There are still quite some people struggling for a living, $1.99 saved can go to food or milk, it does count!
I think
-At first he needs a cheap cell phone to be enrolled to some plans so as to save money by not buying cell phones offered by carriers
-Second, he wants to use cell phone's alarm function to replace generic alarm clock.
I found cell phone's alarm functions are way better and more convenient to config than generic real alram clock from dollar shop or walmart.
It has nothing wrong to save money under current economic situation. Just my 2cents