Needs vs wants
Discussion
I was listening to radio 4 yesterday. There was a couple talking about cutting back their costs during the recession. They cut out everything that could be defined as a want. The interesting thing is that this included the tv and tv licence, make-up and any cosmetic, haircuts etc ad heating one room only. This meant they could pay back debts and cover the mortgage and ever rising bills off one reduced salary. I think one had been made redundant and was seeking work and one had their wages cut.
I wonder how many people would be prepared to go to those kind of lengths. Most people, I think, would not be prepared to forgo creature comforts.
Realistically nobody needs make-up, needs shampoo (soap will do), needs any snack or sweet foods (unless diabetic), pets, games, internet etc. I could probably live without my prescription medications most of the time too other than the inhaler. But I can't see many people going to these lengths to keep their heads above water.
I wonder how many people would be prepared to go to those kind of lengths. Most people, I think, would not be prepared to forgo creature comforts.
Realistically nobody needs make-up, needs shampoo (soap will do), needs any snack or sweet foods (unless diabetic), pets, games, internet etc. I could probably live without my prescription medications most of the time too other than the inhaler. But I can't see many people going to these lengths to keep their heads above water.
To my shame, I have become accustomed to a lot of things that aren't remotely necessary, however I suppose that's part of moving up the ladder and adjusting lifestyle accordingly.
I'd be genuinely satisfied to go back to being a van driver tomorrow, however the lifestyle adjustment would be the difficult bit.
Possibly off to India later this year to adjust my parameters a little.
I'd be genuinely satisfied to go back to being a van driver tomorrow, however the lifestyle adjustment would be the difficult bit.
Possibly off to India later this year to adjust my parameters a little.
I have needed a carpet for my bedroom for over 6 months, but rather than putting myself in debt I'd rather go without.
Heating is on timer, and will not go on unless we are cold. Blankets and extra clothes work just as well.
Basic Sky package, but have been seriously thinking about getting rid, along with the house phone.
2nd hand mobile, with basic PAYG sim
A 9 year old car
As for the make up/haircuts/clothes...hahaha Need new glasses too, but they can also wait.
All of that is standard for me, without even starting to cutting back.
Heating is on timer, and will not go on unless we are cold. Blankets and extra clothes work just as well.
Basic Sky package, but have been seriously thinking about getting rid, along with the house phone.
2nd hand mobile, with basic PAYG sim
A 9 year old car
As for the make up/haircuts/clothes...hahaha Need new glasses too, but they can also wait.
All of that is standard for me, without even starting to cutting back.
I could quite happily go without TV (since I never watch it anyway), or heating (scavenge wood for the woodburner or put another jumper on), but shampoo? How much does that cost in the grand scheme of things? Likewise, lipstick.
I could also cut my own hair if need be and never buy any new clothes. Shoot squirrels / pigeon for the dog. However certain things are sanity expenditures without which life would be miserable. Hair colouring for example - it's the one thing I can't do myself or go without.
I could also cut my own hair if need be and never buy any new clothes. Shoot squirrels / pigeon for the dog. However certain things are sanity expenditures without which life would be miserable. Hair colouring for example - it's the one thing I can't do myself or go without.
I agree with pretty much what has been written above. The recession is a kind of blessing in disguise as it has taught people (by force) to do without things that really aren't necessary. Most of what we have is crap, anyway, when it comes down to it.
PS Tesco Value Shampoo exists and isn't bad if you need to clean your hair.
PS Tesco Value Shampoo exists and isn't bad if you need to clean your hair.
Coco H said:
I was listening to radio 4 yesterday. There was a couple talking about cutting back their costs during the recession. They cut out everything that could be defined as a want. The interesting thing is that this included the tv and tv licence, make-up and any cosmetic, haircuts etc ad heating one room only. This meant they could pay back debts and cover the mortgage and ever rising bills off one reduced salary. I think one had been made redundant and was seeking work and one had their wages cut.
I wonder how many people would be prepared to go to those kind of lengths. Most people, I think, would not be prepared to forgo creature comforts.
Realistically nobody needs make-up, needs shampoo (soap will do), needs any snack or sweet foods (unless diabetic), pets, games, internet etc. I could probably live without my prescription medications most of the time too other than the inhaler. But I can't see many people going to these lengths to keep their heads above water.
Short term, perhaps not a problem. Long term there are choices to be made as to whether your standard of living is acceptable to you. Everyone has to determine their priorities - and for some cosmetics weigh more heavily than eating three meals a day.I wonder how many people would be prepared to go to those kind of lengths. Most people, I think, would not be prepared to forgo creature comforts.
Realistically nobody needs make-up, needs shampoo (soap will do), needs any snack or sweet foods (unless diabetic), pets, games, internet etc. I could probably live without my prescription medications most of the time too other than the inhaler. But I can't see many people going to these lengths to keep their heads above water.
Simpo Two said:
ShadownINja said:
PS Tesco Value Shampoo exists and isn't bad if you need to clean your hair.
CoOp Apple for me.(but strangely, Molton Brown soap, sorry handwash, for visitors. Doh)
I'm presuming you know how much that stuff costs.
Yet it's all marketing. The main ingredients are water and sodium lauryl sulphate - ie. washing up liquid with good PR.
Simpo Two said:
Does 'standard of living' equate directly to 'how much money you can spend'?
Of course not. However many people are seduced by advertising and marketing to pay over the odds for a basic product (albeit in pretty packaging) when they could get better value for money elsewhere.I can't imagine Ray Mears spends a lot on accommodation, food or cosmetics, but I would consider him to be one of the happiest and possibly "Richest" people I "know" from telly.
We are about to go on a big save, we don't spend anything on "Bling" but there are an awful lot of everyday things that can be cut back on, big time.
We are about to go on a big save, we don't spend anything on "Bling" but there are an awful lot of everyday things that can be cut back on, big time.
The Lukas said:
Yes, don't you think if it wasn't shoved in our faces everywhere our lives would be happier? More content anyway. Then again I think you'd have to get rid of the PH classifieds 
Quite right. I think the Stoic sages had it sussed: "every desire degrades us, and renders us slaves of what we desire".ewenm said:
See Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
I've spent some time thinking about the hierarchy of needs before now with respect to my own existance, and believe if you understand it in the context of your own life, it really is if a good start to making the adjustments to your behaviour and expenditure to get the most satisfaction from it.I also believe, ironically, you need to reach the top before you realise your efforts on the lower stages are perhaps misguided, and the resources you expend to satisfy them could be better allocated to other pursuits.
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