Like It Or Not -
A Smart Phone & Email Address Is A Must

A new number, controlled by you, only given to people that have your best interests at heart - 
This could just be the best thing you ever do
Most Cellular providers require a credit check to obtain their phones and services. That may be a roadblock for you. There are, however, very reputable companies offering Pre-Paid cellular plans, many of them on a month to month contract. You avoid the long-term financial obligations, and can dodge the unexpected rate increases by using these, so the disadvantage can work for your benefit. Here are a few options. There are more, but this gets you started. Click on any image to be redirected to their website.

Pre-Paid, No Credit Check Smart Phone Plans

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CRICKET WIRELESS is recognized as one of the best Pre-Pay providers, popular among celebrities, investors, and others that don't want to be tied down with month to month​ contracts. CRICKET can also work for the credit-challenged, since they operate on a month to month basis with no contract. The up front fees include an average cost of $60 to activate the number, plus other set up fees. Plan on spending around $100 for your first visit, then an average of $60 per month for the service. They offer top quality phones, and in many cases, a free phone with certain plans. Click on the Cricket logo to be directed to their site
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OPTIMUM MOBILE is a new player in the pre-paid cellular world, and sparing no expense in attracting new customers and stealing others away from established players like CRICKET. They are the most aggressive with $0 or low $ upfront, which works to your advantage. The reviews on OPTIMUM are encouraging, customer service and owner loyalty ratings are on the high side. At any given time, OPTIMUM runs a Free Phone plan. The phones are not today's best of the best, but they do offer the phones that were the best of the best not too long ago. Click on the link to take a look at their website
There are a multitude of Pre-Paid Cellular Plans out there. This is one area that you are in control of, and you can choose from a great variety of companies and plans. All you need to do is Google "Pre Paid Phones" or "Cell Phones For Bad Credit" and you find more options than you thought possible

Email Services

An email address is mandatory, if you want to live life in the 'Normal' lane. Email allows users to send information in letter format, and email can replace traditional mail options. Emails can be more beneficial for communication because each email is stored with the email service, giving you a copy of every email sent and received.  In most cases, email plans are free with your Smart Phone purchase. There are a few plans that charge for specialty setups, or offer upgrades at an additional cost, but starting out, stick with the basics
Which email is the best choice? When you get a new phone, it will use GOOGLE. Due to that, almost every phone has the GMAIL option available for free. There are other email options, such as OUTLOOK, GMX, iCloud, and more, but most of them cater to business use, not the everyday use that you might be looking for. If you do have business needs, then by all means check them out. Outlook is the recognized leader in business tailored email