We all know money can’t buy happiness. However, we often equate happiness with the items we will pay for, no matter how much they cost. Some people list them as desires, while others will always consider them “essentials.”
These items can vary widely, but there are a few central themes most people generally consider to be possessions mainstream society simply can’t do without. We don’t look at the price tag of these items as much as we consider how not having them may affect our lives.
If you’re interested to know if your own essentials made the list or what you’d delete from these “must-have” items, look no further. We’ve got some of today’s hottest items that people will pay an arm and a leg to procure.
1. Internet

All you have to do is sit outside any public venue and watch people with their phones to know that no matter the price, people will always pay for internet access. In our hyperconnected world, where you can reach anyone across the globe with a mouse and a few keystrokes, the internet is an integral part of our existence.
Since its inception, the internet has grown to become essential to our way of life. Many people use it to make a living, and almost everyone on Earth uses it recreationally. Some, like my niece and nephew, use it to fall asleep by accessing music, using FaceTime with a friend, or using a sleep app.
2. Cell Phone
Even if you use an Android device, having the newest phone is what some people live for. They’ll pay hundreds, even thousands of dollars, to have the latest device from Apple, Samsung, or Blu.
Whichever phone manufacturer you love, upgrading our phones is as common as breathing. We almost do it on autopilot, and that’s why service providers offer to give you such great breaks when you switch from one provider to another. They want to hook you with the latest devices by making you think you’re getting a great deal. Sometimes, the deals are awesome. However, you’ll still be paying out for the newest models, no matter what.
3. Alcohol
Most people who drink alcohol have a brand they prefer. Maybe you’re a Coors, Bud Light, or Miller High Life person. Perhaps you only have whiskey, and Jack Daniels is your brand of choice.
No matter what type of alcohol you enjoy, most will stick with their brand, even if another passable option has a lower price tag. This is just one reason brands pay out so much money for advertising…they want your business.
4. Cars
Owning a car (especially your first car) is a matter of pride as much as being an essential item. Sometimes, you’ll fall in love with a brand, and from that moment on, you’ll only buy that brand of vehicle. Other times, we shop around because a vehicle doesn’t offer all the amenities we’d love to have.
The one exception to this may be if you live in a busy metropolis like New York City or Tokyo. In those instances, you might get by with foregoing a vehicle. Other than that, most people are going to pay out for a car, even if as a matter of pride.
5. Coffee
Coffee is easily one of my favorite things in the world. I look forward to making my preferred cup every morning and often set up my machine the night before. Coffee can also be crazy expensive, especially if you prefer a rare brand or specific type of coffee. You can easily spend hundreds of dollars on specialty coffees like Black Ivory and Finca El Injerto, which range from $500 to more than $1000 per pound.
While my pocketbook doesn’t run that deep, I don’t mind paying out once and a while for coffee that may seem expensive to the average person. Most people who have strong opinions on their coffee are going to pay for the brand they like, even if the price goes up.
6. Television
Where would the world be without television? Actually, it’s not a bad question to contemplate. I had a friend in high school whose parents didn’t have a TV in the house. They used one for rare and special viewing occasions, but on the whole, they didn’t watch TV.
Instead, my friend learned how to sew, play the piano, sing (in front of people), interpret American sign language, woodwork, farm work, and a whole list of other subjects. She is well-read and has always been mature for her age. Now, as a mother of four, she spends her free time doing woodworking as a side hustle. In today’s society, however, it’s rare for people to do without TV, and most US families are going to keep their televisions running, no matter the cost.
7. Central Heat and Air
If there is one thing I always look for in a property, it’s central heat and air. It’s more cost-effective than running window units in every room. It also means easier maintenance and increases the overall aesthetic of a home. Window units (in my opinion) also leave room for creepy crawlies to find their way into your home. As a self-diagnosed bug-o-phobe, I minimize that risk as much as possible.
Central heat and air also increase the price of your home should you ever decide to sell it. Most people in modern society will choose a central system over window units if given the chance, and having it available in your home is never a bad option. Vents in the roof of your system are even more impressive as a selling point (especially if you’ve had the entire system cleaned before putting your home on the market).
8. Bottled Water
Even with studies coming out about microplastics and other harmful plastic chemicals, people will still pay to put their water in bottles. We can’t help but believe the hype that somehow “Spring Mountain Water from the Ozarks” is cleaner than simply filtering your own groundwater.
To that end, bottled water companies need not fear. USAmericans, especially, will continue to purchase your products case after case. If there were an advisable time to buy bottled water, it’d be if you’re planning on visiting another country (especially underdeveloped countries) where the water supply could be tainted.
9. Gym Memberships
Ask the average person if they’ve ever bought a gym membership they didn’t use, and the answer will be a resounding “Yes!” However, we still keep paying out for gym memberships because the need to have it handy in case we actually want to use it is better than not having it. That mental block keeps people stuck in the same crazy loop.
That being said, many people need several starts at something before they can find the willpower and discipline to stick with it. Consistency isn’t always something that comes easily to many people and often requires a mindset shift. Knowing our gym membership is there when we get ready to use it is too good of a thing to pass up.
10. Shoes
I’m not going to pay out the insane price of a pair of Yeezys to put on my feet. However, I also believe comfortable shoes make for healthier feet, and I don’t mind paying a bit more for a better product.
Most people are going to pay for shoes because the average person lives in a place where shoes are a necessity and a requirement (for shopping and other public events). However, there are those people who will pay for Nikes or Yeezys no matter how high the price goes because they love the brand and its products.
11. Clothes
I’m not going to shop at Gucci or Armani anytime soon. However, clothes are another essential in modern society (unless you’re at the beach), and you get what you pay for. If you want quality clothes that last, you’re going to have to shop somewhere other than Walmart.
That being said, thrift stores are a great way to find cheap clothes (especially if you’re not expecting them to last decades). If you want a specialty piece, however, you’re going to want a high-end store like Tom Ford or Dulce and Gabbana. For people who frequent these high-end designer stores, the price tag really isn’t the biggest issue, and they’ll continue to pay for those luxury brand items.
12. Vacation
As a mother of seven, vacation to me is an hour when no one calls my name or needs me. For the average family, however, vacation is the one thing they look forward to with excitement. This is especially true if said vacation gets them out of school for any length of time.
With everything becoming more expensive over the last couple of years, people usually scale back their plans and may make less expensive excursions, but vacations are still on. Even if you have three or four small four-day weekend trips versus a two-week trip overseas, the point is to spend time relaxing. What USAmerican couldn’t use more of that?