Teri Monroe, Author at Dinks Finance

About Teri Monroe

Teri Monroe started her career in communications working for local government and nonprofits. Today, she is a freelance finance and lifestyle writer and small business owner. In her spare time, she loves golfing with her husband, taking her dog Milo on long walks, and playing pickleball with friends.

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10 Modern Relationship Labels That Didn’t Exist a Decade Ago

Posted on August 11, 2025 - 9:57 am by Teri Monroe

If you’re feeling confused about the world of dating today, you’re not alone. Dating and relationships have always evolved. But in the last ten years, the language around them has exploded. From casual flings to deep emotional bonds that defy tradition, new terms are redefining how we connect. Here are 10 modern relationship labels that would’ve left most people scratching their heads a decade ago.

1. Situationship

Are you in a situationship? We used to just say, “It’s complicated.” Now, there are many different ways to describe a relationship that isn’t exactly committed, including a situationship. A situationship is a romantic or sexual relationship that’s more than friends-with-benefits but less than a committed partnership. There’s no clear label and no clear rules.

2. Breadcrumbing

Breadcrumbing is when someone gives you just enough attention to keep you interested, without ever deepening the relationship. They may send you flirty texts every few weeks or like your social media posts, but they never make you a priority. This kind of relationship label means that you’re constantly on the back burner. If you’re okay with keeping this person in your life without commitment, breadcrumbing may be enough for you.

3. Orbiting

Think about the orbiting of the planets to understand this kind of relationship label. It’s used to describe an ex or romantic interest who disappears from your life but still engages with you. For example, this might be on social media. Ultimately, they keep themselves in your orbit without direct contact.

4. Cuffing Season Partner

The winter months are the prime season for cuddling and taking your partner to holiday gatherings. For these reasons, cuffing season partners are ideal. These relationships are formed mainly during the colder months for companionship and comfort. They often fizzle when warmer weather returns.

5. Soft Launch

This relationship label is just like the soft launch of a new restaurant. You may subtly introduce a new partner on social media by posting their hand, a dinner date, or a partial selfie. This is all before making the relationship “official” online. Maybe this keeps the relationship more private for a little while longer.

6. Hard Launch

This is the opposite of a soft launch. Here, you post a clear, public couple photo or announcement for the world to see. Is it too soon to broadcast your relationship? Only time will tell.

7. Pocketing

Have you met your partner’s friends or family? If not, you may be pocketed. In a pocketing relationship, someone keeps you separate from the rest of their life. While there are many reasons for pocketing, it may be a red flag. You may need to dig deeper into why your partner isn’t willing to be open about your relationship.

8. Roaching

No one likes a roach. With roaching, you’re dating someone who’s secretly seeing multiple people at the same time, often without disclosing it. It’s like discovering more “roaches” when you turn on the light. Squash that bug and move on to someone who is more deserving of your love.

9. Love Bombing

Love bombing is overwhelming someone with affection, attention, and grand gestures, sometimes even early in a relationship. This can signal unhealthy attachment styles in a relationship. It can even be a manipulation tactic.

10. Zombieing

No, this isn’t a horror movie. Zombieing is when someone who ghosted you suddenly reappears in your life. Usually, acting as if nothing happened. It’s almost as if the relationship has come back from the dead.

Modern Relationship Labels

Today’s dating landscape comes with its own evolving dictionary. While some labels are playful and lighthearted, others highlight the pitfalls of modern romance. Knowing these terms can help you navigate relationships with more clarity and maybe avoid a few emotional landmines along the way.

6 Daily Habits That Quietly Make Your Relationship Resent-Proof

8 Home Features That Are Totally Useless Unless You Have Kids

Posted on August 6, 2025 - 8:58 am by Teri Monroe

Home features that don't make sense if you don't have kids

If you’re in the market for a new home or considering upgrading your current home, you may quickly realize there are some things DINK couples just don’t need. It’s important to be mindful that not all home upgrades are valuable to every homeowner. Some home features seem like great ideas, until you realize they’re only practical if you have children. From playroom nooks to backyard jungle gyms, here are eight upgrades that often go underused in kid-free homes.

