How After a Hurricane and a Move, I Finally Cut My Costly Phone Bill with Mint Mobile
After the hurricane in Asheville and my sudden move to the Raleigh area, I was feeling the squeeze. Every expense seemed to stretch tighter. Between moving costs, being upended, setting up new everything—I was looking for every way possible to save money.
That’s when my accountant Heather, at Lakesite Accounting, hinted: “I’ve switched to Mint Mobile, Tena. It’s no different than the others. We love it. You should check it out.” (By the way, if you’re ever in need of an accountant who really gets small business life, she’s your person.)
I’d seen ads for Mint Mobile everywhere—Instagram, Facebook, even when I wasn’t even looking. It felt like they were stalking me. But the truth is, I was afraid to leave the “big guys.”
I had Verizon for a long time, many years, and was paying $120 for unlimited for a long time. I eventually switched to Spectrum for the last few years in Asheville, which put it at $80/mo. While this was much better - what I’m paying now is ridiculously cheaper. But I couldn’t shake my fears…
What if service dropped?
What if customer service was terrible?
What if I lost my number?
Would it be easy to set up?
Should I not fix what is not broken
What Is Mint Mobile & Why It Pulled Me In
It’s basically T‑Mobile in the background.
Mint Mobile uses T‑Mobile’s network—which means coverage, towers, etc., are the same infrastructure that big name providers use.Low cost, upfront payment equals serious savings.
You pay all or part of your plan up front (3, 6, or 12 months), and that upfront payment gives you much better rates.Right now, there are promotional rates for new customers—for instance, the unlimited plan is $15/month when you prepay for 12 months (that’s $180 up front for an entire YEAR - I wish I had done this). There are also 3‑month options at similar introductory pricing. Like, $45 for 3-months unlimited. This is how I started, just to try it out.
My First Year: Skeptical But Hopeful
I was terrified when I switched. I kept paying attention every time I had a dropped call or a slow spot—blaming Mint. But it was always a toggle I forgot, or a roaming or WiFi setting I hadn’t turned on, or something in my phone that needed adjusting. I hope I’m not the only one who goes in toggling things and pushing buttons, trying to figure something out in the settings, and in the process, I change 12 other things. Lol! Anyone else?
After using Mint for a full year? It’s been nothing short of fantastic. Phone calls, client calls, traveling, hot spots—I’ve done it all (except out of country traveling-not yet). It works, and with far less stress (and bill shock).
What I Love About It (And Why It Matters to You)
Budget freedom. Being able to pay every 3 months (or even 6 or 12) rather than monthly gives mental breathing room.
Save more with longer terms. If you can prepay for a longer term, you lock in better per‑month cost. Like WAY better.
No long‑contracts. You have flexibility; you’re not trapped if you want to change later.
Peace of mind. No worry about random overages or surprise fees. More energy to focus on your clients, your wellness work, or your mission.
It’s basically perfect. Seriously. I have the unlimited plan and pay a little under $130 every three months, after taxes. There’s absolutely no reason to pay more.
Current Pricing & Plan Breakdown
Here are today’s offers and what they mean. (Always double‑check on mintmobile.com in case things change.)
Things to note:
Videos often stream at 480p on some plans.
Heavy data users (lots of streaming, big uploads etc.) might hit slowdowns if data use goes well above ~35GB in a month.
Taxes & fees are extra. Upfront payment is required, which is one of my favorite parts!
Easy Guide: Switching to Mint (No Headaches, No Dropped Number)
Check your phone is unlocked and compatible with T‑Mobile bands. I have an iPhone 14Pro (yes, still!)
Keep your current number if you want—porting is possible but do not cancel old service until porting is confirmed.
Choose a plan term (3, 6, or 12 months); decide what fits your usage.
Order the SIM or use eSIM, follow activation instructions.
Adjust settings right away—things like WiFi calling, roaming, mobile data toggles. It will help avoid those first‑week panics I had.
If you want to try Mint Mobile, you can check it out using my affiliate link here. Using it helps support TM Designs so I can keep bringing you tools, tips, and real talk about how to run your business with less stress.
Full disclosure: I may earn a commission if you use that link—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend things I believe in because I’ve used them, tested them, lived them. This is one I’m sharing with everyone, so I was thrilled to find out they have a small referral fee.
A Small Change, A Big Difference
Leaving the “big guys” shook me a little. But this past year, after using Mint Mobile, I feel lighter. Fewer recurring expenses. Less worry. More margin in my budget—and my mind.
If you’re in a season of change (move, business growth, economic stretch—who isn’t?) or just want to tighten up your budget without giving up what matters, this switch might be the one. Perhaps it’s time to audit those subscriptions, bills, recurring payments. Maybe Mint Mobile is your “easy win” this round.
Ready to Try Mint Mobile?
If you’ve been thinking “There’s got to be a better way to do phone service,” this might be it.
Switching to Mint Mobile saved me money, time, and so much mental clutter. I don’t miss the bloated bills or the stress of managing another monthly expense. I just set it, forget it, and get on with my life (and business).
👉 Check out Mint Mobile here: Try Mint Mobile
✅ No contracts
✅ Keep your number
✅ Plans starting at just $15/month
✅ Works with most phones
Full transparency: This is my affiliate link, which means I may earn a small commission if you sign up—but it doesn’t cost you anything extra. I only recommend tools I actually use and love. 💚
Sometimes it’s the small upgrades—like switching phone providers—that create big wins. More budget margin. Less stress. And the satisfaction of knowing you’re no longer overpaying for something you use every single day.
So if you're curious… go peek. It might just be your next smart move. Use that extra money for something fun!
