She Strengthens

The True Meaning of “Expensive”

As I reflect on my recent financial journey, I’m reminded that the concept of “expensive” is subjective and can change dramatically from one month to the next. In June, I found myself splurging on a $2,000 MacBook Pro, a purchase I don’t regret despite it being the most I’ve ever spent at once. However, this indulgence meant that July would be a more frugal month, with me having to cut costs and prioritize my expenses.

A Shift in Priorities

The contrast between my most expensive purchases in June and July is striking. While I spent a small fortune on a computer, in July, I was hesitant to part with $40 for a pair of pants from Banana Republic. This got me wondering: what do others consider “expensive”? Do their priorities shift from month to month, just like mine?

A Survey of Spending Habits

I asked a group of young people about their most expensive purchases last month, and the responses were enlightening. Some had made a single big-ticket purchase, while others allocated a significant portion of their income towards rent, groceries, or other necessities. Here’s what they had to say:

Food, Rent, and Guilty Pleasures

• Tesha spent $375 on food.
• Pete shelled out $850 on gas, citing excessive driving.
• Evan paid a whopping $1,000 in rent.
• Rose splurged $78 on shoes, which she deemed a lot for footwear.
• Ben confessed to spending $300 on coffee, a habit he’s trying to curb.
• Claudio invested $1,075 in an online course.
• Elizabeth spent about $100 on gel manicures, which she now regrets.
• Kayla allocated $50-$60 per week on cigarettes, a habit she’s struggling to quit.
• Andrew spent $100 on in-game content for Kingdom Hearts Unchained X, a purchase he acknowledges was irresponsible.
• Carolyn dropped $90 at Bath and Body Works, a splurge she can’t quite explain.
• Mindy spent $1,000 on food for others, a generosity she doesn’t regret.
• Josh cited rent, baby formula, and collective grocery expenses as his biggest expenditures.
• Sara spent $80 on her reptiles, a significant outlay for her pets.
• Brian invested $3,000 in furniture for his new home, a purchase he feels was justified.
• Erin bought a puppy for $875, a decision she hopes she can afford to care for in the long run.

The Relative Nature of “Expensive”

These responses highlight the diverse ways people allocate their resources and what they consider “expensive.” For some, it’s a luxury item, while for others, it’s a necessary expense. As I reflect on my own spending habits, I’m reminded that the concept of “expensive” is fluid and can change dramatically from one month to the next.