Most owners of cell phones should look carefully at the cell  phone  plans available; if the plan you are considering meets with your personal requirements and within your budget then that's the one to choose. A little research is the key to finding the best plan; something that may take a short while but is well worth the effort; some contracts tie up customers for longer than they should.Of course if you are a heavy user then a monthly cell phone plan may be a better option for you. Knowing the two options should help you decide whether your phone use is such that you would be better served with a monthly option that allowed for a certain number of free minutes.You also have the option of having a family plan or one based on the region in which you live. As with all things they all have plus points and minus points.One downside to prepaid cellular phones is that they often have watered down functionality compared to those that are paid for monthly. Plans like those designed for small businesses and families have specific advantages if you are in that type of category.In addition to this, with family plans, it is cheaper to call the other cellular phones included in one billing. Family plans often include airtime discounts for members of this type of family plan.The national cell phone plan usually attracts large businesses and organizations with offices and operatives Nationwide. Roaming charges on this type of plan are usually included as part of the agreement and anyone that travels around the country will see the obvious benefits of this type of scheme.However, should you chose a regional plan and whilst National calls may be charged but possibly at a reduced rate. Prepaid cell phone plans are often the preferred type for travelers and business people as the traditional plan without roaming and long-distance charges might be best.If you want to stay healthy and sane, allow yourself some free time without the cell phone.