Needs vs. Wants—because that fuzzy throw blanket may feel like an emergency, but your rent would like a word.
Let’s have a little come-to-budget-Jesus moment, shall we?
We’ve all been there: scrolling through a cute online boutique, double-tapping our way into a cart full of joy—and then suddenly, we’ve got $147.68 in "urgent must-haves" and a debit card twitching in our hand.
But do we need it? Like... need-it need it? Or are we just having a moment because it’s pretty, matches our style and would look so cute next to that candle we bought last week?
Welcome to the world of Needs vs. Wants—where budgeting meets grown-up decision-making but still lets you keep your sparkle.
What's a Need, What's a Want (and When Is It OK to Want the Dang Thing Anyway?)
Let’s break it down:
Needs are:
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Rent/mortgage
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Groceries (not the $8 oat milk ice cream—we’re talking staples here)
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Utilities
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Basic clothing (yes to socks, maybe not the rhinestone-studded blazer)
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Medical and hygiene items
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Gas or transportation
Wants are:
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That “limited edition” tumbler that looks like it came from a unicorn’s dream
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A 4th throw pillow that says “gather”
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Another pair of ankle boots even though you already have 6 pairs
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Upgrading your iPhone because the camera is just better now
Now don’t get salty. Wants aren’t bad. We’re human. We like nice things. But the trick is knowing when to say, “Yes!” and when to say, “Let me think on that.”
The "Pause Before Purchase" Trick (aka: The Cart Cooling-Off Period)
Online shopping is sneaky. It’s easy. It’s fun. It gives you a serotonin hit and a tracking number.
But if you find yourself saying, “Oooh, I need this!” a little too quickly, here’s your new golden rule:
Let. It. Sit.
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Add it to your cart
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Close the tab
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Walk away like the boss you are
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Revisit it 24 hours later with fresh eyes
Ask yourself:
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Did I even think about that thing today?
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Do I still feel excited about it—or was it just a moment of impulse?
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Could that money go toward something better right now?
90% of the time, you’ll leave it behind and feel powerful doing it.
For In-Person Temptations: The "Walk & Mull" Method
Since we can’t camp out in Target until sunrise (rude), here’s how you do the in-store version:
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Pick up the item. Carry it around like a new friend.
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Let your hand get tired. Let your brain do its thing.
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Keep shopping. Mull it over.
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Ask yourself: If I had to put something back right now, would it be this?
If the answer’s yes… kindly place it on a shelf (not the floor, we have manners) and walk out feeling 10 pounds lighter and $50 richer.
The "Cost-per-Use" Reality Check
Before you hit "buy," ask this: How often will I actually use this?
Example 1: $50 dress you’ll wear once = $50 per wear
Example 2: $70 shoes you wear twice a week for a year = $0.67 per wear
Suddenly those “expensive” shoes are a smarter buy than the bargain dress you’ll forget in the back of your closet.
So ask: Will this bring repeated joy or just a short burst of “yay” followed by buyer’s remorse?
The "Would I Still Want This If No One Else Saw It?" Test
Sometimes we want something because it looks good on Instagram, or because everyone else has it.
But if it wouldn’t still bring you joy in your cozy, private, makeup-free life—do you really want it? Or are you just chasing a moment?
Spend money on what feeds your soul, not what feeds the algorithm.
Other Savvy Tricks to Help You Spend Like a Queen (Not a Peasant)
Use the Rule of 3:
If you can’t think of 3 different ways or times you’ll use it—don’t buy it.
Set a Spending Date:
Waiting 30 days for big purchases gives you clarity. For smaller splurges, even 72 hours can be magic.
Transfer the Total:
If you resist buying something, move that amount to savings. Watch how fast your emergency fund (or travel budget) grows when you’re saving instead of swiping.
Create a “Lust List” Instead of Buying Right Away:
Keep a running list of your wants. Revisit it monthly. You'll often find you don’t want half the stuff anymore.
The Takeaway: You Can Still Be Fabulous and Financially Smart
Needs keep the lights on. Wants keep life fun. The key is finding balance—and not letting your inner impulse-shopper run wild like she’s on a game show.
Be thoughtful. Be intentional. Be okay with walking away from things that aren’t worth your energy (or your paycheck). When you do say yes to a purchase, it’ll feel 10x more satisfying—because you meant it.
Now go forth and curate your cart with the confidence of a woman who knows the difference between “meh” and “must-have.
Coffee on. Chaos Managed
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