The inflation is better focused on the life, not the lifestyle. I don't put my paycheck in the bank account and have set money withdrawn for my investments. I put my paycheck in my investments and have set money withdrawn for my bank account. I fight hard to make money for my future, and I know that's exactly where it's going. I keep strict records of my work time, and set a time limit on my job, then build myself outside of work hours, investing time in developing myself. If I prioritize some nice things that I want to spend on, i need to be patient, or it comes out of something less important. I find that careless expenses can be more of a burden than a pleasure, so keeping spending equal helps me improve my lifestyle, rather than inflate it.