What is classified as a need?

A need is classified as an essential item required for survival. This includes basic necessities such as food, water, shelter, and clothing. These items are critical for maintaining one’s health and well-being, and without them, individuals cannot sustain their lives or meet their fundamental physical requirements.

In contrast, options like non-essential entertainment items, luxury goods, and hobbies represent wants rather than needs. While these may enhance quality of life or provide enjoyment, they are not critical for survival or essential living. Understanding the difference between needs and wants is fundamental in personal finance, as it helps individuals prioritize their spending and budgeting accordingly. By focusing on meeting needs first, individuals can make more informed financial decisions that ensure their basic requirements for survival are met before allocating funds to non-essential items.