Sure a mobile phone can be considered a necessity but is the newest nicest smartphone really required? There are great mobile phones out there that dont have an apple or samsung logo on them for very cheap. In fact id be willing to bet most of my generation has no need for a smartphone whatsoever. If you studied their usage times you would find a majority of needless web browsing and social media use. Keep up culture in action smartphones are an expensive time killer for most. That aside there are now an ever increasing number of cell phone companies that offer very budget friendly plans if having a phone is a necessity.

Cable TV is not a necessity, not even close but internet certainly is. Then again if its that much of a strain on a budget its so easy to find for free in Coffee shops, Libraries, etc. Even Smiths has free wifi you can get from their parking lot these days. If you have a work from home job most companies pay a little extra to cover the cost. I say most because there must be someone that doesnt but I have never actually encountered one. There are options but these options require some added discipline if you want to save for that big house or nice car. Having it all is not a basic human right.