I was thinking about this recently.  It's 20-30 somthing for the phone but you need to buy a 20 dollar phone card per month.  If you skip a month I do not know what happens.  Do you get another new number?  I rather stick with one.  I mean, it's kind of silly paying 20 a month when you're only going to talk for directions.  Theirs probably not much need for it since I plan on seeing the same woman a few times.  That and when you already have an unlimited plan that you're paying for it seems really unnecessary.  Pay for 2phones and using 1 just to make well... 1 call?  Specially, if the provider is well reviewed and independent.  

Lets say for example your number is listed in a provider's phone and someone got to it.  What does that do?  I mean, you can be anybody at all.    

Again, I'm going to see my first provider hopefully in a week or so.  Nervous and excited.  It's a good feeling and looking forward to it.  So, I dunno if a hobby phone is worth investing.  But I hear about using one.  Necessary?  I dunno.  I'll rather put the money towards to seeing her more.  

Is their any advice?  I've comb the forum back a few pages I think I'm set to go.  Prob. overthinking.  I guess as long as you stick with the well reviewed providers you'll be okay.

From a couple weeks ago that dicussed this topic. If you check it out you will notice different answers. On general, i think if you have an SO, you should get a hobby phone. If your cell phone is a work phone (provided by an employer) definitely get a hobby phone. If you do any toftt with unreviewed ladies, (which newbies shouldn't do anyway) get a hobby phone. If you are worried about psycho providers blackmailing you, or just harrassing you, get a hobby phone. If none of these things pertain to you, then you can probably get by without one.

Personally, I am single and self employed, and I use my regular cell phone. You have to decide your own risk vs. cost, and realistically the cost is pretty small in the scheme of things.

There is another option too. You can try google voice. It is free. It will give you a seperate phone number, which you can use to make and receive calls and texts, through your computer and smartphone.

Anyway, check out the previous thread, then make your decision.
Good luck, have fun.

Anyway, why do you feel you have to buy a $20 card per month.  Just by some minutes and when they run out, buy more.  If you are only using it to get directions, you should be able to get by on less than $20/month.

You do not indicate what your home situation is.  If you have an SO, the hobby phone would probably be a good idea.  Wives/girfriends are sneaky, would you want to take the chance that she might snoop and look at your personal phone?  If you are like me, single with no SO, you probably do not need one.  Read the thread indicated by previous poster.  This topic has been discussed many times here.

Swim

I went to a few stores.  I was also under the impression that you just buy the phone and minutes until it dries up.  But the few places I went to only offer 20dollar a month plan and if you don't use the min. you loose them.  Sales guy says that's how these kind of phones work.  Obviously, I didn't believe him but a few stores offer only this kind of plan?  

Home situation?  No SO, single as well.  With family though.  I'm only planning on incalls anyway.    

Lets say LE got a provider's phone and went down the contacts and find your number.  What can happen then?  Again, I can be anybody at all.  And with your right to remain silent I see no harm really.  My phone is tied in to a family plan I dunno if that means anything.

Using my regular phone seems fine to me.  It's the LE possibility that might be an issue.  In terms of a provider harassing me like on the link?  I seriously doubt it based on previous positive reviews.

Typically $20.  The 90 day card is $20.  There are ways to register without using your real name or linking an email.  You never use all the minutes.  If you add another card before it expires, the minutes rollover.  I think I have about 500 minutes now!!   So the cost for 1 year is ~$100.  
If you read back on the boards, you'll find a rare occasion where some guy gets outted or some other crap...  where the cost of a hobby phone is worth it's weight in gold.  It's insurance.  
HV

is no proof that you have done anything illegal.  They have to catch you in the act to make anything stick, as far as I know from what I have read here.  I don't think your family plan phone will present a problem.  You're talking about things LE really does not have the time, money, and/or manpower to do, unless it's a high profile case.  

A couple of things you can do to help yourself.  As soon as possible, delete any calls to/from providers from the phone.  Second, use code names for the providers, maybe use her handle as first name and town as last name, like Anna Lakeland for example, if you are saving her number in your contact list, or even make it a boy's name.  You just have to remember who's who in your contact list.

Swim

Would being outted or busted damage your employment?  Is there anyone else living with you who might access your phone or see your account?  If so, you should use a hobby phone.  

I do use a hobby phone & I delete all calls in/out before I leave her every time.  I am married.  I think I keep my hobby items well hidden.  If some one finds my phone...  the most they would get (without a warrant) is the current date I am on.  The down side is I must have internet access to get to my bucket list.  I suppose one might use an encripted thumb drive or something.  

If you leave a dead body behind, a hobby phone will not save your @ss, nor should it.  

When I started the hobby, I promised myself I'd not do anything stupid.  In my early days, I saw some really stupid mistakes (like using a shared computer/email account...  wife discovered before the guy ever read the reply...  and HE blamed the escort because she replied!)  
Reading back on this board is an invalueable resource and it's free except for your tiime.  You must think security but filter through your own circumstances.   I was lucky...  and thanks to my reading I realized I should be more careful.  Luck is NOT a plan!  

Keep your eyes wide open & you'll know what to do.
HV