Report #9

Ever notice how a raise disappears faster than a box of Girl Scout cookies? That’s lifestyle creep, my friends, but the antidote is called lifestyle design.

Today's Report: "A Rule for Lifestyle Creep: Live Beneath Your Assets" – Katie Gatti Tassin (Money with Katie)

Katie takes the tired old “live within your means” advice and sharpens it: live beneath your assets.

What does that mean? Instead of using your paycheck as the yardstick for what you can afford, you look at your net worth as the foundation.

• Example: If you’ve built up $200,000 in investments and cash, you shouldn’t be living like you’re one paycheck away from broke. Your spending should reflect long-term security, not short-term income boosts.

• A big raise at work? Instead of immediately upgrading the car and doubling your rent, you let your asset base grow, then decide if higher spending still makes sense.

• This mindset slows the hamster wheel. Wealth accumulation baby!

Her take isn’t about living like a minimalist monk. It’s about measured upgrades that align with long-term goals. In Katie’s words: some lifestyle creep is fine, but it should be a conscious choice backed by assets, not just a fatter paycheck.

Quick Poor

• "Your Lifestyle Has Already Been Designed" – Raptitude
  Corporations design your “default” life to keep you spending. Designing your own means breaking out of consumer autopilot.

• "Intentional Spending: What it ACTUALLY Means" – The Fioneers
  Spending isn’t bad — but unconscious spending is. Define your values, then let money follow them.

• "Saving Money Through Lifestyle Design" – Bonus Nachos
  An early retiree credits quirky choices (tiny apartments, one car, no kids) with keeping lifestyle creep in check.

• "Lifestyle Design" – Go Curry Cracker
  Make good habits effortless. Example: selling the car made biking (and saving) the default.

• "Lifestyle Creep: How to Spend Intentionally Even When You Have More Money" – Her First $100K
  Tori Dunlap says lifestyle creep isn’t evil if it aligns with your values. It’s only dangerous when it’s automatic.

My Poor

Here’s the truth: lifestyle creep is sneaky. You don’t notice it until your savings rate flatlines and you’re wondering why your “extra” cash always feels missing. I love Katie’s twist, spending tied to assets, not income, keeps lifestyle creep on a leash.

That doesn’t mean living like a monk. I want my spending to reflect things I actually care about: family trips, time spent with friends, and the occasional splurge that adds joy, not clutter.

So, are you spending by default or by design? Choose wisely.

Thanks!

poor-boy-report.beehiiv.com

_{This newsletter uses AI as a co-creator to save time and keep the pours flowing. Final thoughts and questionable humor are all mine.} 😘 

_{The Poor Boy Report (PBR) is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional financial advice or investment recommendations. All information presented is based on personal opinions and research and may not reflect the most current developments in personal finance.}

_{PBR is not a registered financial advisor, and no content in this newsletter constitutes or should be interpreted as, a specific offer or solicitation to buy or sell any financial products or investments. Always consult with a licensed financial advisor or other qualified professionals before making any financial decisions or taking action based on the information provided in this newsletter.}