I know i know, a thread about a thread, which i think was also about another thread. But i would like to ask the question from a different angle as apposed to one of being poor or hard up.
I don't consider the internet to be a luxury as such. This is because it is has practical use that makes life much easier. I couldnt have done my PhD without internet at home. DD would have been stuck with homework etc, we use it for my DPs business to contact clients etc. Saying that, its not an essential in the same way say, the washing machine - but i remember my mother washing clothes in a twin tub and we were one of the first in our street to get an automatic washing machine. It wasn't THAT long ago (honest). That would have definately been considered a luxury. I certainly wouldnt want to be without an automatic washing machine, i just dont think i would cope. In fact i would battle without my dishwasher - but those maybe still considered luxury goods?
I don't have a tumble dryer, i don't consider that a luxury as to me the definition of luxury is something that we have that is totally for pleasure and is decadent. My tumbe dryer died and i have saved so much money on electric since it went that i will never buy another one.
We haven't been on holiday in four years, but we are going soon - wooohooo, thanks to a wonderful mumsnetter and her sun holiday codes. So holidays were the first thing to go when the going got financially tough. BUT one could argue that from a pyschological viewpoint these are quite an important part of family life. I consider a holiday a luxury, others disagree.
The price of technology is very cheap and all of these things are often available to the least well off. Flat screen telly? To me, a definate luxury, we don't have one, i don't actually want one - we don't have a wall to put it on (too many alcoves ). So wont buy one.
So what do you consider to be a luxury indulgent item in your house, REGARDLESS of your financial status. Thats why i started a separate thread so that side of things could be left to one side.