1. Playroom or Bonus Room

Without kids, that dedicated playroom becomes wasted square footage or a glorified storage space. Consider converting playrooms into an office space or movie room for you and your spouse. A bonus room could even be made into an adult space, complete with a bar.

2. Jack-and-Jill Bathrooms

Jack-and-Jill bathrooms are great for siblings sharing a space. Not so great when guests feel awkward walking through someone’s bedroom just to use the bathroom. You can turn this into two separate bathrooms. Or you could reposition doors so that there is only one point of entry.

3. Built-In Bunk Beds

These are fun for sleepovers and siblings, but they severely limit how you can use or reconfigure the room in the future. Not all adults are comfortable sleeping in a bunk bed. You can transform bunk beds into a loft space with storage underneath or a cozy reading nook. Some even suggest using the frames as garden beds.

4. Homework Nooks

A built-in desk in the hallway sounds smart, until no one uses it. Adults tend to work in home offices or on the couch. A homework nook may work better for DINKs as a storage solution or bookshelf. Or you could turn the area into a craft space.

5. Backyard Playground Equipment

Swingsets and jungle gyms take up a lot of space and quickly become an eyesore if no one’s climbing on them. There are many ways to repurpose playground equipment without taking it down. You could easily create a dog kennel, a hangout for grownups, or a garden structure. These options are fun and less headache than removing a built-in structure.

6. Mudrooms With Cubbies

Mudrooms with cubbies are designed with kids in mind, perfect for organizing backpacks, muddy shoes, and art projects. Without little ones, these open cubbies often sit empty or become a magnet for clutter. They rarely serve a purpose in a kid-free household. If you want to make the space useful, consider adding doors to create hidden storage.

7. Baby Gates and Cabinet Locks

These safety features are must-haves for homes with babies and toddlers. They prevent accidents and give parents peace of mind. But in a home without children, they’re just barriers and minor annoyances. Most adults quickly remove them once they’re no longer needed.

8. Child-Themed Bedrooms

Whimsical bedrooms, like fairy-tale castles or superhero hideouts, can be magical for young kids. But they’re tough to repurpose as children grow or if you don’t have any. The bold colors and themes often limit a room’s flexibility. Redecorating becomes inevitable if you want the space to appeal to guests or adults.

Home Features for Your Lifestyle

Not all home features are one-size-fits-all. While these kid-focused upgrades can be great for families, they often become wasted space or maintenance headaches in child-free homes. Before investing in these features, consider how they’ll serve your lifestyle long-term. A home should work for the life you actually live, not the one you’re expected to have.

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6 Daily Habits That Quietly Make Your Relationship Resent-Proof

Posted on August 4, 2025 - 9:53 am by Teri Monroe

daily habits to incorporate in your relationship

Are you nurturing your relationship enough? Resentment rarely explodes overnight. It builds slowly through missed moments, unspoken frustrations, and emotional distance. But the right daily habits can quietly keep your relationship strong and connected, long before things go sideways. Learn how to build a rock-solid foundation for your relationship by adopting these six daily habits.

1. Say “Thank You” for the Little Things

Saying “thank you” is one of the daily habits that can save your relationship. Gratitude softens judgment. Whether it’s unloading the dishwasher or walking the dog, acknowledging your partner’s efforts builds mutual respect. The more you feel appreciated, the less likely you are to keep score.

2. Check In—Even Briefly

A simple “How was your day?” or “Anything on your mind?” opens space for connection. Daily emotional check-ins show you care and create room for small annoyances to surface before they grow. It’s a good practice to ask these questions during dinner or before bed. The key is to be genuinely interested in your partner’s answers. Or else it can feel forced and inauthentic.

