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Now that I'm not an employee, do I have to give up my discounted cell phone?

Chris Pace for Bundle
A few years ago, I worked for a company that got a sizable (25%) discount with Sprint, which is my wireless company. I've enjoyed the discount ever since, even though I haven't worked for that company in three years. Should I tell Sprint that I no longer work there, or should I continue to enjoy the discount for as long as they'll let me?

The right thing to do depends on the terms of the contract you entered. When you signed up, did you commit to informing Sprint if you left your job? If Sprint's discount was only for ongoing employees of the company, and you're contractually responsible for informing them of changes in your employment status, then, yes, you should tell them.

I would bet money, however, that that's not how the deal was set up. My hunch: your agreement with Sprint was predicated on your circumstances at the time. After your initial commitment ends, your service contract probably goes month to month under the same terms until you change carriers, or they cut you off (which they're unlikely to do, assuming you pay your bill).

So if you're not in violation of your contract, don't feel too bad about your continued fortune: yeah, you've saved hundreds of dollars, but how many thousands of dollars have you paid to Sprint, as opposed to T-Mobile or Verizon or AT&T? If I were them, I'd be thrilled to get 75% of the cost of a standard cell plan rather than 0%. That employer discount is probably intended for the very purpose of hooking new customers, and hook you they did.

Go back and check the terms of your original agreement with them. I strongly suspect that you can file this under "win-win," and relax.



Not sure whom to tip? How to split the check? Or how to tell your parents you'd prefer money to another Christmas-tree sweater this year? Email your questions about money and etiquette to awkwarddollar@bundle.com, or submit via BundleHQ.tumblr.com/submit.


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