With years of high inflation, exploding housing costs, and soaring food prices, it's no secret that it's become tough for many folks to get by.
Well, Reddit user u/PhotographOk135 recently asked what people badly want but cannot afford. And the responses were all too relatable:
1. "To pay off my debt."
"Same. Trapped in a cycle of debt because life is expensive, and my wage hasn't gone up. It's impossible to find other jobs these days that pay more than $20/hour. They want you to have a university degree and multiple years of experience for 'entry level' jobs that pay garbage. Spending multiple tens of thousands on education just to get paid below a living wage."
2. "Early retirement. I've been working for over 30 years, and I'm just ready to not work anymore."
"This is the correct answer. As someone in their mid-40s, who's done very well, to see that retirement is just a wish is depressing."
"Had a man who looked to be in his mid-70s ringing me up at Walgreens a week ago. He moved at, like, 0.2 miles/hour, and it was honestly the most sobering shit I've seen in a long time. No one should be forced to work at that point in their life."
3. "Not even a huge house, maybe a two-bedroom in an area that isn't the middle of nowhere."
"My parents bought their home for $260k 25 years ago. It’s worth $1.2 million now. For a three-bedroom, modest home. It’s insane. The whole town blew up. I can’t afford to live anywhere near a decent school system, and it affects me and my kids every day."
4. "To get my teeth fixed. God, I miss biting into an apple sooo much."
"Dental insurance is barely even insurance; it's more like a subscription dental coupon club."
5. "Insulin for my kid. Hard to afford both that and college for her simultaneously."
6. "To get my car repaired. It’s still driving as of now, but it needs some repairs really badly, and I can’t do them myself because of the equipment needed."
7. "Therapy."
"I've said it once, and I've said it again, therapy should be covered by the government. Mental health can severely impact one's productivity and physical health."
8. "A place of my own with no roommates. I could technically afford an apartment, but it would be literally over three times the rent I'm paying now for a bedroom. Ugh."
9. "Surgery for my dog's knee. We have insurance, but they're giving us the runaround."
10. "A divorce."
"I feel this so hard. I had to ask family and friends for money to get mine. Worth every penny that I still owe now."
11. "Just one night on a soft and comfortable bed and not having to worry about my safety while sleeping."
12. "A honeymoon with my wife. Been married for almost seven years and still haven't been able to take one."
13. "I really want health insurance. The ability is see a doctor when something is wrong (instead of just hoping it gets better) would be nice."
14. "Occasionally get guacamole on my burrito without worrying it was going to overdraft my account."
15. And finally, "A recliner chair that would make my grandpa's life 1,000 times more comfortable."
What's something that you really want but can't afford? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.