3. Touch Without an Agenda

A hug in the kitchen, a hand on the back, or sitting close on the couch can go a long way. Non-sexual touch builds warmth and intimacy. It reminds your partner you’re still drawn to them, even on ordinary days. Keep your connection strong by incorporating loving touch into your daily habits.

4. Own Your Moods

Everyone has off days, but snapping or shutting down without explanation fuels distance. Saying “I’m tired, not mad” or “I need a few minutes” helps your partner understand you without taking it personally. It also shows your partner that you’re aware of your emotions. It can also help prevent co-dependent moods. After all, your partner shouldn’t have to try to read your mind or constantly ask “What’s wrong?”

5. Speak Up Before You Blow Up

Tiny irritations become ticking time bombs when left unspoken. Addressing things early, gently, and honestly helps prevent long-term bitterness and unresolved tension. If you let things go, they often snowball into bigger issues over time. This can leave your relationship on shaky ground.

6. Choose Curiosity Over Criticism

Sometimes, we are too quick to judge our partners. We think that our way is the right way. Instead of judging your partner’s actions, ask why. “What made you decide that?” sounds a lot better than “Why would you do that?” Staying curious keeps communication open and reduces defensiveness. You may find more common ground than you think.

Daily Habits for a Healthy Relationship

No relationship is perfect, but healthy ones are maintained, not just repaired. These daily habits act like emotional maintenance, preventing resentment from taking root. Small things, done consistently, matter more than grand gestures done rarely. When you first adopt these daily habits, you may find that you have to make a conscious effort. But over time, it will just become like second nature. Plus, your relationship will greatly benefit.

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7 Gift-Giving Habits That Reveal Who Really Holds the Power in a Relationship

Posted on July 30, 2025 - 8:28 am by Teri Monroe

Romance or control? Gifts are often seen as acts of love, but they can also be subtle tools of control, guilt, or dominance. In many relationships, the way gifts are given or withheld says more about the power dynamic than the present itself. Here are seven gift-giving habits that might reveal who really holds the upper hand.

1. The “Just Because” Giver

It seems generous at first. Your partner brings you surprise flowers or spontaneous luxury items. But when these “sweet gestures” come with unspoken expectations or strings attached, it may be a form of manipulation. This could be a form of love bombing that seeks to tip the scales of power in the relationship. It can also create unhealthy attachments.

2. The Strategic Gifter

They don’t give often, but when they do, it’s calculated. They might give gifts right after a fight, before asking for something big, or during a vulnerable moment. These gifts come with invisible fine print. This is a red flag that your partner is a covert narcissist.

3. The Scorekeeper

This person remembers everything they’ve ever given and expects reciprocity. You might start to feel indebted or pressured to “make it even,” whether you can afford to or not. Scorekeeping can be detrimental to your relationship if you let it affect every aspect. Remember to point out the positives in your relationship, not just who did what.

4. The Guilt Tripper

Didn’t act surprised enough? Forgot to post about it online? This giver makes you feel bad about your reaction, turning a kind gesture into an emotional weapon. Gifts are no longer about being thoughtful with this gift giver.

5. The Gift Withholder

They skip birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays. But not because they forgot. Withholding gifts becomes a passive-aggressive way to punish or assert dominance. Withholders usually withhold more than just gifts. They withhold anything they know you really want.

6. The One-Up Giver

Every gift becomes a show of superiority. They usually give designer brands, over-the-top surprises, or create public spectacles. It’s less about you and more about their image, power, or control. It can be extremely frustrating being in a relationship with the one-up gift giver. You may feel like your gifts are never enough.

7. The Conditional Santa

They give, but only when you “behave.” Gifts are used as rewards, like you’re earning approval. It’s a quiet but potent way to control your choices. If you don’t do what they want, you’ll never get these signs of love.

Know the Difference with Gift Giving

Healthy gift-giving comes from love, not leverage. If presents feel like pressure, performance, or payback, it may be time to look beyond the wrapping paper and ask who’s really in control. True generosity isn’t about impressing, controlling, or keeping score; it’s about thoughtfulness and emotional connection. Pay attention to how gifts make you feel, not just what they are. A meaningful gift uplifts, while a manipulative one quietly chips away at trust.

