iPhone No Phone

I love my phone. I loved my basic cell phone. I loved my android phone. Now I love my iPhone. I use it for everything it was meant to be used for - calls, music, calendar, applications, data, email, Internet, even writing this blog (ergo the quick finger spelling mistakes). I haven't worn a watch in years because my phone is my watch, alarm clock, and cooking timer. I even use Siri as my assistant. Parting with my phone will be difficult. I will have to learn to once again fall asleep without technology being the last thing I am reading from.

I did research on my options on what I should do while incarcerated. I did not want to break my contract and have to pay $250. I did not want to lose my phone number I've had for years. But, I cannot afford to maintain my phone at its level while I  incarcerated.

I service through Verizon, so I cannot account for any other services out there. Verizon has some options I am considering. They allow users to suspend service for 90 days at a time up to 2x during a year. They can be back to back. So my first 6 months, my line will be suspended, which is good because it is doubtful I will be sent to a half way house during that time. 

Before I leave for prison, I will transfer my service to someone's old Verizon phone that they don't use any more. One that is not a smart phone. Therefore, when my service is turned back on, I could have it turned on to the lowest level service available and have it paid out of the funds I am saving for the remaining months on my imprisonment. Once I am allowed to utilize the phone again, I will transfer back to my iPhone and I'm able to reconnect again. My Verizon contract will be extended for the 6 months I suspended my plan, but I am not planning on leaving them anyway.

My financial coach, Survivor, has all my Verizon information in order to ensure she can do the second suspension while I'm inside. These are the kinds of things we have to prepare for. Make a list of every bill you pay and figure out whether you need to make special arrangements, like with your cell phone.