'What's a necessity in modern living?' poll discussion

Former_MSE_Lawrence
Former_MSE_Lawrence Posts: 975 Forumite
edited 31 August 2010 at 11:09AM in MoneySaving polls
Poll Started 31 August 2010:

What's a necessity in modern living?


Traditionally it was just food, shelter & clothing, yet official definitions of child poverty in the UK are now part-based on how close to ‘average income’ a family have, showing things have changed.

Which of these household items are necessity for a family with school-aged children in the UK? (Choose as many as you like)

A. Basic TV
B. Boiler (Hot water)
C. Central Heating
D. Cooker
E. Computer with web access
F. Dishwasher
G. Fridge & Freezer
H. Games Console
I. Home phone
J. Microwave
K. Mobile phones
L. Satellite/Cable TV
M. Washing Machine

Please Vote Here, or click 'post reply' to discuss below. Thanks :)

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Comments

  • Bobl
    Bobl Posts: 695
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    How sad that someone believes a games console and satelite TV are necessities, or a dishwasher for that matter!
    Life is too short to drink bad wine!
  • Saucepot
    Saucepot Posts: 12,322 Forumite
    Why isn't there a "gentlemans gentleman" on the list? A necessity if ever there was one. How one can be a gentleman without a gentlemans gentleman is beyond me.
    I wonder why it is, that young men are always cautioned against bad girls. Anyone can handle a bad girl. It's the good girls men should be warned against.-David Niven
  • jd87
    jd87 Posts: 2,345
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    Saucepot wrote: »
    Why isn't there a "gentlemans gentleman" on the list? A necessity if ever there was one. How one can be a gentleman without a gentlemans gentleman is beyond me.

    Eh? filler filler
  • michaels
    michaels Posts: 27,921
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    At the time of writing 1675 people have voted and only 87% think hot water is essential - and less for a cooker and washing machine...!!!!!!?
    I think....
  • michaels
    michaels Posts: 27,921
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    I note Martin didn't add a car as an option. Wha would be really interesting if only the software supported it would be for people to say in what order they would give things up as circumstances tightened - for example would the washing machine or fridge have to go first?
    I think....
  • Oldernotwiser
    Oldernotwiser Posts: 37,425 Forumite
    michaels wrote: »
    At the time of writing 1675 people have voted and only 87% think hot water is essential - and less for a cooker and washing machine...!!!!!!?

    i didn't tick boiler because there are other ways (like immersion heaters) for heating water. I didn't think it meant hot water generally!
  • ailuro2
    ailuro2 Posts: 7,535
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    Some people have ticked PC with internet access - but libraries let kids use PCs for free.

    I didn't tick home phone, but I do think a basic phone of one kind or another should be available - there are no public call boxes left that work these days.

    Hot water from some source is necessary to stay clean, even if it's an immersion heater not connected to central heating.

    A fridge freezer is a must, as not many people have a cold store any more, or a corner shop that sells food at reasonable prices to be able to purchase it daily.
    Member of the first Mortgage Free in 3 challenge, no.19
    Balance 19th April '07 = minus £27,640
    Balance 1st November '09 = mortgage paid off with £1903 left over. Title deeds are now ours.
  • surley a cooker is the most essential. hot water you can get from boiling the kettle, a frezzer is no good if you cant cook the stuff, unless you living on ice cream, youve got laundarettes for washing or goood old fashioned hand washing. i guess at a push when it came to central heating in the winter, but im sure i would much rather a hot meal and stick a few more jumpers on. the others like mobiles,computers,dishwashers,tvs and games consoles are considered as luxuries. Its no wonder we have so many kids living like this if there parents believe a tv and games console is more of a priority than keeping them clean, warm and fed.!!
    mum to two beautiful children:T
  • rag31
    rag31 Posts: 198 Forumite
    Hot water, central heating, cooker, fridge freezer and washing machine. Everything else is 'nice to have' but not really necessary.

    However if you don't have these items then the cost of providing the 'necessity' (e.g. hot water, heating, cooked food, fresh food and clean clothes) goes through the roof and leave the family worse off financially.
    Mum of 4 lovely children
  • MSE_Martin
    MSE_Martin Posts: 8,272
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    I must admit I'm surprised by "washing machine" appearing so highly - after all many people use launderettes
    Martin Lewis, Money Saving Expert.
    Please note, answers don't constitute financial advice, it is based on generalised journalistic research. Always ensure any decision is made with regards to your own individual circumstance.
    Don't miss out on urgent MoneySaving, get my weekly e-mail at www.moneysavingexpert.com/tips.
    Debt-Free Wannabee Official Nerd Club: (Honorary) Members number 000
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