I think we have moved to an area that is even worse than the Sears Roebuck catalog filled with physical good you don't need. We are moving to world of recurring services, that at the end of the month can't be resold. Cell phone, internet, streaming audio, streaming videos, satellite radio, etc. You can make your budget explode with these services and not blink an eye.

I play poker with some friends, and all too often over the years someone will run out of cash, or need a friend to buy them in until payday. They complain about having no cash but all I see while they play is a $1000 cell phone on a $80 a month plan, and the breaks are filled with cigarettes and booze that lead to a late night call to the pizza joint with discussion over the newest show they are streaming.

Be very careful with a $5-10-15+ a month plan. Add up the plans and see how many thousands are gone at the end of the year.