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5 Relationship “Milestones” That Are Completely Irrelevant Today

Posted on July 28, 2025 - 9:03 am by Teri Monroe

Remember when it was a big deal to make your relationship official on social media? Not every so-called tradition needs to survive the modern world. As relationships evolve, so do the benchmarks we use to measure progress. Here are five so-called relationship “milestones” that no longer hold the weight they once did, and why that’s perfectly okay. As you’ll quickly see, letting go of outdated expectations can actually make your relationship stronger.

1. Waiting for a Man to Propose

For decades, proposals were seen as the man’s responsibility. This dates back to a time when women had much less agency and were courted before marriage. Today, more couples are deciding together when, or if, marriage is right for them. Some skip the formal proposal altogether, and others flip the script because love doesn’t follow old rules.

2. Sharing a Bank Account as Proof of Commitment

Combining finances used to be seen as the ultimate sign of unity. Maybe this was because in the past, women needed their husband’s permission to open a bank account or apply for credit. So much has changed since then. Now, many couples choose to keep their accounts separate for practical or personal reasons and it doesn’t mean they’re any less serious. Money decisions, more than ever, are shared between partners. But that doesn’t mean that everything has to be combined.

3. Moving in Only After Engagement

Living together used to be taboo before marriage. Now, it’s often a smart way to test compatibility and build a shared life without the pressure of a ring. In fact, about 70% of couples live together before marriage. Although some studies show that it can negatively impact marital stability after you tie the knot.

4. Having Kids as the Relationship Goal

Parenthood was once considered the natural next step after marriage. But today, more couples are choosing to remain child-free, prioritizing careers, travel, or simply a life that doesn’t revolve around parenting. Approximately one in four American couples choose to remain child-free. It’s a personal decision, not a requirement for a meaningful, lasting relationship.

5. Reaching “Facebook Official” Status

Public declarations of love online once seemed like a requirement. If you weren’t Facebook official, were you even really a couple? Now, many people value privacy over performance. Many couples are choosing to protect their relationship rather than post about it. Instead of oversharing online, they choose to build meaningful memories together offline.

Creating Meaningful Relationship Milestones

As you can see, many relationship milestones come and go. Instead of letting society dictate relationship milestones, create your own with your partner. What matters most is that your milestones reflect your values, goals, and connection. Whether it’s starting a business together or adopting a dog, your version of commitment is just as valid. Milestones don’t need to follow a timeline or fit a mold—they just need to be meaningful to both of you. Celebrate the moments that feel right, in your own way, and build a relationship that feels authentic, not performative.

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What a Million Crumpled Dollar Bills Actually Looks Like

Posted on July 23, 2025 - 12:49 pm by Teri Monroe

What does one million dollars look like in crumpled dollar bills?

We hear about “a million dollars” all the time. We hear about it in the lottery, in rap songs, or as a life goal. But have you ever stopped to picture what that much money actually looks like in crumpled $1 bills? It’s not a sleek briefcase scene from a movie. In fact, it’s a chaotic, bulky mountain of paper.

How Much Space Does It Take Up?

So, a single $1 bill weighs about 1 gram and is 0.0043 inches thick. One million $1 bills weigh about 2,200 pounds. That’s over a ton and weighs more than the average draft horse. Stacked neatly, they’d reach about 358 feet tall. That’s taller than the Statue of Liberty. Now crumple them. The volume balloons drastically. Depending on how tightly you ball each bill, you’re looking at 600 to 1,000 cubic feet of space, enough to fill an entire bedroom or the back of a moving truck.

Visualize This

Imagine stepping into a storage unit or an empty bedroom, only to find it overflowing with a mountain of soft, wrinkled green paper. The air smells faintly of dust and ink. Thousands of crumpled $1 bills are piled chest-high, spilling out like an avalanche over every corner, tangled and twisted, with no neat stacks or shiny bank bands in sight.

