Cell Phone
It is possible to get a smart phone, with limited call time, texting and data, for $100 per year.
I have this.
My cell for emergencies, and for tough situations like airport pickups. Otherwise, I used my VOIP line (like a landline but cheaper - it uses my internet and I pick up a regular, old-style telephone in my home linked to it.)
The only slight frustration with the "emergency cell phone", since mine is so rarely used, is keeping it charged and remembering to take it with me when I go out. But since this is 3 seconds every couple of days (plug it in) and 2 seconds every time I go out and return (put it in my purse - take it out when I come home so I will see it and charge it) I do not consider it a big deal - I just have to remember to do it.
I find there are things in life that almost require a cell (example above - airport pickup - there are many others). Its more trouble not to have one than to follow the steps above and have an "emergency cell phone'.
I do not allow texting since people expect me to check - in fact, I give my cell to know one unless we have an arranged time they will call (again, example of the pick up service.)
Some people just "gotta text". I have a google number- these are free. I receive an email if someone sends a text to my google number. Example - I communicate with my lawn service this way. They prefer it and I know they lead a busy life - that is, answering the phone while doing yard work gets to be trouble if there are many calls.
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