How do you know what is a luxuery and what is a ...

Your needs are bare bones essentials for daily living--a place to live, food, utilities, and transportation (by this I mean a basic car/truck, the bus, or a bicycle).  Anything else is a want/luxury.  Plain and simple!

If you view the Internet as a way to keep in touch with family (for example), that can classify as a need.  There's a way to fill that need if you don't have a computer at home, but can't afford to buy one--use the computers at your local library.  It's completely free; all you need is your library card.

A great question, and one I'm sure we all ask ourselves from time to time!!! The term 'luxury' is subjective...I get cable TV for which I pay more than I think I should!! however, I am a movie fanatic and wouldnt think of doing without it..by the same token, I do not drink or smoke, which to me is a luxury, but is it a luxury to those who do, if they don't spend much money on other non-necessities? I think a cell phone would be a luxury for me, as I'm retired, but its not for younger people who just 'have to have one'....outside of the usual, food, rent, etc., I feel the rest is up to you as to how you spend your money...the main thing is to try to keep a balance between 'what I want' and "what I need".....I WANT cable tv but certainly don't need it, but again, there are other areas where I spend less on other things.....wow, this is getting complicated!! LOL Anyway, luxury is, as I said, not an objective term..years ago, a car was considered a luxury; who can live without one now? same with the telephone!! and on and on...