It’s not a neat fortune, it’s a messy, chaotic heap. Think less “vault full of riches” and more paper hoarder’s dream. The bills aren’t crisp or clean, they’re bent, faded, maybe even torn. From a distance, you might mistake the pile for discarded receipts or shredded documents. There’s no sparkle, no gold, no glamor, just bulk. It takes up space, weighs over a ton, and feels surprisingly underwhelming for something worth a million dollars.

And yet, beneath the wrinkles and disarray lies serious power: tuition, a home, years of groceries, or a life-changing investment. It’s a strange contradiction, something that looks like garbage but carries life-altering value. That’s the surreal reality of physical money.

Why It Matters

We romanticize “a million dollars” as sleek and shiny. But in raw form, especially in $1s, it’s unglamorous, heavy, and hard to manage. That contrast is a great reminder that wealth isn’t always what it looks like in the movies. Money, in many ways, is just a construct of society. It only has value because we agree it does. That shared belief is what keeps the economy moving. Paper bills represent the trust we have in governments, banks, and the systems we’ve built. It’s pretty powerful to stand next to a ton of crumpled-up money that would be worthless otherwise.

In the end, a crumpled dollar bill reminds us that money is only as valuable as the meaning we give it. Strip away the form, paper, metal, or pixels, and what’s left is a shared belief. It’s not the cash itself that holds power, but the systems, trust, and decisions behind it. And maybe that’s the most fascinating part of all.

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8 Things Rich Couples Never Argue About—And Why

Posted on July 21, 2025 - 10:20 am by Teri Monroe

Things wealthy couples never argue about

Money can’t buy happiness, but it can help a relationship. Every couple fights. But there are some things that rich couples are immune to. Some stressors and pain points are nonexistent for rich couples. For example, studies from the American Psychological Association show that about 31% of adults with partners say money is a major source of conflict. Here’s what rich couples rarely fight about—and why.

1. Monthly Bills

Imagine bills never being an issue. For rich couples, they never have to fight over expensive monthly bills. When money isn’t tight, there’s no need to stress over utilities, groceries, or subscription fees. Automated payments and financial buffers take the emotional weight out of routine expenses. Of course, if only one partner is wealthy, things like bills could be awkward.

2. Emergency Expenses

Car repairs, vet bills, or medical co-pays don’t shake a couple with a robust emergency fund. Instead of scrambling for solutions, they write the check and move on. For other couples, trying to make ends meet when a large expense hits may be extremely stressful. Most couples have to make big sacrifices to cover an emergency expense, but not rich couples.

3. Splitting the Check

Date night is a completely different experience for rich couples. Wealthy couples usually share finances or operate from a place of financial abundance. Whether one person pays or both chip in, it’s not a big deal because the stakes are low. For other couples, even a fancy dinner may be too much for one person to cover.

4. Career Sacrifices

If one partner wants to switch jobs, start a business, or take a break, the other doesn’t worry about financial fallout. With enough resources, they can support personal goals without risking stability. For most couples, career changes could have real consequences. Discussions can sometimes get heated if both partners aren’t on the same page.

5. Vacations and Travel

Luxury travel or spontaneous getaways are possible without months of saving. That means less tension about cost, timing, or choosing between needs and wants. They don’t have to compromise on destinations, accommodations, or experiences. Travel becomes a source of joy, not financial anxiety.

6. Big Purchases

Buying a car, renovating a kitchen, or upgrading a phone doesn’t spark debate when the money’s already there. They may still discuss it—but not in a way that breeds resentment. If one partner makes a big purchase without discussing it, this probably doesn’t spark an argument either. If there’s enough money to go around big purchases don’t feel as big.

7. Loaning Money to Family

If they decide to help family or friends financially, it doesn’t jeopardize their lifestyle. They can afford generosity without fear of personal loss. Being benevolent is much easier if it doesn’t create financial strain. This prevents resentment or conflict over whether helping others comes at too high a personal cost.

