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As we begin to see light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, we will be leaving with a new perspective of happiness and joy. Just over a year ago, many of us found happiness through exotic vacations around the globe, 5-star restaurants, and expensive outings that provided extravagant entertainment. But after slowing down and rediscovering many of the simple pleasures we once appreciated, we may once again find ourselves succumbing to the lifestyle creep in post-pandemic life. While it will be long awaited, it is worth keeping in mind the newly found cherished moments as well.

This is a great time to re-evaluate how lifestyle creep affects your life in several ways. Often when we hear the term lifestyle creep, we relate it to buying things to keep up with others in our circle. But it can also mean considering things that were once a luxury a necessity. What you may have not noticed though, is that during the pandemic you broke many of these lifestyle spending habits. The daily lunches out are now enjoyed in your own kitchen, the nightly drinks after work are now sipped in your living room with your spouse, and the monthly flights are now money saved for a grander adventure in the future. While these have all saved you money and delayed the lifestyle creep, they have also reallocated your time closer to home and your loved ones.

You may also find that the delayed satisfaction will bring you greater joy than the instant delights. Many of us were used to multiple vacations a year, but after waiting to have one, it will probably be well worth the wait with a greater reward! The first time being waited on at a restaurant in a far-off place will be bliss and perhaps was something you took for granted before. Revaluating your perspective can bring happiness back long after the pandemic passes.

It is no surprise that as your income increases, so do the amenities you enjoy in life. However, with a new perspective, you can begin to appreciate things at a greater level and create more joy. As a high-income earner, it is important to remember that your frugality does not come from force, but instead habit and control. Now is the time to enjoy the light nearing us as we leave lockdown life, but do not forget to remember the simple pleasures as well!      

Reaching retirement is a long-awaited moment that you quite literally work your entire life for. This is considered the crowning achievement of your career. Your prudent financial decisions along the way have helped you accomplish what was once only a dream. For decades, you forged a savers mentality and made countless sacrifices along the way in preparation for this defining moment.

This year has offered many trials and tribulations compared to what might have been expected this time last year. Although we faced many tragedies, we are entering a bright, new, hopeful year. We must look on to the prospects next year may bring, and celebrate our perseverance through this one. One thing that has changed for the better is our new perspective of time and money.

As you started preparing for the summer of 2020, your plans probably included vacations in the tropics and Europe, cruises, camps for the kids, and many nights spent with neighbors, friends, family, and co-workers.  While that reality has changed as the year has progressed, it does not mean that this summer still can’t be one to remember in a positive light.