I did all of that. We didn't have computers. We didn't have the internet. We didn't have Google. We actually had to do first hand research, in a library (that is a big building filled with books - books are pages of paper with letters on them that you read), and type out our term papers, theses, and dissertations on a manual typewriter.
I looked for my first job by taking the "Help Wanted" ads from the morning paper and pounding the pavement until I found employment.
I paid my bills by getting a due notice in the mail, writing a check, and sending it to my creditor in the return mail."
In other words we actually had to learn to do things for ourselves. Most especially, we learned to think for ourselves. :)
I can relate as well. I look at Patek Philippe watches but wear a Tag. What I mean, Evan, is that we can by quality that will meet our needs without being slaves to marketing. Look at your needs, your finances, and make the best choice that you can (don't get stuck on brands, bells and whistles....get what you need).
"Facts." "Reasons." "Causes." "Justifications." Anything but "excuses."
Hey, whatever helps you sleep well.
But can you actually give me one real reason why you can't add $25 to only one of your high balance debts each month? That's $12 every 2 weeks, if you're on a bi-weekly pay schedule; or $6 a week if you get paid weekly.
Are you going to be unable to eat if you add that amount to your debt payments? Not pay the rent or mortgage? Go without shoes or clothes?
Or is it that you're not going to be able to buy a book? Or rent a movie, or go to the theater? Or not be able to pay the internet bill? Or maybe not get a caramel latte from the coffee shop?
If you said yes to the first set of questions -- you need to seek help with your debt.
If you said yes to the second set of questions, or anything like those examples -- well, those are "facts," I guess....
I can look for a job at the library, go to school and use their computer, pay bills with a check ..... and such.
Editing to add use the library to find an apartment as well. We used the computer initially to get a list of apartments but we found a number of them just by driving around.
You can totally live life without owning a computer.
Here we are again. He asks advice and when he is rebuffed he disagrees with the helpful suggestions everyone has offered. Is a computer a necessity? For me it is; it allows me to work at home and check on the work I supervise without being at the office 16 hours a day and allows me to work from the road. But I paid $320 for a refurbished Dell Windows 10 laptop that does everything I need (truth be told, I wouldn't have bought it, but a burglar took the previous laptop).
It connects with my Windows phone ($60), so I can use the computer about anywhere. The thought of paying hundreds of dollars for an Apple phone is nonsense.
Same with DSL. I use it for work and entertainment. Same with my cellphone. I have to be available 24/7. Not optional with my job. It may be with yours.
I admit I have a TV, which I bought when the one handed down to me finally gave out.I could have kept watching the 15-year-old tube set, but I admit I couldn't go back to CRT. Bought it on sale.
I canceled cable and picked up Netflix and Hulu and put up an antenna. Saved a lot of money and still can watch TV (can't say I've missed anything important). I watch mostly PBS, which is free.
All of this is to say that you can spend a little bit of money to meet your needs and wants.
I will admit I have a weakness for camera equipment. I bought a new camera because I can use it for both work and recreation (and partly because the burglar also took my camera). Almost everything I buy is either used or refurbished.
I'm cheap, and as I grow older I get even cheaper. I find I need (not want) to save money for retirement and to help my children. I buy clothes at Goodwill and the Salvation Army, even though I can afford "better."
I sympathize because I've been at a time when it was paycheck to paycheck hoping all the bills would be paid. We all want nice things. But often something not quite so nice will accomplish everything we really need, and even want.