Who's complaining about the cost-of-living crisis?

Discretionary spending habits are showing little evidence of changing despite the cost-of-living crisis we are constantly reminded of. People could manage quite well without these indulgences, in many instances, to the benefit of their health as well as wealth. Vaping for example. Who can argue that it is a necessary spend? The jury is still out on whether or how vaping affects long-term health outcomes. The case for chemical inhalation, as well as wasting finite rare earth minerals in vape manufacturing, is questionable. Swapping one addictive habit for another is equally questionable. Vape away by all means; just don’t complain about the cost-of-living crisis.

Cut the nail spend

Another questionable development has been the proliferation of nail bars. No one denies anyone the right to spend their wages on their nails. It is reasonable, however, to ask how so many people have spare money to spend on their nails, if we are in a cost-of-living crisis. While a nail clipper is, presumably, a poor substitute for regular visits to nail bars, it is a lot cheaper and, possibly, less deleterious to fingernails.

Give it the chop

Evidence of another first-world indulgence is the extraordinary growth in barber shops. Haircuts at €25 to €35 a clip add up over a year. While not suggesting that we become shabby sheepdogs, is it necessary to get your hair or facial adornments tended to every week or every other week? Each to their own, but don’t claim that you are crushed by a cost-of-living crisis while over-maintaining your mane.

Brew your own

For many people, daily spending on takeaway coffee is a necessity. Really? One obvious alternative is to invest in a flask and bring your own to work or wherever it is you are going with that indispensable, disposable cup in your hand. For those who don’t care to boil a kettle, there are economical coffeemakers in supermarkets and electrical stores that will save you hundreds if not thousands of euros over a year. A couple buying take-away coffee five or even seven days a week will spend at least €2,500 per annum, assuming each cup of coffee costs an average of €3.50. Alternatively, a bog-standard coffeemaker can be bought for less than €100. Add on coffee grinds, electricity, a reusable mug and a flask, and you have a mug of coffee every day of the year for no more than €550. That’s almost €2,000 saved – much more if you drink two cups of coffee daily. If you prefer the €3.50 offering, that’s fine, just don’t complain about the cost-of-living crisis.

Prioritisation-of-living crisis

The list is almost endless. Tattoo parlours are thriving. People taking two, three or four flights per year is not unusual. Smoking is still widespread despite it being a very unhealthy and very expensive habit. Fast fashion is a false economy. Yes, we are in a cost-of-living crisis but for some, it is more of a prioritisation-of-living crisis!