Wealth, Ego, and Lifestyle Inflation: Choosing Discipline Over Display
It talked about three levels of wealth. On the surface, Level 1 and Level 3 look the same. Both might commute. Both might take public transportation. Both might experience ordinary inconvenience.
But the difference is not in the action. It is in the reason behind the action.
Level 1 commutes because there is no alternative.
Level 2 hires a driver because time becomes leverage.
Level 3 can hire a driver and sometimes still chooses to commute.
Not to save money.
Not to look humble.
But to stay grounded.
That message hit me personally.
Since 2020, I have been living in the province. Whenever I go to Manila, I usually book a Grab or Angkas ride. It feels convenient. Fast. Less stressful. I rarely take the jeep or bus anymore.
But the last time I went to Manila, I had no urgent appointment. I had time. So I decided to take the jeep and bus again.
At first, I felt unsure. Would I still remember the routes? Would it be inconvenient? Would it be too tiring?
Surprisingly, it felt empowering.
I figured out the jeepney routes. I navigated the bus system. I observed people. I felt the rhythm of the city again. And yes, I saved money.
When I got home, I felt proud of myself.
Then I read that post about wealth and discipline. And it made even more sense.
This year, one of my biggest goals is to become more financially stable. I want to increase my income and reduce unnecessary expenses. Recently, I started listing my expenses again. When I reviewed everything, I was shocked.
There were so many unnecessary expenses.
Small subscriptions. Impulse purchases. Convenience spending. Frequent ride bookings that, when added together, cost a significant amount.
Individually, they did not look alarming. But collectively, they were draining my resources.
This is where the idea of lifestyle inflation comes in.
Lifestyle inflation happens when your income increases and your expenses rise with it. Comfort becomes your new baseline. What used to be a luxury becomes a necessity. Slowly, your identity shifts. You start believing you are above inconvenience. Above waiting. Above discomfort.
That is the dangerous part.
Because when comfort becomes your standard, resilience decreases.
Taking the jeep and bus was not just about saving money. It was a reminder that I am still capable. I am not dependent on convenience. I can choose comfort, but I am not controlled by it.
That is a powerful shift.
Real wealth is not about eliminating all effort from your life. It is about having options. It is about optionality with discipline.
You can book a car.
But you can also take public transport.
You can dine out.
But you can also cook at home.
You can spend.
But you can also say no.
In a culture where visible status often defines success, delegation and convenience are loud signals. But self control is a quiet signal. It is not flashy. It is not impressive on social media. But it builds something deeper.
Stability.
When markets fall, when business slows down, when unexpected expenses arise, the people who survive are not the ones who removed all discomfort from their lives. They are the ones who trained themselves to handle it.
That jeep and bus ride reminded me that financial discipline is not deprivation. It is preparation.
It is not about pretending to struggle. It is about choosing strength over ego.
As I move forward this year, I want to be intentional. I want to earn more, yes. But I also want to manage better. To question my spending. To distinguish between comfort and necessity.
Because true financial growth is not just about increasing income. It is about mastering behavior.
And sometimes, growth looks like something very simple.
Choosing the jeep.
Choosing the bus.
Choosing discipline.
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