The 12 New "Necessities"

Was web surfing and came across an article on MSN/from bankrate.com on twelve things that many people now consider necessities but totally aren't...btw, one of E's child-raising principles is to make sure S doesn't grow up feeling entitled.

"True essentials never really change -- food, water, shelter and clothing.

However, modern life has created a host of "necessities" that many people swear they could not live without, including a daily latte, premium cable TV, a weekly manicure, a new leased automobile and cell phones for the entire family.

In reality, there's a more accurate word for those pricey add-ons: entitlements.

If you want to significantly cut spending, it's important to take a closer look at what you consider to be needs.

"Basically, what we need has nothing to do with Starbucks coffee," says money coach and psychotherapist Olivia Mellan, the author of "Overcoming Overspending."

"A lot of us in wealthy, overspending America are either born or raised with a tremendous sense of entitlement. We say to ourselves, 'I work hard' or 'I work at a job I hate -- at least I should be able to have a Starbucks coffee every day or eat out for lunch.' But, of course, those are not needs, they're wants. They're pleasures."

I went through the slide show and was probably feeling a wee bit smug...but of course I couldn't get through all twelve without pleading guilty:

1. Daily lattes: Nope, though a couple times this month I've done the "reward myself with a drink/dessert" mentality...if I'm here I might as well get a good sampling of X (new bakery with a good reputation)...

2. TV (Cable): Never had it except for a short time when a roommate had it...one that I'm usually fine without...easier now that cable tv shows come out on DVD and things are also shown online.

Now watching: Mad Men, Season One


3. Manicures/Pedicures: I don't do these monthly, maybe a couple times a year. I totally wanted to get one while I was in California but spent so much money on other things I couldn't justify it. I have ugly toes this summer. Doing it myself doesn't look the same. I would also add other grooming things...like getting my brows done. I hardly ever do it but it's so nice compared to plucking yourself.

4. Botox: Um, no problem there. Never say never though I guess...

5. Second Car: Being in CA this past week it was easy to be thankful that we rely on public transportation here in NYC. I can see how gas prices hurt! If we did live in a car place I can see how we could succumb to this. I admire my friends who manage with the inconvenience of only having one car.

Our car of fancy of the moment, the earlier model Scion xB...they're rare here but popular in SoCal:


6. Bottled Water: I rarely buy drinks. But again, this year I think I've loosened up and rationalized it was better to pay money than be dehydrated on those days I forget to bring my own drink (needing to nurse is a good excuse for needing to drink more, too).

7. Cell phone: E didn't have a cellphone when we met (though he'd had one prior) and I helped convince him to get one. I think we could probably get by on a pay as you go plan and save money. And I definitely don't think kids need their own!

Some non-necessities bring inordinate pleasure...like this one to my hubby. :)


8. Lawn service: Another perk of living in the city--though I think our complex spends too much on this.

9. Clothes: This is my downfall--not me particularly but clothes for S. It's true she does need to have some clothes. But not that much and not that hip.

Seriously, I wish some of this stuff came in my size:


10. Private school: Living where we do we've talked about this as a possibility. If we're still here most people in our complex either have their kids transfer to a non-district public school or send their kids to private school. We are considering our local school as a possibility but it may not work out.

11. Children's parties: We just talked tonight about how S isn't having a 1-year bday party though we do want to recognize and thank those who have been important in her life. When she's old enough to actually remember her birthdays I'm sure we'll keep it simple. I can sympathize though for the teen S feeling bad or not wanting to have a party because it'll be nothing compared to other lavish affairs.

12. Pet grooming/ walking: Another moot point for us. I always said I'd rather have a kid than a pet. And now I do. :)

**
I like the idea of adding other things to the list (like Ginny did)--one I would put on would be:

13. Personal Computers: It's not really a necessity that _both_ E and I have laptops.