A blog all about cell phones!

Now Google's Turning Your Phone Into A Credit Card

Yes! With Google‘s new wallet app, you’ll be able to pay with your cell phone starting this summer!

What’s the best cell phone for this purpose?

Early critics are saying that while Google’s planning is pretty thorough (used cell phones will have to have a special tamper proof chip that stores the credit card data) there’s still two possible holes: users and con artists.

Users need to pick a pin for their info that isn’t 1111 or 1234. They also need to be aware of spam apps that mimic Google’s Wallet.

Investing in an iPhone may be a good way to go, since Apple has to approve all the apps in their store.

If you’re waiting to upgrade to a google wallet capable phone, why not make a cheap upgrade now with a used cell phone? You won’t be stuck with it since there’s no contract with used cell phones, and you can get them for much cheaper (so you can often get a nicer phone!).

Then when Wallet enabled phones are released, you can recycle your used cell phones. When you buy used cell phones and recycle them, you’re saving the planet a little bit at a time.

Used cell phones also come in handy if you’re prone to lose or destroy your phones, or if you want a spare for travelling.

Colorful used cell phones appeal to kids

With more people replacing land lines with cell phones, (and with phones becoming increasingly appealing to children), it’s becoming a discussion: when is the appropriate age to give kids cell phones? While certainly it varies by family situation, there are issues of maturity, safety, and cost to consider.

• Used cell phones can cut into the cost of giving kids access to their own cell phone. Used cell phones are a fraction of the price, and due to hipster fickleness, used cell phones are often available in the models that are hot right now.
• Having kids share a used cell phone as needed can also help teach responsibility, since they will hold each other accountable as well, and it can limit the cost of adding multiple lines to a plan.
• Interested parents can also find older models of used cell phones, which can be a way of limiting their kids use of the cell phone (limiting internet, or by getting a phone that pre-dates smart phones).
• Having kids pay for their phone line can teach them about responsibility and the value of a dollar. Many plans let you add lines to a family plan for as little as $10 a month.
• Finally, used cell phones remove some of the worry that a kid will lose or break the cell phone. Since used cell phones are cheaper and don’t require contracts or fees to purchase or upgrade, you can replace a phone, or reward a responsible child with a newer used cell phone at your own pace and for a fraction of the price.

For what other moms are doing, check out this article.