8. Budgeting

Wealthy couples may still budget, but it’s about planning, not survival. It’s a tool for strategy, not a source of daily friction or guilt. Instead, rich couples may be budgeting to help them invest and grow their wealth. They probably aren’t pinching pennies like many other couples.

Learning from Rich Couples

Financial freedom doesn’t solve every relationship issue, but it does remove many common stress points. Rich couples aren’t necessarily wiser—they just have fewer reasons to argue when money isn’t a constant concern. Take a page out of their book and take the steps toward improving your own financial situation. That way you will never have to argue with your partner about money again.

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12 Oddly Expensive Things People Keep Buying Without Question

Posted on July 16, 2025 - 7:54 am by Teri Monroe

Some things have surprisingly high price tags. But we keep buying them anyway! Whether it’s out of habit, social pressure, or clever marketing, we buy these items over and over again. Here are 12 oddly expensive items people continue to purchase without thinking twice.

1. Bottled Water

Did you know that the average American uses around 167 plastic water bottles per year? Despite tap water often being just as safe, people spend billions yearly on bottled water. For some people, it’s mostly for convenience. However, it comes with a hefty price tag. Drinking the recommended 8 glasses of water per day costs about $0.49 per year from the tap, but $1,400 with bottled water.

2. Printer Ink

Ounce for ounce, printer ink can cost more than luxury perfume. Yet most people blindly pay for overpriced cartridges without seeking alternatives. Laser printers and ink tank printers are more cost-effective options. You can also save money with generic cartridges or subscription refill services.

3. Cable TV

With streaming options widely available for less, traditional cable bundles remain bizarrely expensive. But millions still hold onto them. In fact, 51% of Americans still have cable TV. Some people hold on for comfort and live sports. But most say that it’s just what they are used to.

4. Name-Brand Cereal

Generic cereals are often identical in taste and ingredients, yet people pay a premium for the label and box design. For some, it may be nostalgia or familiarity. But for most, marketing plays a large role in purchasing decisions. Perceived popularity makes many Americans continue to pay for expensive name-brand cereal.

5. Greeting Cards

A folded piece of cardstock with a printed message can cost up to $10. But we still buy them for every occasion. The psychology of greeting cards is quite fascinating. When we receive a card, there is an emotional response. It’s no surprise that we’ve been sending illustrated cards since the 15th century. However, card companies have capitalized on this, charging more each year for greeting cards.

6. Movie Theater Snacks

A small popcorn and soda can cost more than the movie ticket itself. Still, many gladly hand over the cash for the experience. Many movie theaters choose to raise the price of concessions instead of ticket prices. But when you’re at a movie theater, your only choice for a snack is in-house options. Plus, that popcorn smells so good!

7. Luxury Baby Gear

From $1,000 strollers to designer diaper bags, many parents splurge on high-end baby items that have cheaper equivalents. Even though many of their counterparts are just as effective and safe, parents are often drawn to luxury brands. Perceived quality and social status play a role in these purchasing decisions.

8. Gym Memberships

Thousands pay monthly fees for gym access they never use, either out of guilt or optimism that “next month” will be different. In fact, Americans spend $1.3 billion on unused memberships. Many gyms capitalize on people who never use their memberships, often locking them into a yearly contract. Yet, we still pay for it year after year.

9. Textbooks

College students regularly shell out hundreds or thousands for textbooks. Some of these textbooks never get read or are available for free online. Many textbooks are available used as well. But students still shell out money for brand-new ones. Sometimes it’s as simple as wanting a brand-new and clean copy of the book.

10. Branded Phone Chargers

A generic charger can cost $10, but some people still insist on paying $40 for one with a brand logo. Many third-party chargers are just as effective and meet the same safety standards. In some cases, branded options are made in the same factories as generics. Unless your device requires a specific fast-charging protocol, a cheaper charger will usually do the job just fine.

