14 luxuries many can’t easily afford
It’s surprising how many little luxuries we used to enjoy without thinking now feel like rare treats.
The American Dream feels like it comes with a hefty price tag these days, and many of us are struggling just to keep up. We all remember when a summer job could cover a semester of college, but now it’s a challenge just to keep the lights on without blowing the budget. The Education Data Initiative reports that the average cost of college in the United States is $38,270 per student per year, making it even harder to find that balance between happiness and bills in an economy that seems to run on its own agenda.
From the checkout line to the gas pump, prices are climbing faster than a squirrel up a tree. We are looking at everyday essentials that have quietly morphed into status symbols, leaving our wallets feeling lighter. Let’s take a look at the common things that are becoming surprisingly out of reach for many folks.
Owning A Home
White picket fences are becoming the stuff of legend rather than a standard milestone for young families. Today, buying a standard new home is financially out of reach for the vast majority of households. That front porch swing is costing more than just a pretty penny these days.
Quality Childcare
Finding a safe place for the little ones is like finding a needle in a haystack that charges tuition. The CareQuest Institute notes that the national average price of child care in 2024 reached $13,128. Parents are often stuck between a rock and a hard place, deciding if working is even worth the cost.
A Strong Safety Net
Building a financial cushion feels impossible when troubles pop up like whack-a-mole. “We are essentially a paycheck-to-paycheck nation,” says Mark Hamrick, a Senior Economic Analyst at Bankrate. It is a tightrope walk where one flat tire can throw the whole plan off track.
That New Car Smell
Cruising off the lot in a shiny ride is a feeling many are putting in the rear-view mirror. With the average transaction price for a new vehicle climbing to $49,814 in November 2025, according to Kelley Blue Book, that monthly payment has become a beast. Many drivers are now keeping their clunkers longer than ever, just to keep their cars on the road without breaking the bank.
Eating Healthy
Grabbing a fresh salad shouldn’t require a loan, but the produce section begs to differ. World Bank data show that, globally, over 2.6 billion people couldn’t afford a healthy diet in 2024, highlighting a disparity in which processed junk is cheap. Keeping the fridge stocked with good food is a real challenge.
The Perfect Wedding
Walking down the aisle is becoming a six-figure fantasy for couples wanting to celebrate their love. Zola’s latest research predicts that weddings in 2025 cost a whopping $36,000, leaving many to elope or just sign papers. It is tough to start a marriage with a party that costs as much as a down payment.
Golden Years Retirement
Dreaming of days filled with hobbies instead of spreadsheets is fading for the workforce. According to the Federal Reserve’s Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2024 report, only 35% of non-retired adults feel their retirement savings are on track. With confidence in financial preparedness remaining stubbornly low, the concept of stopping work is fast becoming a luxury in itself.
Comprehensive Dental Care
Taking care of your teeth is critical, but it is often the first thing to go when money is tight. A 2025 report from the Care Quest Institute for Oral Health reveals that 72 million adults in the U.S. lack dental insurance. This gap forces many families to live with pain rather than seeking the care they need.
Furry Best Friends
We all love our companions, but their care is costing an arm and a leg these days. Spending on our furry friends has skyrocketed, with costs for everything from kibble to vet bills rising every year. Keeping Fido happy and healthy is becoming a serious line item in the family ledger.
Debt-Free Education
Sending kids off to college was once a given, but now it is a massive financial hurdle to clear. The cost of tuition has skyrocketed, leaving students seeking direction in mountains of loan paperwork.
The Education Data Initiative reports that the average cost of college in the United States is $38,270 per student per year. Achieving that diploma without a lifetime of debt is a rare feat in today’s education landscape.
Mental Peace Of Mind
Finding a therapist or just taking a mental health day is a privilege not everyone can access easily. Weekly sessions and co-pays add up fast, making mental wellness a difficult expense to justify. True peace of mind is priceless, but maintaining it certainly comes with a bill.
The Annual Vacation
Escaping to a sandy shore or a mountain cabin is the recharge we all desperately need. Yet with airfare and hotel rates soaring, travel is often the first luxury cut from the budget. Making memories in new places is becoming a treat for the few rather than the many.
Beauty And Self Care
Keeping up with the latest looks or enjoying a spa day is more than just vanity; it is about feeling good. However, the price of skincare and salon visits has crept up, making self-care feel like a splurge. Looking your best shouldn’t have to cost your entire paycheck.
Hosting The Holidays
Hosting a massive family dinner is one of those traditions we absolutely cherish but secretly dread paying for. It is a total labor of love, but let’s be honest: in today’s economy, it takes a very generous grocery budget to get everyone around the table.
Key Takeaway
The price of the American Dream has skyrocketed, turning standard milestones like home ownership and new cars into financial fantasies. We are balancing happiness against bills in a paycheck-to-paycheck reality where everyday essentials have quietly morphed into expensive luxuries.
Disclosure: This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.
20 Odd American Traditions That Confuse the Rest of the World
20 Odd American Traditions That Confuse the Rest of the World
It’s no surprise that cultures worldwide have their own unique customs and traditions, but some of America’s most beloved habits can seem downright strange to outsiders.
Many American traditions may seem odd or even bizarre to people from other countries. Here are twenty of the strangest American traditions that confuse the rest of the world.
20 of the Worst American Tourist Attractions, Ranked in Order
20 of the Worst American Tourist Attractions, Ranked in Order
If you’ve found yourself here, it’s likely because you’re on a noble quest for the worst of the worst—the crème de la crème of the most underwhelming and downright disappointing tourist traps America offers. Maybe you’re looking to avoid common pitfalls, or perhaps just a connoisseur of the hilariously bad.
Whatever the reason, here is a list that’s sure to entertain, if not educate. Hold onto the hats and explore the ranking, in sequential order, of the 20 worst American tourist attractions.
