Do you want to carry a cell phone, but use it for emergency purposes only? And not pay a monthly or additional fee? Actually you can, and it's not expensive, difficult or a scam.

You may have seen the ad for a phone that touts itself as one that's great to use for emergencies, without having to pay for services you don't want. Well, if you look into it, you'll find out some interesting facts:

• The very basic (translate "wimpy" or "featureless") phone will cost you $150 (+ $10 shipping).
• The activation fee will cost you $35.
• The service fee is $10 a month.
• To make any outgoing calls other than 911, you pay 35 cents a minute.

Is any of that sounding good? Especially compared to almost free?

Well, it's not good. Here is all you really have to do:

1. You buy a working cell phone (that recharges).

2. You automatically have a free 911 phone.

You see, cell phone manufacturers / services are required to make 911 service available to all phones. So free 911 comes on any phone you buy - even inactive ones.

I make 911 calls on my own prepaid wireless phone. So far, they have been to report stranded motorists or road hazards. Here's how I report a highway problem:

1. I turn on my phone (but I don't even enter my password).
2. I dial 911.
3. I ask to be connected to the Highway Patrol (or City Police, for local situations).
4. The operator connects me and the local authorities thank me.

• And it didn't cost me a penny (or use up even a minute).

Like I said, I make the calls to help out other motorists. But I know that, if I ever needed to, I could make the call to request assistance for myself.

You can buy a cheap phone at a thrift store, yard sale, or even search eBay for cell phones (you'll need to select the Cell Phones category to refine the search). What you are looking for is:

1. A phone that works (gets a signal).
2. A phone that recharges (and comes with the charger).

Remember, you won't even need to log in to the phone to use it.

I'll be upgrading my prepaid phone soon. The newer model will be smaller, and I will carry it with me more places. But my old one will remain in my car's glovebox (except for the times I recharge it, every few weeks). It won't work for regular calls, but I will have a great 911 phone, cost 0 dollars and 0 cents per month.

Just thought I'd share that with you.

Have a great day, and happy eBaying!