topic Re: Is having a cellphone a top priority for you? in Community Chat

Is having a cellphone a top priority for you?

Shorty2U — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 21:22:21 GMT

I have a Samsung galaxy prepaid phone for emergencies only. I never have it on. I am home a lot and just never got into phones like everyone else.

I take some ribbing from people who brag about their cells and say I need to get updated w a plan.

Sorry but I can no longer work like some of those people teasing me to get updated. My husband is the bread winner.

So A. I cant see getting a cellphone plan B. Cellphones everywhere annoy my husband and I. C. We have bills to pay, and a cellphone is not on our priority list. D. I like my big laptop. When I tried to use my Galaxy its too small and well its annoying to use ON THE NET compared to my laptop!

Anyway, its none of my business who buys what.

But the reason I asked if the phone is a priority is; I have a friend from my old job who is single, and out from work right now on disability and may not be able to return again. She went and got a new cellphone and has a plan BUT she cant pay her other bills half the time. One week she had NO food!

I didn't say anything to her even though I felt like it (because shes always complaining to me about money), BUT I thought to myself, why would you buy a cellphone and have an expensive cell plan IF you cant afford to eat or pay bills? PS) Her daughter is the same. A single mom who is barely making ends meat, and she has a newer phone and cell plan too.

Well I don't get it! If youre broke, why have a cellphone? We are not broke but to my husband and I the most important bills are our house bills, food, medical copays and medicines, and our car payment!

Now my kids and grandkids all have cells AND expensive cell plans (except the youngest grandkid) BUT they can afford it and they all work. So then I can see it.

I dont like to be mean, but when my friend cries to me again about bills and food, I am tempted to say sell your phone and cancel your plan. Because she has her priorities all wrong IMO being she isn't working.

Re: Is having a cellphone a top priority for you?

MomOf4 — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 21:24:54 GMT

A cell phone is not a top priority for me but it is certainly a necessity.

Re: Is having a cellphone a top priority for you?

wildcat fan — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 21:28:34 GMT

No. I'm seriously considering terminating my contract despite early cancellation fees.

Re: Is having a cellphone a top priority for you?

deepwaterdotter — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 21:29:05 GMT

Since I don't have one, I would say no.

Re: Is having a cellphone a top priority for you?

deeva — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 21:30:38 GMT

It's not a top priority for me but it is a convenience. I wouldn't be able to travel without one. What if my car were to break down on the side of the road? I also use it while shopping to check for coupons or promos I might have overlooked.

However, I refuse to pay $60 or more for a monthly cell phone plan.

I don't have the desire to upgrade my phone every time a new phone hits the market.

Re: Is having a cellphone a top priority for you?

terrier3 — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 21:30:54 GMT

I just got my first smart phone on Wednesday....an Apple 5s.

I had one with my seasonal job and I admit, I am fascinated with it!

There is so much information at my fingertips now...and it's super easy to use too.

Re: Is having a cellphone a top priority for you?

Blahblahvampemer — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 21:31:25 GMT

Mine is around $10 a month, and it's strictly for emergencies or calling someone if I hit traffic. I hadn't even texted until my realtor used it as a major form of contact.

Re: Is having a cellphone a top priority for you?

sunshine45 — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 21:31:29 GMT

yes, a cell phone is a top priority and a necessity for me......especially since i have teenagers/young adults AND an aging mom. i want them to have access to me at any time of the day. i also use mine for business.

Re: Is having a cellphone a top priority for you?

Luv2Decorate — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 21:32:28 GMT

What works for one doesn't work for all. I wouldn't worry for one second on what others think or say about what I have or don't have.

Having a cell phone is a top priority for our family. With 3 teenage drivers, it's a necessity.

We have what works for our family and I don't give a rats behind what others have and I've never given it a thought either.

Re: Is having a cellphone a top priority for you?

colliegirls — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 21:33:23 GMT

I enjoy my smart phone but I am not addicted to it.

Re: Is having a cellphone a top priority for you?

Mama Mia — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 21:36:05 GMT

It is a necessity for me for emergencies especially. I have used it to call the EMT's for my DH numerous times. I also like to keep in touch with him at all times. I like my phone, it is a flip phone and it works just fine for my needs

Some people don't know how to set priorities and would rather starve and have a fancy phone instead.

Re: Is having a cellphone a top priority for you?

bikerbabe — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 21:36:08 GMT

It's a big priority for work and for college- a smart phone with a fairly large data plan. But OP knows that it's a no-brainer if you can't pay your rent and your utilities buy food etc. those are 1st priorities.

Re: Is having a cellphone a top priority for you?

inallsincerity — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 21:36:45 GMT

I would say having a cell phone is a necessity for me. However, I too get lots of "unwelcome advice" regarding my phone, which is this one : it was the free one that came with my plan.

Re: Is having a cellphone a top priority for you?

missy1 — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 21:37:31 GMT

no. That's why I have a cheap prepaid phone. Not a true smartphone. I do need it, for emergencies.

Re: Is having a cellphone a top priority for you?

NoelSeven — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 21:38:01 GMT

Why wouldn't a cell phone be a priority?

I know you don't like them, but they have saved many lives.

And they kept some of us in contact with our loved ones at the hub of 9/11.

Re: Is having a cellphone a top priority for you?

NoelSeven — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 21:39:45 GMT

On 3/1/2015 sunshine45 said:
yes, a cell phone is a top priority and a necessity for me......especially since i have teenagers/young adults AND an aging mom. i want them to have access to me at any time of the day. i also use mine for business.

I'm always shocked when people don't see the obvious.

Re: Is having a cellphone a top priority for you?

mstyrion 1 — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 21:42:42 GMT

Yes, it is a priority for me. I don't have a land line, so my cell is my only phone. I have a Samsung Galaxy and I like being able to check my E mails no matter where I am. The Google Nav system has kept me from getting lost many times.

Re: Is having a cellphone a top priority for you?

Snowpuppy — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 21:43:19 GMT

I have a cell but it's a prepaid dumb phone. I don't have a need for a smart phone, don't FB, snapchat or anything else.

Pay my bills online w/my laptop. DS has an iPad but I can't get the hang of it.

Re: Is having a cellphone a top priority for you?

goodstuff — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 21:44:17 GMT

I wouldn't want to be without a cellphone just for emergencies. DH and I live and drive in a large metropolitan area, and I consider it wise to have a cellphone so I can call for help in case of car trouble, an accident, or other emergency, and to contact family if I'm running late, miss a scheduled appointment, etc. I don't text, use a lot of data services, or chit-chat a lot. But cell phones don't have to be fancy, don't have to be expensive, and don't have to include a contract. You can get a simple flip phone with prepaid service (no contract) for occasional/emergency use for $15 or $20 per month or perhaps even less.

You can check AT&T's prepaid Go-phone plans, Straight Talk plans from WalMart, or plans like Jitterbug for seniors. Some are very reasonable.

Re: Is having a cellphone a top priority for you?

bikerbabe — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 21:45:26 GMT

On 3/1/2015 mstyrion 1 said:
Yes, it is a priority for me. I don't have a land line, so my cell is my only phone. I have a Samsung Galaxy and I like being able to check my E mails no matter where I am. The Google Nav system has kept me from getting lost many times.

I got rid of my landline too. It was a total waste of money and I got nothing but junk calls. I can check emails on my phone, pay bills. I don't use my computer nearly as much.