11. Designer Coffee

Many happily spend $6 or more on a cup of coffee daily, even when the same beans could be brewed at home for a fraction of the cost. The appeal often lies in convenience, habit, and the “experience” of a café visit. But those daily lattes can quietly drain hundreds or even thousands per year. Investing in a quality coffee maker or espresso machine can pay for itself in just a few months.

12. Razor Blades

Big brands charge a premium for replacement razor cartridges, though cheaper options or subscriptions offer the same shave. Some people just love using a certain brand, even if it comes with an oddly high price tag. Safety razors and electric shavers can also be more affordable in the long run. Many subscription services even offer free trial kits to help you make the switch.

Rethink What You’re Paying For

It’s easy to fall into spending habits without questioning the true value of what we’re buying. From overpriced coffee to luxury razor blades, many everyday items come with inflated costs simply because of branding or convenience. Taking a moment to consider cheaper alternatives or whether you need the item at all can lead to big savings over time.

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6 Things DINK Couples Do on Weeknights That Make Everyone Jealous

Posted on July 14, 2025 - 10:50 am by Teri Monroe

DINKs weeknight activities — Image Source: Pexels

Weeknights can often feel chaotic, but not for DINKs. Do you know a DINK couple that has the best weeknights together? While many families are scrambling to juggle after-school activities, homework, and family dinners, DINK couples are making spontaneous weeknight plans or spending quiet evenings in. Their weeknight routine alone can make many people dream of their lifestyle. Here are 6 things DINK couples often do on weeknights that might make others a little envious.

1. Spontaneous Dinner Dates

With no bedtime routines or picky eaters to cater to, DINK couples can grab last-minute reservations at that new wine bar. They can even enjoy a sushi happy hour or simply splurge on a long, candlelit dinner on a Wednesday. They can even call up their other DINK couple friends and plan to meet up. Plus, they can stay out late if they so choose.

2. Uninterrupted Netflix Binges

While many couples with kids never get to watch their own shows, DINKs often enjoy movie nights or binge-watch shows on weeknights. They can start a new series at 7 PM and power through four episodes without having to pause for homework help, diaper changes, or bedtime meltdowns. Plus, they never have to share the TV with their kids.

3. After-Work Fitness or Wellness Classes

Whether it’s a hot yoga class, a 7 PM spin session, or just a long walk with the dog, they often prioritize their well-being. They can actually make it to the gym without needing a sitter. Plus, they probably have the energy after work to get a good sweat in. Additionally, they don’t have any guilt prioritizing themselves like parents often do.

4. Tidy, Pinterest-Worthy Homes

Without kids tracking in messes or scattering toys, DINK couples often enjoy spaces that stay neat. A weeknight deep clean or minimalist redesign can happen without negotiating with a toddler about drawing with crayons on the wall. If they want to redecorate, a quick trip to Home Goods on a weeknight isn’t out of the question. They also have the disposable income to splurge on creating the perfect home aesthetic.

5. Creative Hobbies and Side Hustles

After work, DINKs often engage in activities or side hustles they enjoy. They have time for hobbies that require focus, like painting, gaming, mixology, or even running a small online business. Their evenings are free for creativity instead of chaos. You may even catch them at a cooking class on a weeknight.

6. Quiet, Recharging Nights In

A night in looks different for DINKs. Not every evening is glamorous; sometimes it’s wine, books, and music with no background noise but their cat purring. And that level of peace? That’s the real luxury.

Weeknight Activities for DINKs

DINKs have the freedom, disposable income, and luxury of time to spend their weeknights as they choose. From working out to pursuing hobbies, every night can be different. Some couples appreciate the level of peace and spontaneity that comes with living the DINK lifestyle.

10 “Luxury” Items Millennials Don’t Realize Their Parents Never Had

Posted on July 9, 2025 - 9:53 am by Teri Monroe

luxuries millennial's parents didn't have — Image Source: Pexels

Many millennials assume certain comforts have always been part of adult life, but for their parents, these “essentials” were once luxuries. From daily lattes to smart kitchen gadgets, today’s conveniences reflect a major cultural and economic shift. Here’s a look at 10 luxury items millennials enjoy that previous generations either lived without or considered indulgent.

