[pearlieq]

We pay:

1.) $55.09 per month for cable
2.) Internet paid by DH's work
3.) I keep an emergency only cell phone for $10/year. DH's is paid by work.
4.) DH got an XM free last Christmas, service for his & mine is $90/year

Anyone could live without any of these things, and I agree that people should make informed, considered choices about what they buy. But if someone has the means, I see no reason to make a blanket statement like "don't get cable" or "don't use a cell phone".

There are many luxuries in life that we don't strictly "need" but definitely enjoy or find useful.