>getting your nails did The problem with that phrase is that it's a lazy shortcut that doesn't offer any insight, is racialized in a suspect manor, and ignores

>getting your nails did The problem with that phrase is that it's a lazy shortcut that doesn't offer any insight, is racialized in a suspect manor, and ignores interesting reasons why people might in your opinion "waste" their money. Economically if someone is purchasing a nail job, which in many areas is dirt cheap, they may be receiving utility that you are not taking into consideration. A nice nail job may confer social status/capital which can ben spent in place of cash. It may be useful in attracting a more fit mate who can split costs of housing. It may be useful in maintaining your appearance for a customer service job. Surely, to your point some people do "waste" their money, but it's not necessarily cut and dry what that means. Short sighted expenditures may confer short term value and alleviate short term problems where the capital requirement for a lasting solution may be too high for an individual to afford on minimum wage. This is part of the reason that poverty is a trap.