I would say a need is something you can do without and be fine. It gets tricky. I don't strictly speaking need a laptop or internet access but it would effectively stop my ability to make money. Healthcare is a need that comes up but is not needed all the time. So for example im not working. I have some supplements I take. I can let a few go but there are three that will lower my quality of life enough that they are in my need category. There are two others I let go but if im working I will start getting again.