We’ve all been there: you pick up a few extra shifts to get ahead. But then there’s a birthday you can’t miss. Those new trainers you want are finally on sale. And aren’t flat whites a basic necessity? Soon, that new pay cheque isn’t stretching as far. Meet lifestyle creep.
The slow build
It doesn’t happen all at once, which is why overspending is hard to spot. For some, it’s tiring of cost-of-living restrictions and worrying about money. It can also be exacerbated by social media as the algorithm tempts us with “must-haves” and enviable lifestyles.
Watch yourself
Self-awareness is the best way to prevent the creep sabotaging your savings. Consider doing a deep dive on your transaction history to work out exactly where that extra money has been going. We all know inflation has driven up prices and that could definitely be a factor in your stunted savings but don’t let it mask what could also be a case of being careless with cash.
Choose wisely
Be mindful of how you’re spending your money, says Jess Irvine, CommBank’s personal finance expert. “Make sure you’re not falling into the trap of unconscious spending. Consciously and mindfully choose to spend your hard-earned money on things and experiences you either need or that truly bring you joy.”
Get a little granular
After analysing your transactions (spend tracking through Money Plan in the CommBank app makes this a cinch), take a look at your budget and minimise spending on non-essentials you’ve identified. This requires a mindset shift so do it in steps. Try reducing the number of streaming services that you subscribe to. And then next month, try doing your weekly food shop in one go, as multiple trips can lead to extra spending.
“Many people like to build a ‘fun’ category into their budget." - Jess Irvine, CommBank personal finance expert
Look ahead
If you’re in need of a little motivation to make some adjustments, consider “future you”. Says Irvine: “Many of our most common financial goals—like saving for a home deposit, paying off a loan or booking our next holiday—are multi-month, if not multi-decade, goals. It’s important to spend time thinking deeply about the satisfaction you will gain from achieving those goals.”
Make room for play
Correcting the creep to make room for savings doesn’t mean missing out on living your life. “Many people like to build a ‘fun’ category into their budget, where they decide on a certain dollar amount they are allowed to spend each month—free of guilt—while still saving towards a long-term goal.”
Strike the balance
To walk that line between living in the now while building a nest egg for your future, try keeping your goals at hand for an added incentive. Jot them down in your Notes app or stick them on the fridge. It may seem trivial but forgoing takeaway is that much easier when you’re reminded why you’re doing it.