Want v. Need

Having gone from a middle-class family to a single mom making a good income in a solid career to living below the poverty line on disability, the difference between need and want has become easier to determine. However, there were two pivotal points growing up that also contributed to knowing the difference. My parents gave me everything they thought I wanted, but it cost them my childhood home by the time I hit junior high school. What I really wanted was their time. The second pivotal moment was when I was 15. My mom did not like the style of my clothes and refused to buy me the clothes I wanted. She told me to get a job and buy my own clothes; so, I did.

 

Living below the poverty line has simplified the process of determining whether I truly need something or simply want it. If it’s not food, shelter, clothing, or support for health and well-being then it’s more than likely a want. My bank balance is now a major factor in the “need versus want” debate as well. On cheque day all bills get paid first, and the remaining money is budgeted for groceries; it gets grim. Even within food and clothing, there are lines. Do I need junk food and take-out? Do I really need another pair of shoes or another dress/t-shirt/hoodie/etc.? Usually, the answer is no. Looking back at purchases I’ve made recently, most have been out of necessity – heaters, school supplies, and clothes for my kid. However, I do spend too much on take-out which is a “want” often caused by forgetting to take meat out of the freezer for dinner. Poverty has taught my son and I that making memories is far more important than material things. Money isn’t always required to make memories. Sometimes we want to spend money but most of the time we don’t. Our biggest purchases over the past few years have all been things we’ve wanted that we can enjoy together – Nintendo Switch, a dart board, and a record player. Life lessons have taught me the difference between “want” versus “need” and it really boils down to “What’s really important in life?” It is rarely ever another pair of Chuck Taylor’s; I already have three.