Wants vs. Need

@andriaperry (118793)
Anniston, Alabama
March 30, 2025 10:32am CST
Everyone wants stuff but what if we only got what we need? I've been working towards the budget of needs only. It's a true lifestyle change, for sure. It's a total new way of looking at life. Not just going back to minimalism because even minimalist have rules like " if you bring something into the home you should take something out." But putting pen to paper, staying in a spending limit from month to month, year to year. My way of looking at this is either money controls you or you control your money. What do you think, is this doable?
22 people like this
21 responses
@MarieCoyle (58125)
30 Mar 25
Wants vs. needs is doable. I am trying with every bit of what's inside of me to support my son in this illness, and keep him alive. It's taking everything I have in me most of the time. I honestly think about every dollar I have to spend, because I have no idea what condition he could be in tomorrow. Luckily, I do know how to do this--but even with luck and the ability to make a dollar stretch to it's limits, it's still tough. I do think that people who know how to do things, such as shop for foods, cook, take care of what they have, etc. have a much better shot at doing wants vs. needs if they know how to be independent and know how to NOT waste money. A lot of people in today's world seem...well, rather entitled. I hear a lot of ''well, I don't need this, but I want it. I work hard, I deserve it.'' Which works if you can afford it, I guess, but if you can't and you buy it anyway, or spend foolishly, what you do just digs you in deeper. You seem like a very smart young woman with a lot of determination, you've got this.
7 people like this
@andriaperry (118793)
• Anniston, Alabama
30 Mar 25
You made me laugh, young woman.
5 people like this
@marguicha (230288)
• Chile
30 Mar 25
I wholly agree.
6 people like this
@MarieCoyle (58125)
30 Mar 25
@andriaperry Well, we all do need to laugh more often. But going by the picture of you, you are a young woman!
6 people like this
@DaddyEvil (173707)
• United States
30 Mar 25
Pretty and I have been forced into a need only mode for three years now. It is entirely doable. It's not fun but it is doable. Good luck with it!
6 people like this
@andriaperry (118793)
• Anniston, Alabama
30 Mar 25
It's not easy being forced, however, I know it's made both of you stronger people.
4 people like this
@DaddyEvil (173707)
• United States
30 Mar 25
@andriaperry It makes us irritable people when there's something we really need but can't afford it. Like fixing the car and the washing machine.
5 people like this
@andriaperry (118793)
• Anniston, Alabama
30 Mar 25
@DaddyEvil I do understand.
3 people like this
@kaylachan (84337)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
30 Mar 25
It is doable. I feel that you need to balance out your wants and needs, too. When you want something, think, do I need it? And, if it's something you need (like food or clothing) be kind to yourself. Be willing to treat yourself occassionally by getting something you want, that can work as a need.
5 people like this
@andriaperry (118793)
• Anniston, Alabama
31 Mar 25
It's definitely balancing.
3 people like this
@kaylachan (84337)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
31 Mar 25
@andriaperry yes, it is. a lot of wants and needs can be justified as both, and that's where most people struggle. Like, say you like eggs, given the cost of eggs, you might ask yourself, do I really eat eggs enugh to justify the price, or can I get away with half dozen, instead of full? things like that are questions you're always having to weigh.
2 people like this
@porwest (112288)
• United States
1 Apr 25
@kaylachan I'd be asking, if you don't want to spend more on a full dozen, why on Earth would you want to spend even MORE on a half dozen? Oh sure, the upfront cost may be less. But the unit cost is higher. A decision like that, you may as well just throw your money in the street.
3 people like this
@FourWalls (85911)
• United States
30 Mar 25
Oh, it’s definitely doable. I always think about that line in a song Linda Ronstadt did (“The Cost of Love”): “What you need, what you want, are not the same thing.” My brother was on me for years to move, but I told him that I have everything I need — including no house payment — where I am, so why? Good luck!
6 people like this
@andriaperry (118793)
• Anniston, Alabama
30 Mar 25
Exactly!
3 people like this
@Juliaacv (55849)
• Canada
30 Mar 25
It is totally doable. You will hear it in your own words, when you realize that you haven't debt and that you have money to pay cash for large purchases as well as investments. We have been doing this for about 7 years now, it is great.
4 people like this
@Juliaacv (55849)
• Canada
30 Mar 25
@andriaperry I've done that too, it is a bit of a rush to get back on track though.
3 people like this
@andriaperry (118793)
• Anniston, Alabama
30 Mar 25
I let life take over for a few years, now I'm taking over, again.
3 people like this
@2ndchances24 (12077)
• Cloverdale, Indiana
30 Mar 25
you control your money ALWAYS works in my book till something pops up unexpected & THEN your like FLIP, but we're getting better at things.
4 people like this
@andriaperry (118793)
• Anniston, Alabama
31 Mar 25
Yes I've been there also.
