1. The "Floor" Keeps Rising
What's considered "basic" isn't basic anymore.

Think AC, internet, even that daily coffee run → they've moved from "nice-to-have" to "how-can-you-live-without-it?"

2. Everyone Else Has It (So You "Need" It Too)
Social norms and tech advancements make once-premium items feel like a given.

Your smartphone, streaming subscriptions are no longer luxuries, they're just... life.

3. Your Budget Feels the Squeeze
More of your income now goes to what used to be optional.

This silent shift has redefined your financial "essentials," making today's "minimum" a lot pricier.

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Inspired by Linda Duffy's post

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