The Situation

The Raise That
Disappeared

Lifestyle inflation is the unconscious pattern of increasing spending proportionally to every income increase. A bigger paycheck triggers a bigger apartment, better car, nicer restaurants, and upgraded subscriptions — until the new income level feels just as tight as the last one.

Lifestyle inflation doesn't feel like a mistake. It feels like reward. That's what makes it so expensive.

— Worthune Decision Framework

• Your expenses have grown roughly in line with income over the last 5 years
• You earn more than 3 years ago but don't feel wealthier
• Savings rate has stayed flat despite income growth