Life is too short to jump on the hedonic treadmill of trying to keep up with the Jones'. What the Jones' do is none of your business.

Classifying all your expenses as wants and needs, and getting rid of your wants is not the best solution. All wants have an underlying need.

Someone with goals might do better than someone without any focus, but try systems instead. Focus on the process and get good outcomes.

Getting clear about what is important to you and your family means that you won't have to wonder which version of "afford" to use.