Increase Savings, Avoid Living Large

To me, too many people try to be what others consider as financially successful, instead of being what makes them personally financially successful.  Social media and marketing convinces us we need more to be successful, which causes us to never feel successful, because we need more...the newest phone, the coolest car, the best house and dazzling vacations.

Personal finance success first depends on balancing income versus spending when starting out.  Next, personal finance success requires discipline to increase saving more than increasing spending as income grows.  Unfortunately, many people choose to increase spending only as their income increases, instead of saving more and are typically one or two paychecks away from financial disaster.

Don't let living large costs ruin a possible successful retirement.  Instead, choose making one's future self have a successful retirement.

A savings habit can help minimize living large costs that cause financial issues.   Simply, start by saving 10% of one's gross pay.  Put every raise into savings until 20% or more  of gross pay is reached.   Then make the savings automatic.  While the savings won't seem like much at first, before long one will have saved a year's pay.   Invest the savings in a total market or growth index fund.

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This is not financial advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

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