Many people think that if they could only get more income, they would be able to live a better life. For those living in poverty, that is certainly true. However, when 60% of Americans making $150k or more are still living paycheck to paycheck, more income isn’t always the answer. Not when “Lifestyle Creep” is the problem.

So what is “Lifestyle Creep”? It happens when you get a raise, a new, higher-paying job, or go from one incomes to two like when two people move in together and start sharing bills. You think the financial burden has eased a little, and now you can afford more things or now you can go out to eat more. Instead of moving in together in the existing modest house, you decide to buy a “nice” big one you can barely afford.

It can look like:

• Paying extra for express shipping
• Buying new clothes for vacation every year
• Replacing your wardrobe every season or every year
• Upgrading your phone or car “just because
• Getting a “little treat” every day
• Ordering appetizers and dessert every time you eat out
• Adding a subscription and never canceling it
• Redecorating your home every season/year
• Impulse buying on Amazon every cool thing you see on TikTok because you have Prime.

If you don’t make a plan for your money and stick to it, it will disappear without you realizing it. You have to learn to spend with intentionality. Ask me how 😉