Welcome to Wealthy Enough - my weekly newsletter where I share actionable insights to build your life of Enough.

Here’s what we’re covering today:

Many of us are feeling that pay rises and promotions just don’t stretch as far as they used to. Even with extra income coming in—from bonuses to better jobs —bank balances aren’t growing, savings have stalled, and budgets still seem tight. So what’s happening here?

A major factor is lifestyle creep: that slow, sneaky rise in spending that often kicks in when you start earning more. You get a pay bump and treat yourself a bit, then a bit more, and before you know it, higher spending just becomes your new normal. The extra money quietly disappears, and any progress you’d hoped to make with your finances gets swallowed up without you even realising it.

So who’s most likely to get affected?
For early-career professionals, big pay jumps in those first years can make upgrading your lifestyle tempting right away. High-income earners aren’t immune either—having more money means they can spend more without noticing how quickly things add up.

If your household is dealing with rising fixed costs, such as bigger mortgage payments, rent hikes, or growing utility bills, there’s a genuine risk as well. When your regular expenses go up, it’s all too easy to justify extra spending just to keep things feeling comfortable. And if you’re going through major life changes —like finally clearing your debts — that newly available income can slip into discretionary purchases, unless you plan for it.

So how to enjoy your income and still get ahead?
Here are some straightforward habits that can help you make the most of your money — without letting higher spending quietly derail your goals:

☕️ Buying Barista Coffee Everyday

These days, a regular coffee in Melbourne costs you around $7 🤯 — that amount can quickly add up if you’re doing it everyday! That’s a whopping $140 every month (i.e. 20 working days a month) or $1680 a year just for coffee!

Well I’m not the kind of person to say “you should never buy coffee outside.” I believe it’s important to find a balance that works for you.

If you’re having a stressful day, or just want to treat yourself to something special, then by all means, go out and buy a coffee.

👕 Fast Fashion

Fast fashion might look like a great deal at first, but it often ends up costing more in the long run.

Investing in clothes that are made to last saves you money over time — and it’s better for the planet, too. Say you buy a quality jacket for $150 and wear it 50 times; each wear only costs you $3. But spend $25 on a cheap jacket that falls apart after two wears, and you’re paying $12.50 each time. Choosing quality over quantity just makes sense for your wallet and the environment.

📺 Underused Subscriptions

Netflix, Amazon, Disney, Gym the list is endless…

Those monthly subscriptions might seem like very small, but together they can quietly drain your bank account. On average, Australians are losing $105 every month to subscriptions — that’s $1260 per year on unused subscription!

That’s why, every month, I make it a habit to go through all my subscription services and double-check which ones I actually use. It’s a simple ritual that helps stop my money from trickling away unnoticed.

Track your Money using the Tools I use 👇

🎥 Got Extra $10,000? Here's HOW you should SPEND it.

That’s all for today. I hope you’ve found this helpful and insightful.

Until next week 🙂

Saeem Khan
^{Creator of Wealthy Enough.
Software Engineer, Investor, Content Creator
www.saeemkhan.com}