Community Chat

[muttmom]

I do not worry how others choose to spend their money.

In this day and age a cell phone is a necessity. That doesn't mean I need to use it every time I set foot in public.

There are cell phone programs especially for low incomes.

OP, you tend to obsess about cell phones.

[FrostyBabe]

It's both a priority and a necessity for me. I do a lot more with it than just make phone calls. My money, my choice in how it's spent.

[sassenach1]

It's a non-issue for me. Cellphone is very important to me. We do not use a land line. I have a cell phone for personal and one for work use.

[Allegheny]

On 3/1/2015 luvmyteddy said:

On 3/1/2015 NoelSeven said:

For Seniors reading who think a cell would help in time of emergencies, or just make you feel safer:

"TracFone has phones that start as low as $10 and call plans that cost under $7 per month. And T-Mobile has a super-cheap 30-minute plan for $10, and minutes don't expire for 90 days. That averages out to $3.33 per month."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-t-miller/low-cost-and-free-cell-ph_b_5575971.html

There's a lot more information available online for anyone interested.

I use the T-Mobile plan and buy a year's worth of minutes so I don't forget. 40.00 bucks a year and I never use my phone but I would rather be safe than sorry. The hard part is remembering to charge it.

Thank you all for posting this info. I was just discussing with my 87 year old uncle about getting a cell phone just for emergencies. Due to memory loss he is becoming technically challenged and needs something simple with only the basics. Anything too complicated would confuse him.

[Spurt]

I think it's two different issues here---YES a phone, any type is certainly a necessity.....But certainly an expensive Smartphone along with a big phone bill isn't a necessity for everyone. However, for some like my DS, she has to travel all around the city and our state and her phone is more like her office computer, she has to use it to get important emails, can get conference calls while she's traveling etc...There are basic cellphones and inexpensive plans that are better suited to each person's income and budget....Everyone does not need or have to have the latest and greatest model. BUT I just don't think it's a necessity to have a fancy phone, just to play Words With Friends or check your Facebook Page every 10 minutes to see if someone liked what you wrote or posted or take pictures of what your having for lunch, or view YouTube videos....JMHO

[Surfnturf]

I didn't use to think my cell phone was important to me until I had a flat tire one day and had forgotten to take my phone with me. Fortunately, I was still close to home, and was able to make it back safely. And have you noticed pay phones are practically extinct? Of course they are a must have for any number of reasons, but my flat tire is what did it for me.

[missy1]

They poof my post because I said she might have got a free phone.

[Mom2Dogs]

No...Dh and I both have inexpensive flip phones, no bells or whistles. We have the least expensive plan we can get. All my friends have I-phones and text, rarely call.

Like the OP, cell phones irritate me when in public, people are just rude and I have no tolerance for it, many people have seen my 'ugly' look when they are talking loudly on their phones in public or they have a loud ring tone.

I can text with my friends via my MacBookAir....which I love.

[SydneyH]

On 3/1/2015 muttmom said:

I do not worry how others choose to spend their money.

In this day and age a cell phone is a necessity. That doesn't need I need to use it every time I set foot in public.

There are cell phone programs especially for low incomes.

OP, you tend to obsess about cell phones.

I don't quite understand the fuss either........

[AnikaBrodie]

No. However, my DH insisted I get a cell phone for those times I am out and about for appointments. So, for the most part it is for emergency use.