DENVER -- Do you want to keep a lid on your kids' cell phone time but don't want to get locked into a contract for minutes you don't use?

Did you know you can get prepaid calling cards for your cell phone?

It frees you from getting locked into a cell phone contract for service you don't like or need. And you don't have to pay any of those nonsense surcharges.

It's a good option if you're paying for more minutes than you'll ever use in a month.

The downside is that you have to buy your own cell phone. And if you make a lot of calls, prepaying for cell phone minutes is not for you. The per-minute charges are higher than traditional plans.

For more smart cell phone tips check out tips from the Telecommunications Research and Action Center