It’s funny how something can feel like a waste of money one minute and completely worth it the next. I’ve spent plenty of time questioning whether certain things are worth the money, only to realize that some of my favorite little luxuries are the same things I keep coming back to. From my daily coffee runs to fresh manicures, I’ve come to realize that the things we enjoy most aren’t always the things we need most.
The Daily Coffee Run
Growing up, my mom loved getting Dunkin’ practically every morning, and somewhere along the way, that habit became my own. Now, if I find myself with a little extra time during a long day, there’s a pretty good chance I’ll be heading to Starbucks or possibly Dunkin’. Sure, buying coffee regularly adds up, and I could easily make it at home for a fraction of the price. But sometimes, it’s not just about the coffee. It’s about having something to look forward to, taking a little break between classes, or treating myself after a long day.
Is it a necessity? Absolutely not.
Will I probably still be ordering my favorite drink tomorrow? Absolutely.
The Fresh Manicure
I’ve been getting my nails done since eighth grade, and although I tried taking a break last year to save money and time, I only lasted about six months before I caved. I genuinely thought I could live without them, but I missed that feeling of having fresh, clean, manicured nails. There’s something about looking down at your hands and loving what you see that makes you feel a little more put together. Taking a break actually made me realize how much I appreciated getting my nails done in the first place. While it’s definitely an expense I could live without, it’s one of those little luxuries that makes me happy every time I look down at my hands.
The Lip Product I Definitely Don’t NEed
If there’s one thing I can never seem to have enough of, it’s lip products. My skincare and makeup routines are generally pretty consistent, but introduce me to a new lip gloss, oil, or balm, and suddenly I’m interested. The funny part is that I already own plenty, and some of them probably look nearly identical. Yet somehow, every new shade or formula feels different enough to justify adding it to my collection. They’re small purchases that bring a surprising amount of excitement, whether I’m trying a new shade or just throwing something new into my everyday makeup routine.
Do I need another one? Probably not.
Am I going to keep finding cute ones? Unfortunately, yes.
The Never-Ending Search for New Clothes
Clothing is probably one of my biggest spending struggles. I’m constantly finding new things I want, imagining outfits I could put together, and convincing myself that one more top will somehow transform my closet. Sometimes, though, a new purchase really is worth it. Finding a pair of jeans that fits perfectly or a crewneck I end up wearing every week feels like money well spent. Other times, I buy something because I’m excited about it in the moment, only for it to sit in my closet while I continue claiming I have nothing to wear. I’ve learned that there’s a difference between loving the idea of buying something new and actually loving what I bought. Unfortunately, it sometimes takes a few questionable purchases to figure that out.
So, Is It Really Worth It?
At the end of the day, not everything we spend money on needs to be a necessity to have value. Of course, there will always be purchases we regret, and learning to recognize the difference is part of figuring out our own spending habits. The goal isn’t to eliminate every unnecessary expense, but more so to be a little more intentional about the things that genuinely make us happy. Because while something might not be worth every penny to everyone else, that doesn’t mean it can’t be worth it to you.