I think a lot of what has changed during my life is that consumerism has taken over our lives.
We werent poor but we got our moneys worth out of everything.
We had an annual holiday to Scarborough, we always had a new(ish) car, mom made home cooked food each tea time, we got nice treats at christmas time and we were the first family on the estate to get a home computer. (BBC Model B)
Conversely we never had the expensive football boots (I have 2 brothers), I always got my older brothers clothes and footwear. I once wanted a 'Fila' shellsuit - so mom MADE me one!!
much to the amusement of my mates. I wanted an Orvile cuddly plushy - so mom MADE me one for Christmas when I was about 7.
Our monthly shop at ASDA had to last us the month. If we ran out of anything we just went without.
So, we were reasonable comfortable but very frugal. Compare that to today and it just feels like we are all a lot more frivolous with our spending. If there are no crisps and treats in the house for my kids, I'll go out and get them some. I'll grab a milkshake or a bottle of coke for them if I'm in the local shop etc.
If they want a new playstation game, middlesbrough shirt, Euro 24 official football etc, we'll try our upmost best to get those things for them for; but for their birthdays or christmas.
I've never experienced poverty but we've been through really tough times when I've been out of work. Really tough.
We could never afford Sky TV either btw. Probably cant now but I still watch it