Sara recently graduated with a degree in marketing. She started a job that pays her $48,000 per year. Her monthly net income is $2,800. She’s moving into her own one-bedroom apartment ($900)in the city. She doesn’t own a car, but she has subway expenses ($150) per week. She also adopted a dog ($100 per month for 6 months), so she now has to pay for dog food and vet bills ($100). She likes designer handbags and shoes ($500) and likes to meet her best friends for lunch on the weekend ($50). Describe Sara's needs vs. wants. What can she do to save a portion of her paycheck each month? What should she pay first?

Sara's needs are associated with the elements that are her responsibility in her life and that she cannot live without, such as renting the apartment, subway expenses and the dog she has adopted. Sarah's wishes, however, are the elements that give her joy and that are not necessary for her life, but leave her satisfied like designer handbags and shoes and lunch with friends.

To save money, Sara decreases the frequency with which she eats lunch outside the house and starts eating meals at home. She should also stop buying designer handbags and shoes, as they tend to be very expensive. Finally, Sara could move to a cheaper apartment and closer to where she works, reducing rent and subway expenses.