This does happen, and it's probably the default. But it is possible to notice it's happening, and reverse the process: http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12

This does happen, and it's probably the default. But it is possible to notice it's happening, and reverse the process: http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/27/how-to-protect-yourself-from-lifestyle-inflation/ http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/27/how-to-protect-... This is pretty much what I did when starting up, realising I wanted as much runway as possible. Have to say I also guffawed at $25k being "no personal savings".