Five years ago, I made a significant career move from New York City, and since then, I’ve been blessed to experience a 30% income boost. While it might seem natural to upgrade my lifestyle across the board, I’ve learned that being selective about what I spend on has been instrumental in achieving some major financial milestones. By saving on certain services and sticking to our financial discipline, Kurt and I have been able to put down money on new cars, a down payment on our second house, cover daycare expenses, and enjoy extra luxuries like travel—all while maintaining our financial stability. Here’s a breakdown of what I don’t spend on and what I prioritize in my budget.
Expenses I Still Avoid
- Home Cleaning Services. Despite the temptation to outsource home cleaning, especially deep cleaning, I’ve stuck to doing it myself. Kurt and I clean throughout the week, which not only keeps our home in shape but also saves a substantial amount of money. By not hiring cleaning services, we’ve kept more funds available for other priorities like our child’s education and travel.
- Grocery Delivery Services. While grocery delivery services have gained popularity, I still prefer to shop for groceries in person. Doing this allows me to take advantage of sales, use coupons, and control our budget better. It’s a simple yet effective way to cut costs without compromising on quality.
- Lawn Care Services. We decided against hiring out lawn care and instead invested in affordable electric lawn equipment three years ago. This initial purchase has paid off immensely, allowing us to maintain our yard ourselves without the ongoing expense of hiring a service.
- Laundry Services. We also avoid spending on laundry services. When we lived in the city, we used the shared laundry space or laundromats, and now, we do our laundry at home. It’s a habit that might seem small, but it saves money and keeps us grounded in our financial goals.
- Meal Prep Services. Although I don’t cook every single day, I aim to prepare home-cooked meals at least three to four times a week. By avoiding meal prep services, I save money while still ensuring that my family enjoys healthy, delicious meals.
- Expensive Cars. Both Kurt and I lease or lease-to-own our current cars, choosing affordable options that suit our needs. We’ve resisted the urge to upgrade to luxury vehicles, focusing instead on reliable transportation that gets us from point A to point B safely.
All of these actions have helped me save so much money over the years, allowing me to take advantage of my increased salary. Still, there are things that I will spend my money on, choosing to invest my funds int the following things:
How I Spend My Money Instead
- Experiences for the Family. While we’re careful with day-to-day expenses, I prioritize spending on experiences that build lasting memories. Whether it’s a family vacation, a day trip, or an activity that brings us together, these experiences are invaluable and enrich our lives far more than material things.
- Home Improvements. Investing in home improvements has been a priority for us. Enhancing our property not only improves our quality of life but also increases the value of our home. Whether it’s renovating the kitchen or upgrading the backyard, these investments pay off in both comfort and long-term financial returns.
- Health and Wellness. As former athletes, Kurt and I understand the importance of health and wellness. We’re willing to spend on services and products that enhance our overall well-being, such as quality footwear, vitamins, therapy, and preventative care. These investments in our health allow us to lead active, fulfilling lives.
- Retirement. Although it stings now, we both contribute extra money toward our retirement savings. We prioritize maxing out our retirement contributions, going beyond the minimum required amounts. This decision is all about securing our financial future, and while it’s a sacrifice in the present, we know it’s worth it.
Even though my salary has increased, I’ve learned that financial discipline is key to achieving long-term goals. By being intentional about what I spend on—and what I don’t—I’ve been able to balance enjoying life now with preparing for the future. For anyone who’s experienced a salary boost, I encourage you to think about what truly adds value to your life and focus your spending there. It’s not just about earning more; it’s about making smart choices with what you have.