Despite the influx of "Call me back" and "I have one minute left", there are a number of ways you can keep your cell costs down and reduce the shock factor from your next bill.

Get a watchdog

If you're unable to keep track of your own spending, let someone else do it for you. Almost every cellphone service provider offers some kind of facility through which you can check your cell-phone spending before you're billed, whether via a text message or a phone call.

Set limits

Decide beforehand how much money you are willing to spend or can afford to spend monthly on cellphone use and then set a limit with your service provider. Your mobile phone company will prompt you when you're close to your limit.

Go prepaid

Buying a phonecard every time you need to make a call may not be as convenient as getting an invoice once a month, but it is one of the safest ways to ensure cellphone fees are kept low. Going prepaid allows you to be in full control of your funds at all times.

Night networking

Most phone companies offer much reduced rates or even free call and text services during some period in the night (for example between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.) or on weekends. Check out your providers' options and start making your longer personal calls during that time.

Pick important apps

There are a number of applications your server may provide, including ringtones, games and browsers of all kinds and the likelihood of you needing them all is slim. Most applications come with a cost so choose the apps you'll use most and forget the rest.

Choose your call company

When choosing your cell phone company, think about the people you'll be calling most. If you choose the same company as your friends and family you're sure to cut your cell costs.

- Kimberly Salmon