Lifestyle Creep
Recently, I noticed something sneaky creeping up on me. You don’t feel it in the moment, but you can see the results afterward. It’s not a serial killer or some movie villain—it’s lifestyle creep. It’s that subtle, almost unnoticeable shift where you start spending more and more in the pursuit of feeling like you’re “moving up” in the world, even if it’s not in the most important ways.
Over the past six months, my wife and I have slowly given in to this. Our income hasn’t changed, yet we’re spending more, simply because we’ve allowed ourselves to enjoy life’s pleasures a bit more. We’re still breaking even or barely saving anything beyond our essentials—nothing like the higher percentage of income I used to invest over the past five years. But at the same time, it’s been fun. I finally feel like I’m starting to spend some of the money I’ve worked hard to earn.
A few years ago, most of my peers were already spending liberally on new cars, hobby equipment, and regular nights out. Meanwhile, I couldn’t bring myself to buy more than one pair of pants per year. I would much rather funnel every leftover dollar into investments that grew in value or produced cash flow. I rarely wanted to divert funds to something I considered “frivolous.”
That changed after I read a book called The Illusion of Money. It made a key point that stuck with me: it’s okay to spend money on things that bring you enjoyment. After that, I no longer felt guilty about spending $10 on a bucket of golf balls at the driving range (and my swing has improved). I felt more confident booking a hotel room for a weekend getaway with my wife, and I could finally justify going out on a Friday night to our favorite spot—even if it was just for a quick drink and some pickles.
So yes, I did a bit of a 180. I’ve gone from saving every penny to actively enjoying spending my money. And you know what? It’s led to some incredible memories. I’ve been exploring more, tasting new foods, trying out new activities—from spontaneous trips and a new boxing gym membership to bringing home a new puppy. It feels great to be more connected to the world around me.
All that said, lifestyle creep comes at a cost. Even though our income hasn’t changed, my wife and I are spending a lot more than we used to. Yet in return, we’ve made memories that, to me, seem priceless. It’s reminded me that spending money is not inherently bad; in fact, it can be a source of joy and fulfillment if done thoughtfully.
Now I realize: it’s crucial to spend money on things that truly add value to your life. Of course, everything in moderation. We have to be honest with ourselves about the real benefits of each purchase. Take, for example, my debate over getting an Xbox. On one hand, it would be fun to play with friends, reconnect with people I don’t see often, and have a quick mental break. But considering my busy schedule, I’m not sure I’d use it often enough to justify the cost—especially when the same amount of money could pay for several months of boxing lessons, which I already love and which keeps me active.
Sure, some people might say an Xbox is a one-time purchase you can enjoy indefinitely, but they might forget about the ongoing cost of new games. Meanwhile, boxing offers me a physical workout, a chance to meet new people, and plenty of motivation—all of which, for me, is more beneficial than occasional gaming sessions.
Ultimately, what I’m learning is this: lifestyle creep might happen, but if it does, make sure you’re spending on things that genuinely enhance your life. Weigh the costs and benefits and be honest about whether a purchase will bring long-term happiness or just a fleeting thrill. It doesn’t matter if it’s video games or a gym membership—just ensure it’s something you truly love and that truly adds value to your life.
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