Everyone needs three things: food, shelter, and clothing. It’s the basics for survival. What are yours?
Needs
And it’s the basics that need to be addressed first. In fact, I would put that in my “always” column for living. Just what are they—understanding that they will vary from person to person.
Wants and desires are simply degrees of needs. Take time to ponder your actual needs. Some people need a special diet so their needs may look quite different from yours. Some jobs require a uniform while others have a dress code. If you have children, a whole new set of needs come into play.
Wants
Where you live will depend on what you can afford. As a college freshman I lived in a dorm. The next three years I lived off-campus in a private home with seven other girls.
After graduations, I wanted space from the noise and chaos that so many under one roof can create. When I moved to New York City I wanted an apartment I didn’t have to share with anyone. It was what I needed … and desired at the same time. I kept looking until I found the perfect small apartment for me on the Upper East Side. It was time … but it was now what I desired … and needed.
Desires
After eight years in New York City, an opportunity arose in Denver, Colorado. I took a job with MicroMash, the first company that introduced study for the CPA exams on disc in addition to the traditional print book which would require to move. I have lived on both coasts—New York City, New York to Lemon Grove, California. It was time to settle in the central part of the country.
My family had lived in Colorado when I was in high school and loved the state. This would be the third time I lived in Colorado so I was determined to stay. No more moving—that was my desire and decided to buy a house.
The Federal Government had de-commissioned Lowry Air Force Base and sold the land to developers. My oldest brother had worked in construction so I got him to look over a similar development by the same developer. He checked it out and said the developer did good work. It was all I need to hear 25 years ago. I had done my research and I saw my dream house. I bought one of the first houses built in Lowry. I desired it. I’m still here.
Decision making takes some planning. It’s usually seeded with the “wants” and “desires” that evolve over time. For you, take the time to identify your basic needs, then your wants, and finally your desires and then you can move forward.
Patricia Lane Williams is a retired CPA and has worked with thousands of men and women sounding the warnings. She is the author of the Amazon bestseller, Money: Get It. Save It. Grow It … Before Debt Steals It.
Her website is www.PatWilliamsAuthor.com.