Wants and Needs

Wants and Needs

Wants and Needs

Most of us live beyond our means because we fail to know the difference between our need and wants. Our basic needs as humans are few: shelter, food, clothing, transportation, education, insurance, and medical attention. Everything else beyond need, in reality we can consider it a want. However, distinguishing a want from a need is not so easy. There are times when we feel the urge to buy something that we think we need. It is often pressure from friends, family and dictates of society that brings forth this urge. And the sad truth is, it is usually too late when we realize that we only want but not really need - what we had spent for.

What are our real needs? And how do we differentiate wants to needs?

In food. Simple, nutritious food cooked at home is a need. Fancier food usually cooked in a restaurant is a want. But there are cases in which it is cheaper to buy food rather than to cook. So better choose the option which give you nutritious food at the lowest cost.

Clothing. You need clothes that are clean, neat and are suited for daily activities. Wearing an expensive designer clothes is a want.

Transportation. Have an enough money to be able to go to work and return home is a need. Owning a vehicle to go to work are usually a want. But there are cases in which it will cost you less to own a vehicle than paying for a jeepney, taxi and bus ride. When this happens, then the vehicle is a need.

Our needs are basically the same because we have similar physical characteristics. But because of the environment we grew up in, im sure we may have a different views of what are our needs and wants. Only you can fully understand your needs and wants.

So how about you? Do you know what are your wants and need?