5 Smart Habits I Do To Help Me Save More Money Now That I Earn a Higher Income
Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links, so I earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you! Thanks for supporting the blog!
Let’s be honest—we see a thing we like and suddenly throw our financial goals out the window. A cute pair of boots, a weekend trip with friends, a last-minute brunch that turns into a $75 bill… it adds up fast. Especially when you start earning more, it’s easy to feel like you deserve the splurge. And you do—sometimes. But if we’re not intentional, these little treats can turn into a full-blown case of lifestyle creep before we even realize it.
Lifestyle inflation is sneaky—it tricks you into believing you’re leveling up, when you’re actually just spending more to stay in the same place financially. I’ve been there. But over time, I realized that if I wanted real financial freedom, I had to build smarter systems. That meant creating rich girl habits that helped me save more money without feeling deprived.
So, let’s get to the point—how can we avoid these situations and stay in control as our income grows? Here are five smart habits that help me avoid lifestyle creep, save more, and actually build wealth, not just look like it.
1. Use a Budget Binder to Help You Stick to Your Budget
One of the easiest ways to avoid lifestyle inflation is to give every dollar a job before it has a chance to disappear. That’s where a budget binder comes in—it’s not just cute and organized, it’s a game-changer for keeping your spending intentional.
I like to physically write out my income, bills, savings goals, and spending limits. It keeps me mindful of where my money is going instead of blindly swiping my card and hoping for the best. I also use cash envelopes inside the binder for categories like dining out, fun money, or beauty. This way, I only use cash for spending and can’t easily swipe my cards or feel tempted to withdraw more. When the envelope’s empty, that’s it—no guilt, no overspending.
Not only does this method help you save more money, but it also forces you to prioritize what actually matters. It’s one of those rich girl habits that builds discipline and peace of mind.
2. Automate Your Savings
If you have to think about saving, chances are it’s not going to happen consistently. That’s why automation is one of the smartest ways to avoid lifestyle creep and build real financial security as your income grows.
I set up an automatic transfer that sends a portion of my paycheck straight into a separate savings account—one that I don’t touch and can’t easily withdraw from. Pro tip: use a high-yield savings account at a completely different bank than your main one. This creates friction so you’re not tempted to dip into it for spontaneous purchases or “emergencies” that aren’t really emergencies.
It’s all about building the habit of paying yourself first. Before the money even hits my main account, part of it is already working for future me. No guilt, no forgetting, no excuses—just effortless progress toward my goals.
3. Avoid Impulse Buying
Impulse buying is one of the biggest culprits behind lifestyle inflation—and most of the time, we don’t even realize we’re doing it. That iced coffee you didn’t plan for, the cute home decor item in your cart “just because,” or the flash sale you found while scrolling… it adds up, fast.
Now, whenever I’m about to spend money, I pause and ask myself a few simple questions:
- Is this necessary right now?
- Is this a need or just a want?
- Will this still matter to me in 48 hours?
More often than not, I find that the excitement fades once I walk away. That’s why I swear by the 24- or 48-hour rule—if I still want it after a couple days (and it fits my budget), then I go for it. Otherwise, it’s a pass.
This habit helps me stay aligned with my bigger financial goals and keeps me from spending just because I can. It’s a small mindset shift, but it plays a big role in helping me save more money and stick to my version of rich girl habits—the kind rooted in intention, not impulse.
4. Practice Delayed Gratification
Let’s get one thing straight—this isn’t about never rewarding yourself. You deserve the nice things you want. But the key is to be intentional and plan for those purchases, instead of letting them derail your financial goals on impulse.
Let’s say you’ve been eyeing a designer bag that costs a few hundred dollars (or more). Instead of swiping your card and hoping you’ll figure it out later, make a plan. Save a portion of your income each month specifically for that item. Once you hit your goal, then you buy it—guilt-free and fully funded.
This approach works for anything—whether it’s a new tech gadget, a luxury spa day, or even a down payment on a big purchase like a car or a vacation. Not only does it keep you from overspending, but it also builds your patience and financial discipline.
And here’s the best part: it makes the reward feel so much better. There’s a special kind of pride in buying something you know you’ve been working toward—it’s not just a purchase, it’s a victory.
5. Work With a Financial Advisor
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of budgeting, saving, and investing, it might be time to consider working with a financial advisor. While managing your money is a personal journey, sometimes it’s helpful to have an expert guide you through the process, especially when your income starts to increase.
A financial advisor can help you create a personalized plan to avoid lifestyle inflation, make smarter investment choices, and set realistic savings goals. They can also help with big financial decisions like retirement planning or tax strategies, ensuring you’re not only saving money but growing it.
Don’t let the overwhelm stop you from reaching your full potential—working with a financial advisor could give you the clarity and confidence to make better financial decisions. It’s one of the best ways to avoid getting stuck in the trap of lifestyle creep, and ultimately, it’ll help you save more money in the long run.
Building rich girl habits isn’t about deprivation—it’s about making smarter, intentional choices that align with your bigger goals. By taking simple steps like automating savings, questioning impulse purchases, and practicing delayed gratification, you’ll be well on your way to avoiding lifestyle inflation and lifestyle creep. And remember, it’s okay to ask for help when needed, whether that’s working with a financial advisor or seeking expert advice.
The key to saving more money and staying on track with your financial goals is consistency. Small, mindful changes will add up to huge rewards, and in the end, you’ll feel more confident and empowered with your financial future.
So, let’s ditch the guilt and the quick fixes—let’s build the foundation for a wealthier, more intentional life, one step at a time.
