Tag: Personal Anecdotes
Lifestyle Creep: How to Handle It Without Breaking the Bank (Ep. 8)

Lifestyle Creep: How to Handle It Without Breaking the Bank (Ep. 8)

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Lifestyle creep can sneak up on anyone, leading to financial stress despite increased income.

How can you balance enjoying your earnings while securing your financial future? What are the key triggers and how can you manage them effectively?

In this episode, Aaron Buchner from Cactus dives into the intriguing world of lifestyle creep, exploring how incremental lifestyle upgrades can impact your financial stability. 

You’ll learn about recognizing and managing lifestyle inflation, understanding its triggers beyond just pay raises, and finding a balance between enjoying the present and saving for the future.

Aaron discusses: 

  • Understanding lifestyle creep and its broader triggers
  • Practical ways to manage lifestyle inflation
  • Balancing current enjoyment with future financial security
  • The importance of personal priorities in financial planning
  • And more!

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Why It’s Okay to Spend Money on What Makes You Happy (Ep. 2)

Why It’s Okay to Spend Money on What Makes You Happy (Ep. 2)

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Ever wonder if that daily coffee run is really what’s stopping you from achieving your financial goals?

In this episode, Aaron Buchner dives deep into the concept of spending on what makes you happy—even if it’s $200 on vinyl records—while debunking the myth that small indulgences like coffee are sabotaging your financial future. 

You’ll hear personal anecdotes, practical tips on balancing joy with sensible spending, and how to identify and cut out “stupid stuff” that doesn’t add value to your life.

Aaron discusses: 

  • Why the “latte factor” isn’t the real culprit behind financial struggles
  • The importance of spending money on what truly brings you joy
  • How to balance short-term happiness with long-term financial goals
  • Practical advice on setting a budget that allows for fun while staying financially healthy
  • And more!

Connect with Aaron Buchner: 

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