Relatively simply, if you don’t want it, then it won’t happen. It’s really not complicated. For example, instead of getting a 5% raise, reduce your hours from 40 -> 38. Instead of spending your excess money, put it into retirement savings. Just don’t use extra money, or don’t get it in the first place.
Of course, before that, to “not want” lifestyle creep you first have to deprogram your brain from thinking it needs new things to be happy. That one might be a little harder.
This is a great strategy that I use frequently, sometimes waiting much longer. It’s easy to justify expensive purchases when you’re emotional about it. It’s difficult to maintain that same level of emotion for 30-90 days. If you don’t still feel strongly about it 3 months later, then it’s not worth it.
Relatively simply, if you don’t want it, then it won’t happen. It’s really not complicated. For example, instead of getting a 5% raise, reduce your hours from 40 -> 38. Instead of spending your excess money, put it into retirement savings. Just don’t use extra money, or don’t get it in the first place.
Of course, before that, to “not want” lifestyle creep you first have to deprogram your brain from thinking it needs new things to be happy. That one might be a little harder.
Wait 30 days for „luxury“ buys and see if you still want it. That cuts down on splurging significantly.
This is a great strategy that I use frequently, sometimes waiting much longer. It’s easy to justify expensive purchases when you’re emotional about it. It’s difficult to maintain that same level of emotion for 30-90 days. If you don’t still feel strongly about it 3 months later, then it’s not worth it.