Christmas Gift for younger sisters....Good Idea?

[missyleigh1983]

I bought 2 pre-paid verizon phones from walmart with a $10 airtime included.  These are for my 2 younger step-sisters.  Are they going to be able to afford these on there own?  I saw something about the phone staying active.  Is there a charge everytime to activate the phone if they let it go too long without adding minutes?  It's going to be there responsibility.  I don't want my step-dad or their mom to have to deal with it.  What would be the best plan option for them.  I don't want them to waste there money.  I want to make sure they won't loose minutes.  I'm pretty sure they will be texting and talking.  Thanks in advance   Misti 

[spottedcatfish]

If the plan will be affordable honestly depends on how much they intend to use it.  If they are going to text a lot, they should think about a texting package to reduce the cost.  The best advice is to have them go to the Verizon website, learn about the plans, and then choose the one they can afford that is closest to their usage.  You can also help them learn ways to monitor their usage, and show them information about how often they have to load money into their accounts.

[Minniehaha]

Just to add to Spottedcatfish's good advice  you can also set and alert for when there cash balance gets low just as $5.00 and when they get down to that amount verizion will text them and let them know they will have to add money or just not use the phone till then can get more money to put into there account. On most prepaid phones the balance can be put on the front screen in the bannor area. That way you always know before you start to use the phone exactly how much you have let on your balance.