How can I get a better deal?

Question

I've just finished a very unhappy conversation with Customer Support--Verizon STILL doesn't bundle data plans for families like other carriers do, I need a new phone (mine is 3 y.o.), but don't want to shell out another $30/month for another data plan, and don't want to get imprisoned in another two-year contract with this company. Terminating contract is now $250. I wish they would stop advertising so much about what a great deal they are, and start coming up with plans that families can use. If they're so great, why do they need to force people to stay with $250 penalties?

Answer 1

If your phone is 3 years old, then there is no ETF on it.  If you want another phone without another $30 data plan, then get another simple feature phone.  If you don't want to extend your contract for another 2 years, then purchase the phone at full retail price.  If you have a $250 ETF, then it is on a different smartphone that was just purchased at a subsidized price  less than 1 year ago, not your 3 year old phone. 
An ETF is not a penalty, it is a way to re-coup the cost of that "subsidized" phone discount you got when you purchased your phone at less than 1/2 the actual retail price less than 1 year ago, and when you agreed to a 2 year contract on that phone (you did read your contract, right?).  It is also a practice that every single carrier out there uses.