One of my biggest pet peeves is the ever-blurring line between people’s needs and their wants. When most people think of this topic, they think it’s pretty cut and dry. We need food, water and shelter. All else is extra. Others believe that their needs extend out much further to encompass things such as a car, the Internet, and cell phones.
I’m not going to take it upon myself to define for you where this line should be, but I do think that it would do us all good to re-evaluate what our real needs are.
- Do you really need cable or satellite TV?
- Do you want the camera/video phone, or is it a necessity in order to keep in touch with your friends?
- Do you really need that 4th bedroom in your house?
- Do you have to have the heated leather seats? Would a bus ride meet your needs?
- How many pairs of shoes do you really need?
- Just because you’ve been doing it every morning for the past 6 years, is that cup of coffee really a necessity?
I’m not trying to step on anyone’s toes here, but just think about it. It’s OK to have the things you want, but don’t sacrifice you’re real needs to get them. Don’t sacrifice your financial future either.
Let me know where you draw the line.

by frugal zeitgeist, on March 23 2007 @ 10:47 am
Yes. Yes, I need that cup of coffee. You don’t understannnnnnnd. But I drink it for free at work or make it at home myself on the weekend.
Want vs. need is an important distinction to be able to make. I call it questioning the status quo: who are the Joneses and why should I feel like I have to keep up with them?
by KMull, on April 19 2007 @ 8:44 am
Economies used to be based on people creating something to meet a need. Examples: electricity, trains to transport materials, clothes that would last longer than homemade items, etc.
The economy is now based on companies convincing you you need their product. Almost every need is met in this country. We are now creating ‘needs’.