2FA is a must to use. So is a VPN.
Not sure if people know this but your data packet/request going to companies like PayPal, eBay, or dozens and dozens of other companies, does not go directly to these sites. I worked at a company that looked at these data packets, evaluated it to see if you are a viable/good client or a crook, and we would let the destination company know before they let you into their site.

Also, you have so many other programs like LifeLock and antivirus that are looking at your network data, mostly to protect you

Interesting conversation, but the thing that struck me is that you people are still paying the crazy high phone rates of the major carriers. I have not been on a major carrier in years, and have 4 lines in the family averaging about $18 a month for mostly unlimited service on Mint, Tello, and US Mobile. I do pay yearly, which is a huge savings, but MVNOs are way cheaper and run on the big carriers networks. Mint has a special going now for $180 for a year of unlimited if you port your number in. You need an unlocked phone of course, but I would never buy a locked phone anyway.
As far as 2FA, If Verizon is locking you, just get a Google voice number to use for that. We use google voice for ONLY that so my wife and I can both access all our accounts, because the texts come to both phones since we have it set up that way. Also works with an esim when overseas because it runs off data, not phone or SMS.

agree, and when we are both on retirement income, that will change our spending habits to more of a financial survival approach, but not changing until we have to change due to work needs . . .

I need a new phone, so potentially I should look at your suggestions now. .
so very timely suggestions for me at the moment, preparing for SS next year. .

sportsguy

I have Xfinity Mobile, which uses the Verizon network. For $21 per month, I get unlimited calls and texts and 1GB of mobile data. Most people have unlimited data, but I have never exceeded the 1GB limit because WIFI is available almost everywhere.

Mint Mobile has been offering $180 per year (prepaid) for at least 5 years. It now features unlimited voice, text, and data, although the data bandwidth could be throttled after 5 gigabytes (for the month). The new customer offer, probably good for one year only, is a good deal if you routinely go over 5 gigabytes per month and want to avoid any possible throttling.

We dumped Verizon and switched to Consumer Cellular. As AARP members, we save over 75% on 2 phones with unlimited phone, data and texts. We have better phone service/coverage with Consumer Cellular too. So, from our experience, Consumer Cellular is Better and wayyyyy Less Expensive than Verizon.