Even when they’re on a tight budget, there are some things most people don’t like to give up. This might be a small guilty pleasure, a much-needed treat, or just something that makes life feel normal even when their bank account warns them to stop. Here, we’ve identified 13 luxuries that broke people splurge on – after all, everyone needs some joy in life from time to time.
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Coffee Shop Drinks
Making coffee at home would save you a lot of money. You convince yourself that today will be the last time you spend $6 on a latte. But then come morning, you find yourself ordering from Starbucks again – there is simply no substitute for their caramel drizzle and perfectly foamed milk. For most people, their coffee shop drinks remain a priority, even when they’re on a tight budget.
Streaming Services
In the modern world, streaming services have become an essential instead of a luxury – or this is what most people believe. Even with limited funds, people still keep at least one streaming service subscription. Switching to streaming services should have saved money but costs quickly add up with subscriptions to Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max and Prime Video among others. But hey, what’s life without some binge-watching.
Takeout & Fast Food
Preparing meals at home saves money but no one wants to chop vegetables and stand in front of a stove after spending a long exhausting day. That’s when the thought creeps in: “I’ll just grab something quick. One little takeout meal won’t hurt.” When a month passes, you’ll find that half of your paycheck has disappeared due to pizza, burgers, sushi, and Uber Eats orders. People who don’t have much money find ways to defend their takeout purchases with claims such as:
“It’s actually cheaper than groceries.”
“I don’t want to waste food by cooking something I won’t finish.”
“I deserve a little treat.”
Beauty & Grooming
No money for rent? Still getting those nails done. Running low on cash? That skincare routine stays intact. Even when money is tight, people continue spending on haircuts and beauty treatments – after all, looking good is essential. Some who want to save money try to extend the time between salon visits while others attempt home beauty treatments (with mixed results).
Alcohol & Partying
People with little money somehow find funds for alcoholic beverages. It could be a discounted happy hour, maybe a few home brews, or maybe it’s a “just one more round” kind of night. There’s also the classic logic: I choose to enjoy tonight because I can handle my problems tomorrow. (Spoiler: The following day typically brings financial regret coupled with a hangover.)
Designer or Name-Brand Items
Some people wear $200 sneakers and Gucci belts despite only having $10 in their bank account. How? Priorities. Some always prioritize fashion over financial security. They will spend money on luxury brands like designer handbags and fancy perfumes even when they have to live off instant noodles for two weeks.
Lottery Tickets & Gambling
Some people see buying a $2 lottery ticket as a strategic investment toward their potential future wealth. When money is tight, they can’t resist thinking about the possibility of “What if I actually win?” Some people rationalize their spending by making statements like:
- “You gotta play to win!”
- “It’s just a few bucks—it’s not like I’m spending a fortune.”
- “This scratch-off might be the one!”
Reality check: The house always wins.
Delivery Fees & Uber Rides
People with little money always find funds for Uber rides. Public transportation? Too inconvenient. Walking? Too exhausting. They choose to spend $15 on an Uber ride instead of taking a 10-minute bus journey which would have only cost $2. It seems completely reasonable to pay delivery drivers $5 to $10 to skip going outside even though these charges sometimes exceed the food price.
Subscription Boxes
Who wouldn’t enjoy receiving a surprise package each month? Subscription boxes with makeup, snacks, books, or dog toys act like monthly personal presents. The idea of canceling them seems impossible even when money is tight. Who knows maybe next month’s box will turn out to be amazing?
Gym Memberships & Fitness Classes
For many people their gym memberships and yoga classes or fancy spin sessions are essential parts of life. They don’t get the idea of exercising at home without spending any money. Paying for the monthly gym fee takes priority over rent – because self-care matters.
Vapes, Cigarettes & Energy Drinks
You understand the irony when someone complains about money problems while smoking a $12 pack of cigarettes. People consistently find funds for their addictions, whether they spend it on nicotine products or costly energy drinks. Giving up these habits would save a lot of money, yet there’s no realistic chance of it happening in the near future.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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