Paying out of pocket for a phone — even an economical one — isn’t always possible. Technology is expensive! And seniors, especially those on a strict budget, have plenty of other expenses to consider.

Welcome to Ask Lacey, an advice column in which accredited financial counselor and MilMo founder Lacey Langford answers your pressing financial questions. Have a question for Lacey? Submit it here.

Julie Maestas didn’t know what she was going to do. Maestas, 48, lives at Camp Resolution in North Sacramento and has a Lifeline phone, which are typically free or low-cost from the government. The ...