This is fair - since a personal phone is arguably required in today's society and most people will have one regardless of income. It does not satisfy me that y

This is fair - since a personal phone is arguably required in today's society and most people will have one regardless of income. It does not satisfy me that you need the latest and greatest phone however. I bought a Chromebook for $200 probably 5 years ago that my wife still uses for all of the things that she doesn't want to use the phone for. There are still decent computers that are available for far lower prices than top-of-the-line phones. It all goes back to personal finance vs. capitalism. Big Business wants you to believe that only the best smartphone will do, no matter your budget (what budget, haha?). If you don't make that much money and you want to escape eternal debt-hell, you have to overcome this mindset and find good budget options. And I maintain that it can be done. Move out of the city. Establish trusting relationships through your own hard work and good faith efforts. Swallow your pride and lean respectfully and gratefully on friends and/or family if you have to. And then be there when someone needs you for the same. Big Business also wants you to believe that it's every man for himself, but that doesn't have to be true either.