I have a cell phone that only cost $10 a month (no frills, unlimited calls) so I have that covered. Anyone can get the same deal, there is no reason to have an expensive cell phone.
Next, I am retired, not really looking for a job.
Last, I keep my cell phone turned off unless I want to make a call.
But like I said, this is just me, others have different priorities.
Having internet access when you are down on your luck, laid off, etc, is crucial. All about job hunting, and that is how you job hunt. Unless someone wants to drive to Starbucks, library, and spend forever in an uncomfortable environment job hunting. I have had several periods over the last 15 years where I have had to cut out a lot, but kept internet access.
In fact, with some of the VOIP technologies, you can get cheaper phone access at home. I have Magicjack, $20 a year.
I’m with you on this. I’m also retired and wish to simplify my life. I’ve discovered, like Thoreau, that a person is rich in proportion to the things he can afford to do without. Too many Americans are caught up in mindless consumerism (my opinion) having to find the latest gewgaws, gimcracks, gizmos and gadgets. What a fraud. I also believe in general that the less people have within, the more they have without; i.e., tattoos and other body adornments, fishooks in nose, mouth, etc. I’ve never seen more people express their unconventionality in such a conventional way. Most morons ape other morons; they talk, look, act, and entertain themselves the same way.