₹Earn More, Spend Less: The Uncommon Path to True Financial Freedom
“Don’t let your income growth become your financial cage. Let it be the key that sets your life free.” ~ Adarsh Singh
One of my friends got a raise... and he downsized his apartment.
Sounds strange, right? Most people would upgrade. Bigger house. Fancier car. Fatter EMIs.
But he did something rare, he upgraded his life by simplifying it.
Here’s the twist: he wasn’t being frugal. He was being intentional.
The Trap of Lifestyle Inflation
Most people fall prey to the classic cycle:
→ Earn more
→ Spend more
→ Stay stuck, or worse, feel more pressure than ever
This is called lifestyle inflation, the tendency to increase your expenses as your income grows. We don’t notice it because it feels normal. But over time, it leads to silent suffocation, financial stress, insecurity, and the feeling that “no matter how much I earn, it’s never enough.”
“It’s not how much you earn that builds wealth, it’s how wisely you direct what you earn.” ~ Adarsh Singh
The Power of Conscious Spending
The key to escaping the trap isn’t austerity, it’s awareness.
My friend realized he didn’t care for a big flat. He cared for mountain biking and weekend camping. So he reduced rent to increase joy.
That’s not being cheap, that’s being conscious.
When you earn more but spend consciously, your money starts working for you, not the other way around.
“When your money aligns with your values, every rupee becomes a step toward freedom.” ~ Adarsh Singh
Why “Spend Less” Isn’t About Sacrifice
Too many people hear “spend less” and think it means giving up joy.
But it’s the opposite.
It’s about spending boldly on what lights you up, and cutting ruthlessly on what doesn’t.
Examples:
Don’t buy the latest phone if you don’t care for it.
Skip the lavish car upgrade if it doesn’t bring you peace.
Choose simple living, so you can fund your startup dream, world travel, or early retirement.
“Smart spending is not about having less. It’s about having more of what matters.” ~ Adarsh Singh
Common Triggers That Trap People Financially
1. Comparison culture ~ Keeping up with others is the fastest road to debt.
2. Default upgrades ~ Promotions often lead to impulsive upgrades that don’t add lasting joy.
3. Emotional spending ~ Shopping to feel better is like drinking saltwater when thirsty.
4. Lack of clarity ~ Without a personal financial vision, we follow societal scripts.
Freedom Lies in the Gap
The magic lies in the gap between what you earn and what you spend.
That gap is your power. It gives you:
Options
Peace of mind
The ability to walk away
The ability to invest
The freedom to live life on your terms
“The true measure of wealth is how long you can live without working, not how lavishly you live while working.” ~ Adarsh Singh
What to Ask Yourself Before Spending
Before making a big financial decision, ask:
“Is this aligned with what truly brings me joy?”
“Would I buy this if no one ever saw it?”
“Am I buying freedom or escaping from discomfort?”
These questions break the spell of unconscious consumption.
Redefining the Upgrade
Let’s redefine what it means to “upgrade” your life.
It’s not a bigger flat, shinier gadgets, or higher credit card limits.
A true upgrade is when you own your time, fund your dreams, and sleep peacefully knowing you’re not trapped by your own choices.
“You don’t need to shrink your life to grow your wealth. You just need to spend with soul, not show.” ~ Adarsh Singh
Thu Jun 19, 2025
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