Yes a lot of people spend frivolously…but in this day and age and in our modern society, internet, a computer, and some type of cell phone (really a smart phone) are really becoming absolute necessities.  

For example,  if they receive SNAP (food stamp) benefit or even a free cell phone service,   that counts as income as well, but I believe that non-housing subsidies don't have to be counted 100% toward rent.   

The only thing worse then this cancer of "poor me" is only made worse by the sap's "boo-hoo, poor them".

Another trick I have to verify employment is calling the main phone number and asking for HR, instead of using the direct line or cell phone they provide.

The most problem with 401k is you could enjoy your money only when you have (possibly) cancer, heart attack, stroke , knee issue ,etc.We want the result of investment like 4-5 years.

Don't worry about phones, everyone does cell nowadays....

Using Twilio for a virtual phone number that maps back to my cell phone during business hours etc.

Right on the page it listed a WhatsApp number and said something like ¨because we list on a lot of sites please text the property manager to get up to date availability and the best rates¨ We contacted them through Airbnb and they also directed us to the private cell number.When you texted the number, they immediately started with a pitch about booking off the site to save on all the fees etc. 

Use your cell phone. 

She's open to suggestions but needs nudging and is always "in a bad cell signal area", that sort of thing.