be found at http://straighttalk.com or in your participating stores like Wal-Mart.  

Mint Mobile 

Mint Mobile offers 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months plans starting at $15/month to 20$/month. There are fees that are upfront for the set services. Phones that go with Mint are available on the website and are at retail prices. More information can be found at https://mintmobile.com

Cricket  

Cricket offers month-to-month phone service from $30/month to $55/month depending on the service that you are looking for. They also offer 12 month and 3-month options at a reduced price of $25/month for 12 months or $15/month for 3 months. More information can be found at https://www.cricket.com/.

Lifeline Assited Programs 

This is a government FCC program that provides communications assistance to those in need of it. People who qualify meet an income requirement, living on tribal lands, as well as those who are survivors of domestic violence, violent crimes, and human trafficking. Proof of hardship can be through other supplemental programs like WIC, SNAP, participating in reduced school programs, or recipient of a Federal Pell Grant in that award year. More information can be found at lifelinesupport.org or http://www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers