15 Things You Think You Need — But Don’t
We all have a tendency to accumulate things we think we “need”. But often, many of these items are not necessities in any real sense. They’re more like luxuries, conveniences, or even just indulgences that we’ve somehow convinced ourselves are essential. In this post, we’ll take a look at 15 things you think you need — but actually don’t.
By letting go of these false needs, we can live simpler, less cluttered lives, and potentially save a lot of money in the process.
1. A Bigger House
There’s something about the idea of a big house that’s so appealing. We imagine it filled with beautiful furniture, all our friends and family comfortably accommodated, and plenty of space to do whatever we want. But the reality can be quite different.
A bigger house means higher bills, more maintenance, and more time spent cleaning. It’s also more living space to fill with things you don’t need. More importantly, a big house doesn’t necessarily lead to more happiness. Happiness comes from spending quality time with loved ones and pursuing passions, not from the size of our living space.
2. A New Car
We often see a new car as a status symbol and a sign of success. The shiny exterior and new car smell can be intoxicating, but the financial costs can be sobering.
A new car is one of the fastest depreciating assets you can buy. The moment you drive it off the lot, it starts to lose value. Plus, there are the ongoing costs of insurance, maintenance, and fuel. A well-maintained used car can be just as reliable and much more affordable.
3. Latest Gadgets
From the newest iPhone to the latest gaming console, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype of the latest gadgets. But the reality is, we don’t always need the newest tech to fulfill our needs.
Sure, new gadgets might have cool features, but often we don’t use half of them. And a slightly older model can often do the job just as well at a fraction of the cost. Again, it’s worth asking yourself, “Do I really need this?” before making a purchase.
4. Expensive Clothes
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to look good. However, looking good doesn’t necessarily require expensive clothes.
You can look stylish and professional without breaking the bank. And remember, the most important thing about clothes is how they make you feel, not how much they cost. Quality should be prioritized over brand names.
5. Gym Membership
While staying fit and healthy is important, a gym membership isn’t the only way to achieve this.
There are plenty of ways to stay active without paying for a gym membership. Walking, running, and doing exercises at home are all free and effective methods of staying fit. Plus, you can find numerous free workout routines online.
6. Cable TV
In an age of streaming services and the internet, cable TV is becoming increasingly redundant.
Many of the shows and movies you watch on cable can be found on streaming platforms for a fraction of the cost. Plus, without cable, you’ll be less likely to mindlessly channel surf and waste precious time.
7. Dining Out Frequently
While dining out can be a fun experience and a break from cooking, doing it frequently can be both unhealthy and expensive.
Cooking at home is usually cheaper, healthier, and can even be a fun activity to do with your partner or family. Plus, there are countless free recipes available online for every dietary preference and skill level.
8. Overpriced Coffee
Your daily Starbucks habit might seem like a necessary indulgence, but those $5 lattes add up quickly.
Making coffee at home is much cheaper and can be just as delicious, especially if you invest in good beans and equipment. Plus, you can customize your coffee exactly how you like it.
9. Premium Gasoline
Unless your car specifically requires it, you don’t need to fill up with premium gasoline.
Most cars run perfectly fine on regular gasoline, and using premium won’t improve performance or fuel efficiency. This is just another way you could be wasting money without realizing it.
10. A Landline
With almost everyone having a cell phone these days, landlines are becoming less and less necessary.
Unless you have a specific need for a landline, such as a home business, it might be time to consider getting rid of it. This is especially true if you find yourself rarely using it.
11. Brand Name Groceries
While some brand name products are worth the extra cost, many are not.
Store brands are often just as good, and sometimes even better, than their brand name counterparts. Plus, they’re usually significantly cheaper, which can save you a lot of money over time.
12. Extended Warranties
Extended warranties are often not worth the cost.
The likelihood of a product failing within the extended warranty period is usually quite low. Plus, if it does happen, the cost of repair or replacement is often less than the cost of the warranty itself.
13. Bottled Water
Bottled water is not only expensive, but it’s also bad for the environment.
If your tap water is safe to drink, consider investing in a reusable water bottle and filling up at home. If you don’t like the taste of your tap water, a water filter can be a cost-effective solution.
14. Disposable Products
From paper towels to disposable razors, these products can be convenient but they’re also wasteful and expensive in the long run.
Consider switching to reusable alternatives. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also be doing your part to reduce waste.
15. A Perfect Lawn
A perfectly manicured lawn can be a status symbol, but it requires a lot of work and resources.
Consider embracing a more natural yard. It will be better for the environment, require less work, and can still look beautiful. Plus, you’ll save money on water, fertilizer, and lawn maintenance services.
