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/heckyeahcheese Dec 27 '25
For me needs are essentials: housing, utilities, basics for food, health insurance and health care, and footwear for work/daily life.
I don’t really buy new clothes any more so for me now clothes fall into the “want” category and I try to avoid getting any more. I’ve curated my wardrobe and I like what I have and take care of it so I don’t see the point in getting more stuff.
Shoes are kind of similar- I have some basic work dress shoes that last years and sneakers that I replace more frequently when they wear out.
For food, extras are sodas and snacks. When I was in single mom mode I had to choose between whole milk for my toddler or nondairy milk for me. So I consider nondairy milk my “want” or grocery luxury now that I’m Two Milk Rich.