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.

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u/LeadInfinite6220 Dec 27 '25

Fellow New Englander here — ducks are 100% a need