7 Things We Can't Live Without

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This recession that's turned our lives upside down has changed the way we think about life's necessities. What we thought were necessary things in out lives are now considered luxury's. We have made conscious decisions to cut back lifestyle for for a more frugal life.

Sales of cars, homes and appliances have plunged. We are finding out that we can live on a lot less and still function. It's not a choice we freely make but one forced on us. The question is what things in your life have you found that you can't live without. If you asked 100 people that question you would get a wide range of answers according to their list of creature comforts that they have become used to over the years. These things that make life a little more easy or bearable. 

1. Portable computers.

Whether it's cheap net books, iPads or laptops these bits of technology have become ingrained in our lives. We run our lives out of them. We shop on them, pay our bills, socialize, get our news and communicate on them. They make life easy and convenient. I can't live without my computer.

2. High-Speed Internet Access

If you have been using Internet access for any number of years you have used dial-up and know how painfully slow that was. But the day you started to use cable or DSL service you were not ever going back. Now the Internet was very usable. You could hook up a router and everyone in the house could be online. It was like night and day and the convenience was like"Wow". Could you live with out it. Probably not. I would cut back on everything else before removing my DSL. I would give up the dryer, dishwasher, cable TV, telephone, and the dog rather than lose my Internet. I can't live without my Internet.  

3. Smart Phones

When smart phones first came out they were priced well above the price of regular cell phones. I said I would never buy one of those expensive thing. But as time rolled on the IPhone came out and I was sold. Now I do everything on my phone. From banking to blogging. It's my GPS and my mailbox. My entertainment and my knowledge finder. It so covienent, it does everything for me quickly and efficiently. Sorry can't live without it.

4. Coffee

Here is a special subject close to my heart. Coffee. I have started everyday of my adult life with a nice hot cup of coffee. It's ingrained in our culture. To not start the day with coffee is like not to breathe. It's a pleasant habit and a rewarding experience. It holds a special place in our lives. Sorry can't live without it.

5. Pets.

Our pets are as important to us as members of our own family are. They keep us company and give us love. We send them for grooming and buy them clothes. They are like little hairy children to us. To give them up would be unthinkable. We would give up so many things to not lose them. Sorry, can't live without our pets.

6. TV and Movies.

We have cut back so far already. We are saving money everyplace else, please don't take the TV and Movies. Of course this includes the cable, too. We quit going to the mall and sporting events, shows and vacations. The TV is our only source of entertainment. So I can justify my 42" plasma screen with HD. We don't do anything else so can we keep it? Sorry, can't live without TV.

7. Drinking.

Yes, I mean booze. Also beer and wine.  Obviously people have cut back going out. During hard times you know people drink a lot more to self medicate. To give this item up is going to very hard. Maybe because of addiction problems. But also because we love the stuff. More people are drinking at home to save money. So, sorry can't live without drinking.

Even faced with hard financial decisions, loss of jobs and money there are somethings we can't live without. We will give up other things to have some creature comforts. The meaning of the words want and needs have become blurred. What were once luxuries are now necessities. What things can you not live without?