Which term describes expenses that enhance comfort and quality of life?

The term that describes expenses that enhance comfort and quality of life is best identified as spending wants. This classification of expenses refers to non-essential items that individuals choose to purchase to improve their lifestyle, such as entertainment, dining out, or luxury items. While these purchases are not necessary for survival, they contribute significantly to one's overall satisfaction and enjoyment of life.

Discretionary expenses, although similar, are typically understood as those expenses that are not required for basic needs but are often distinguished from spending wants in the context that they can sometimes represent a more conscious decision to spend versus a general desire for comfort or luxury. Fixed expenses are regular payments that remain consistent over time, such as rent or mortgage, and variable expenses change month to month, like utility bills or groceries. Neither fixed nor variable expenses inherently focus on enhancing comfort or quality of life in the personal development aspect as spending wants do.