Some people can’t live without their cellphones. It’s become just as important as their wallet or purse, but they can also be expensive.

Most people pay way too much. Here’s how to cut down on those costs:

Join a family plan: Family plans are inexpensive and once you split the bill several ways, you end up paying a lot less.

Own your own phone: When you own your own phone, you cut the costs of having to pay the equipment fee. Also, this allows you to get a pay as you go kind of plan, which is usually $40 to $50 cheaper.