It can feel like a bit of a commitment when you sign a contract with a cellular service — and it is. So before you sign on the dotted line, it is important that you carefully consider both what you need and what the mobile carrier is trying to slip past you.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to not define for yourself what you need before you begin shopping for the cheapest cell phone plan. If you go into it without a clear purpose, you will be susceptible to the increasingly clever and subtle marketing manipulations emerging from cell phone companies.

So before you even begin shopping for new mobile plan, make sure you sit down and write a list of concrete features you will need and really use with your mobile service. You might let the list gestate for a couple days while you mull it over. But then set it in stone and keep it handy while you shop.

Then next biggest mistake would be to underestimate the slyness of the cellular phone companies. Remember that they are trying to maximize their profits, no matter how much they present a warm, friendly front.

So each time you are presented with an offer for something that seems exceptional in one area of the plan, be sure that you also identify how they are making that money back elsewhere. It might be steep roaming charges, it might exorbitant charges on text messaging… but they will get you somewhere if you let them. So you should always examine the small print.

Cell phone family plans are a great place to start, but just about everyone now offers some kind of in-network deals, so watch out for sneaky little extra charges.

So create a list and stick to it, then keep a wary eye out for a cellular company’s true intentions. It isn’t being cynical; it’s being a smart consumer.

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