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Well, it’s been over a month since the last time some publication/web site ticked off the internet with a completely ridiculous “average budget” for Americans, so I guess we’re due.
Suprisingly, this time around it isn’t CNBC that’s making the internet angry. Or, well, more angry. It’s USA Today.
That’s because USA Today recently published a story about the “average” American budget and the “nonessentials” we’re all wasting our money on like “buying lunch.”
According to the story, Americans spend roughly $18,000 a year “on things we can all do without.”
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a few luxuries here and there to make life enjoyable, but Americans are spending a small fortune on treats that are ultimately stripping them of the opportunity to save and use their money more responsibly.
Here are some of the things we don’t need apparently…
The average adult in the USA spends $1,497 a month on nonessential items. All told, that's roughly $18,000 a year on things we can all do without. https://t.co/KQ8wxFtduQ pic.twitter.com/bpgVj94SaM
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) May 7, 2019
Now you might argue that gym classes are an essential component of staying healthy, and rideshares are a means of traveling safely. But many of these costs can easily be minimized or eliminated without affecting your well-being. Take restaurant meals, for example. If anything, they tend to lead to overeating, and at more than $200 a month, they’re eating up a large chunk of the average American’s income.
Sooo… spending $94 a month on average for personal grooming is a nonessential? I guess they’re right. I really don’t need things like haircuts, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, dental floss, toothpaste, a toothbrush, razors, shaving cream, hair gel, body lotion, cologne, sunscreen, lip balm, or soap.
Needless to say, the internet was not having it.
https://twitter.com/jetpack/status/1125923376432799744If you’re spending $96 on ride shares you’re saving $200 a month by not having a car payment.
— war🦄 pwnie (@WarPwnie) May 8, 2019
Yeah people should stop buying unnecessary items like lunch.
— Morgan Housel (@morganhousel) May 8, 2019
And the odds the average American spends $94 a month on subscription boxes is exactly 0.00%.
— Morgan Housel (@morganhousel) May 8, 2019
Personal grooming? You get fired if you skip that. Rideshares? People got to get places. If you saved that $96 a month until you could afford a car (AND in many places, a place to park it), you'd be missing out on so many opportunities in the meantime.
— Alexandra Erin | patreon.com/AlexandraErin (@AlexandraErin) May 8, 2019
I like that 'restaurant meals,' 'takeout/delivery' and 'buying lunch' are listed separately.
— Rob Parsons (@R0BParsons) May 8, 2019
Ah yes, convenience meals and online shopping, something we can all do without. Because every adult in the US is a young, able bodied person with no dependents or health problems and enough time and energy to go shopping in person on a regular basis. Seems legit to me
— i sleep (@longwander) May 8, 2019
Sure we can all do without, uh, transportation. And lunch. And personal grooming.
AND WHO THE HELL SPENDS THAT ON SUBSCRIPTION BOXES I KNOW NO SINGLE HUMAN BEING WHO DOES THIS
— Elle Has Cats (and ADHD) (@ellle_em) May 8, 2019
If you think personal grooming doesn't count as a necessity I shudder to think what the offices at USA Today smell like.
— tortured Neuralink test monkey (@Zooophagous) May 8, 2019
Employers: You need to be well groomed for work
Me: Cool, I'll buy a razor and get a haircut
Employers: You need clothes that meet regulations
Me: OK I'll buy them online
Employers: You need to be punctual or [axe emoji]
Me: No problem I'll call a Lyft when the bus is late— find me on Cohost @discodeerdiary (@DiscoDeerDiary) May 8, 2019
Would a USA Today subscription be considered nonessential?
— Jason Shaw (@heyjayshaw) May 8, 2019
I think it would.