Having What You Need Can Lead to Having What You Want
April 9, 2007 by Deborah Ng
Filed under General
My son has a serious case of the “I wants”. Lately it seems as if he doesn’t open his mouth without telling me about a toy or other item he just has to have. I told him I don’t want to hear anymore sentences that begin with “I want.” He then wanted to know why I always go to the store to get the things I want and it’s ok. I let him know it’s because I don’t go to the store because of things I want, I go to the store because of things I need.
Determining wants vs needs is the most important factor when saving money. It’s amazing how many things we thing we think we need until we crunch the numbers and realize they’re all things we can do without. I’d love to have a freezer filled with convenience foods, but they’re expensive and not in our budget. I’d love to buy lots of new clothes each season, but why do this when my old clothes still fit and look just fine?
My husband and I do have some frivolous items. Some “I want” items. By cutting out some unnecessary stuff and putting a little money away each month, we were able to fulfill some of the items on our “I want” wish list. It’s as I told my son, to buy things all the time doesn’t make them very special. To work hard and save for the things we want make us appreciate them a little more.