2 people like this
@andriaperry (118793)
• Anniston, Alabama
31 Mar 25
@2ndchances24 I will have to make a emergency plan.
2 people like this
• Cloverdale, Indiana
31 Mar 25
@andriaperry It sure does mess things up when you're trying to stay on budget when things pops up unexpected like a vet visit that I'm dealing with now with 1 of my dogs.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (169034)
• United States
30 Mar 25
We have many want/needs for our home, but have to prioritize on what can be put off t he easiest and the longest. It is amazing what you can do in that situation, though.
3 people like this
@andriaperry (118793)
• Anniston, Alabama
31 Mar 25
Absolutely!
1 person likes this
@kareng (80243)
• United States
30 Mar 25
It is very doable and a good way to look at it with does the money control you or do you control the money!!
3 people like this
@kareng (80243)
• United States
31 Mar 25
@andriaperry Exactly!
2 people like this
@andriaperry (118793)
• Anniston, Alabama
31 Mar 25
That's the only way I can see it.
2 people like this
@marguicha (230288)
• Chile
30 Mar 25
It used to be that way. It can be done.
4 people like this
@andriaperry (118793)
• Anniston, Alabama
31 Mar 25
I'm on my way to accomplishing it.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (134435)
• Marion, Ohio
30 Mar 25
It is doable. But I enjoy getting some wants
2 people like this
@andriaperry (118793)
• Anniston, Alabama
31 Mar 25
Sometimes I enjoy it too much.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (237738)
• Walnut Creek, California
31 Mar 25
I am not that much into material possessions. That helps me save money.
2 people like this
@TheHorse (237738)
• Walnut Creek, California
1 Apr 25
@andriaperry That said, I am considering buying a $3,000 Martin D-28 guitar that I don't need.
@andriaperry (118793)
• Anniston, Alabama
1 Apr 25
I'm really not either.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (220844)
• United States
31 Mar 25
It's definitely doable. I rarely buy anything that I want...usually just buy what I need.
2 people like this
@andriaperry (118793)
• Anniston, Alabama
31 Mar 25
This really makes me think when I'm spring cleaning and donating.
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (220844)
• United States
1 Apr 25
@andriaperry I have major donating to do. We (my husband's 2nd cousin) are going to go through every room and the garage and basement and declutter and downsize.
2 people like this
30 Mar 25
I concentrate on the needs first
3 people like this
@andriaperry (118793)
• Anniston, Alabama
30 Mar 25
Always.
3 people like this
30 Mar 25
@andriaperry I do think it depends on where you are in your life.
3 people like this
@porwest (112288)
• United States
30 Mar 25
It's doable, but so is having some luxuries and wants. You know I am no stranger to saving, being frugal, and cutting costs wherever I can, but I also live by a mantra that says, "Save on the things you need so you can afford the things you want." Money doesn't have to control you to the point you can't enjoy some of it, so long as you have enough to be secure AND happy. More than that, what the key is, is finding ways for your money to allow you the freedoms to have what you want. When I bought our camper, for example, I didn't pay for it. My money paid for it. There's a difference.
2 people like this
@andriaperry (118793)
• Anniston, Alabama
31 Mar 25
That's right!
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (207482)
• United States
31 Mar 25
Yes, smart people take control of their financial future.
1 person likes this
@andriaperry (118793)
• Anniston, Alabama
1 Apr 25
I'm getting my smarts back
@RebeccasFarm (91301)
• United States
31 Mar 25
If I know you Angie, this is doable. Yes of course because you have the will. I have so very little here and I am glad about it. Also yes, spending only for what is necessary is very good.
1 person likes this
@andriaperry (118793)
• Anniston, Alabama
31 Mar 25
LOL you know me.
1 person likes this
@jstory07 (148392)
• Roseburg, Oregon
4 Apr 25
I control my money. I budget and pay all bills first than buy supplies and food for the month. After that I can have a want.
1 person likes this
@andriaperry (118793)
• Anniston, Alabama
4 Apr 25
Oh yeah, my bills and food come first.
@rakski (154152)
• Philippines
31 Mar 25
I think that it's doable! It’s a mindset shift more than anything. Once you get used to prioritizing needs over wants, it becomes second nature
1 person likes this
@rakski (154152)
• Philippines
1 Apr 25
1 person likes this
@andriaperry (118793)
• Anniston, Alabama
31 Mar 25
Exactly.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (97169)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
31 Mar 25
I keep a tight budget and only allow myself to get some stuff when I have Amazon gift cards.
1 person likes this
@andriaperry (118793)
• Anniston, Alabama
1 Apr 25
I've been doing a couple sites and getting gift cards.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (379884)
• Rockingham, Australia
31 Mar 25
I'm sure it's doable and as soon as you start seeing results, it will become easier and easier.
1 person likes this
@andriaperry (118793)
• Anniston, Alabama
31 Mar 25
Yes it will.
1 person likes this