The Money Mustache Community
Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: quelinda on December 12, 2015, 10:18:09 AM
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I've had the iPhone 4 for five years now. I feel like I'm on it too much -- and I'm not sure I have the willpower just to leave it alone.
I'm looking at the phones for sale on Ting & the cheapest one, an LG 450, is $45. Would I regret taking a step backwards? (I had a cheap flip phone before my iPhone.)
I do want SOMETHING because my kids are in school & I do get calls to pick them up when they're sick, or texts from other moms when my kids are on playdates. (I'm an introvert so I much prefer that to a phone call.)
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If all you need and want are talk and text I don't see the harm in "downgrading." Could you buy a cheapo phone of Craigslist (and keep the iPhone 4) to see if you like it before switching completely?
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I'm not sure I have the willpower
I'd work on the willpower issue first. You never know, it might save you forty-five bucks.
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The $45 spent on a non-smartphone would probably be paid back with savings on not having a data plan.
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I just switched from my smart phone on an expensive $120 plan to a $40 a month unlimited plan with the same smart phone I had before. Same service, same network, just 1/3 the price.
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I think without a smart phone you'll be at a disadvantage from everyone else. I was thinking of getting a dumb phone last year (I also still use the iPhone 4), but realized that it wasn't realistic. There are times when I absolutely need access to the internet. As another person said, you should work on your willpower. If for example, you play too many games, then delete all of them.
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I downgraded, but I will recommend not going with a flip phone. I made that mistake. Find another 'dumb phone' that has a screen with a keyboard or you will not be happy with your change. I had forgotten just how impossible texting really was on a flip phone. I have kept my smartphone with me to get on to wifi networks, and I am very happy with my change. I feel like I won something, ya know? I definitely don't feel I'm at any disadvantage to people who have smartphones (which I feared) nor do I have any willpower issues any more.
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You could always be old fashioned and buy (or get free) a paper map or map book so you don't "need" to have a smartphone for maps. I live in a pretty big metro area so a map book is the best option for paper maps.