Own Utility, Rent Luxury: How to Avoid Lifestyle Creep and Build Real Wealth
We work hard. We deserve nice things. We want to be able to finally afford the designer bag. And be a part of the group that can afford designer bags. Show with pride what we achieved. But what starts as a well-earned treat often turns into a trap. This is lifestyle creep — where our spending quietly expands with our income, leaving us stuck on a treadmill instead of building real freedom.
Let’s break this down.
What Is Lifestyle Creep?
Lifestyle creep happens when you start spending more simply because you earn more. A raise? You upgrade your car. A bonus? You move to a pricier apartment. Over time, your “wants” feel like “needs.” And suddenly, no income feels like enough.
Lyn Alden calls this the difference between utility and luxury:
Utility: Things that actually serve you. Tools, essentials, assets that help you build and create.
Luxury: Things that signal status or provide fleeting pleasure — but don’t move you closer to real wealth or independence.
Her advice? Own utility. Rent luxury.
Why Lifestyle Creep Happens
Lifestyle creep isn’t about bad habits and it is not only your fault. Our economy is literally designed to make you feel it. There are forces pushing you toward it:
✅ Inflation — Prices rise. If you don’t increase your productivity or savings faster than inflation, you fall behind.
✅ Fiat incentives — Our monetary system encourages spending. Your currency loses value over time, so you’re subtly pushed to consume instead of save.
✅ Social pressure — We live in a culture of comparison. Ads, influencers, even well-meaning friends can make you feel like you’re falling short if you don’t upgrade. And the little girl inside of us wants to belong so desperately, wants her parents to be proud of her and buying nice things is one way to send a clear signal to the world.
Practical Examples
Here’s how to apply Own Utility, Rent Luxury in daily life:
Own the laptop. Rent the car.
A good laptop or tool boosts your productivity — own it. But that fancy car that you don't really need in your daily life? Lease or rent it when you need it.Own your home appliances. Rent designer bags.
Appliances serve you for years. But that €3,000 handbag? Try renting for a special event instead.Own books or courses. Rent luxury vacations.
Invest in your mind. But you don’t need to “own” a vacation home — experience luxury temporarily.
How to Audit Your Spending (Without Shame)
This isn’t about judging yourself. It’s about clarity.
🌱 Step 1: Track everything for 30 days.
Use an app or a notebook. Don’t change your habits yet — just observe.
🌱 Step 2: Label each item — Utility or Luxury.
Ask: Did this serve my freedom? Or did it serve my image?
🌱 Step 3: Decide what to own, what to rent, and what to skip.
Build a personal rulebook. Example:
I own tools that make me smarter, stronger, or freer.
I rent luxury to enjoy it without owning the burden.
I skip what doesn’t align with my goals.
Design Freedom-Oriented Consumption
💡 Consumption can serve your goals — if you design it.
➡ Prioritize purchases that reduce dependence:
Quality home goods, good tech, health tools.
➡ Set luxury budgets:
Want that luxury experience? Plan for it, rent it, enjoy it — without long-term cost or clutter.
➡ Remember: Real wealth is freedom.
It’s not about having the most toys. It’s about having options, time, and peace.
Action Steps
✔ Start your 30-day spending audit today.
✔ Make a “Own / Rent / Skip” list for your next major purchase.
✔ Share this idea with a friend — accountability helps.
