Can You Really Afford the Lifestyle You’re Living?
At Thriving Wealth, we see it all the time.
People earning great money—$150,000, $300,000, even $700,000 a year—yet still feeling stuck.
It’s not because they don’t earn enough.
It’s because they’ve built a lifestyle based on what they can buy, not what they can afford.
The Difference Between Buying and Affording
Buying means you have enough cash or credit today.
Affording means you can:
Buy it without stress
Keep investing regularly
Stay protected if life throws you a curveball
Still progress toward financial freedom
Just because you can make the repayments doesn’t mean you can afford it.
The Problem? Lifestyle Creep
As your income grows, so does your spending—unless you’re intentional.
What starts with small upgrades soon turns into:
Bigger mortgage
Luxury cars
Frequent holidays
Designer everything
All funded by debt or cutting back on wealth-building.
Then comes the pressure:
Interest rates rise
Income drops
Unexpected expenses pop up
What used to feel like success quickly turns into financial strain.
Four Questions to Ask Before Spending Big
Is this stopping me from building wealth?
If you’re not saving, investing, or protecting your financial future, the purchase is costing you more than you think.Am I ready for surprises?
Would a job change, health issue, or market downturn send you into panic mode?Why am I buying this?
Is it for you—or to keep up with someone else’s version of success?Will I still have freedom?
The point of money is to give you choices.
If the purchase takes away your flexibility, is it really worth it?
Our Advice? Build First, Enjoy Later
It’s not about saying no to nice things.
It’s about earning the right to enjoy them without worry.
When you:
Build a strong financial foundation
Invest consistently
Pay yourself first
Maintain control
The luxuries feel better—because they’re stress-free.
Want to Create a Wealthy Life That Lasts?
At Thriving Wealth, we help clients structure their finances to live well today and build for tomorrow.
You don’t have to give up the things you love—you just need a plan that works.
About the Author
John Cachia is a seasoned financial adviser and dedicated parent of three boys. With a passion for financial literacy and wealth management, John has been in the industry since the young age of 14. His early start in finance has provided him with a wealth of experience and insight, which he now uses to guide families towards achieving their financial goals. As Australia's leading wealth adviser for young families, John is committed to helping parents become positive financial role models for their children, ensuring a secure and prosperous future for the next generation.
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