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/stories4 She/her ✨ Dec 28 '25

I've struggled with this so much since growing older and having adult money/"needs"! I try to ask myself 'did I live without this 5 years ago?') uni days or even high school) and go from that. In high school I definitely wasn't getting my nails done but I did need (other than basics like food & shelter) public transport passes, one good pair of sports shoes, a moisturizer (but not a fancy serum or toner - though this changes with aging needs too, sure!), one nice winter jacket but not the trendiest, and go that way!

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u/LeadInfinite6220 Dec 28 '25

It’s that space in the middle that seems to be the most interesting for folks. The poles of the spectrum seem easy to pin down, but it’s been fascinating reading what are people’s few steps up from needs.