Not having any can really make you prioritize. Walking the poverty line forces you to seperate "need" from "want".

Now, I certainly can't claim actual poverty while sitting in my lovely apartment, typing thesewords onto my shiny iMac. Is there such a thing as upper-lower middle class? If there is, I am it. Decent housing and paying off my debts are the top of my budget priorities. After that comes paying the regular, unavoidable bills. Next is buying food and gasoline. Once all of that is out of the way, I may have a few pennies left over to buy the extras. This is when the need/want factor gets confusing.

Most of my "needs" are covered in the top priorities. New clothes? Clothes are a need; however if you already have clothes that fit and are servicable, though rather old and boring, they are demoted to "want". Step-stool to reach high places (might apartment is full of the): need or want? Flour and sugar storage bins: need or want? Tea kettle (rather than heating water in a pot or in the microwave): need or want? CDs, books, concert tickets, "treat" foods; all of these are definately wants. I am trying to visualize my budget like the food pyramid. Housing and debt payment (student loans et al) are the bread group. Monthly bills like electricity, heat and phone are the fruit and veggie groups. The want/needs are the dairy and meat groups, and the want/wants are like fats, oils and sweets--use sparingly!

Realistically, I have an overabundance of stuff and a full larder. I have health and dental insurance. I am rich by the standards of much of the world. Yet I envy those who can afford more. Why? It is time to rejoice over what I have, and continue to pare down my list of "needs" and "wants".

Though right now, what I really need is some sleep. Good night.