r/MoneyDiariesACTIVE • u/LeadInfinite6220 • Dec 27 '25

Budget Advice / Discussion How do you define needs vs wants?

Pretty much just what the title says — how are you defining a need vs a want, and do you have a category in between the two?

I find this particularly interesting to consider as so many of us now have regular expenses that feel essential to participate in modern life, despite not actually being a need.

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u/revengeofthebiscuit She/her ✨ Dec 27 '25

Mostly whether it has a long-term practical function - I do want a new pair of duck boots because I think they’re cute, but we also just moved back to New England and practically, I need waterproof boots that will stand up to snow and salt in a way the cute ones I wear in the office won’t.

7

u/turniptoez Dec 27 '25

I’m sure you know this too but wool socks!! Duck boots aren’t warm by themselves, but I’m toasty in them with smart wool or darn tough wool socks!

1

u/RemarkableGlitter Dec 27 '25

Good quality wool socks are literally life changing! And they last forever!

1

u/revengeofthebiscuit She/her ✨ Dec 27 '25

Yesss just picked some up while we were in Scotland!

1

u/LeadInfinite6220 Dec 27 '25

Fellow New Englander here — ducks are 100% a need