1. Daily Coffee Shop Runs

Grabbing a $5 latte on the way to work is normal now, but older generations brewed their coffee at home or got it for free at the office. The most they would splurge was probably on gas station coffee. Daily specialty drinks were considered indulgent, not routine. The Starbucks we know today didn’t start serving espresso drinks until the 1980s.

2. Unlimited Data and Streaming Services

Today’s on-demand entertainment is a given. Binge watching wasn’t possible for millennials’ parents. Past generations had to wait for scheduled TV shows, rent VHS tapes, or buy CDs. Paying monthly for several streaming platforms would’ve seemed outrageous.

3. Uber and Food Delivery Apps

Getting a ride or meal delivered within minutes was unthinkable. Taxis were a hassle, and delivery was limited to pizza and Chinese food. The convenience millennials enjoy was once a major luxury. If you needed to get somewhere, like the airport, past generations would schedule a car service days in advance or rely on a friend or family member for a ride.

4. Designer Gym Apparel

Athleisure is a fashion category now, with $100 leggings and branded sports bras. Lululemon wasn’t around for millennials’ parents. Boomers wore old T-shirts and sweatpants to work out. No one spent big bucks to look cute at the gym. Even in the 1980s, colorful leotards and high socks weren’t as expensive as gym apparel today.

5. Weekly Spa or Self-Care Treatments

Facials, massages, and mani-pedis weren’t routine maintenance. These were reserved for special occasions or vacations, not biweekly rituals. Self-care has become a buzzword that has a different meaning for millennials’ parents. For Baby Boomers, the concept of self-care was more practical and less openly discussed. Mental health, emotional well-being, and setting boundaries weren’t mainstream topics. Instead, there was a strong focus on hard work, stoicism, and pushing through stress. If Boomers did take care of themselves, they weren’t posting about it on social media.

6. High-End Kitchen Appliances

Espresso machines, air fryers, and smart blenders are now common in millennial homes. Their parents managed fine with basic stoves, microwaves, and hand mixers. Even stand mixers or electric can openers were seen as a luxury. Today, there is a gadget for every kitchen need.

7. Subscription Boxes

From skincare to snacks to pet toys, millennials love monthly boxes of curated goods. Past generations didn’t pay for surprise deliveries of things they didn’t choose or need. To them, subscription boxes would have been seen as frivolous and throwing away hard-earned money. Instead, boomers are more price-conscious and intentional with their money.

8. Tech-Heavy Baby Gear

Today’s parents have smart bassinets, wipe warmers, and formula mixers. Gen X and Boomers raised kids with playpens, basic cribs, and maybe a baby monitor if they splurged. Boomer grandparents are sometimes uncomfortable with all of these parenting hacks. To them, raising children was a low-tech experience.

9. Fancy Water Bottles and Drinkware

Hydro Flasks, Stanley cups, and glass tumblers are now status symbols. Older generations drank tap water from regular glasses. They may have even refilled an empty Gatorade bottle. Nothing was ever wasted.

10. Frequent Air Travel for Leisure

Millennials book flights for weekend getaways and weddings. For their parents, air travel was rare and expensive. It was often reserved for family emergencies or major vacations only. Now, airlines offer lower-priced fares than what millennials’ parents are used to, think Spirit Airlines. In the 1980s, a typical domestic flight could cost $300-$600, which would be about $900-$1,800 today.

Luxury Items That Are Taken for Granted

Millennials often take for granted the everyday conveniences that previous generations viewed as luxuries or didn’t have at all. From affordable air travel and on-demand rides to high-end kitchen gadgets and self-care routines, modern life is filled with comforts that were once rare or out of reach. Understanding this shift offers perspective, and maybe a little gratitude, for just how far daily living has come.

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