Lifestyle Creep

Filed Under »
Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Lifestyle Creep '

A situation where people's lifestyle or standard of living improves as their discretionary income rises either through an increase in income or decrease in costs. As lifestyle creep occurs, and more money is spent on lifestyle, former luxuries are now considered necessities.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Lifestyle Creep '

Lifestyle creep is particularly a problem to those individuals approaching retirement. People, five to ten years before retirement are typically in their peak earning years, but at the same time many of their earlier expenses, such as paying off a mortgage, or raising a family have been reduced dramatically. Faced with a surplus of cash, some people use it to buy more expensive cars, more expensive vacations or possibly a second home.

Since the goal in retirement is to maintain the lifestyle enjoyed in the last few years before retirement, these retirees require more funds to support their new, more lavish lifestyles. Unfortunately, they don't have the resources to do this because they spent their surplus cash flow.

Related Definitions

  • White Collar

    A working class that is known for earning high average salaries and not performing manual labor at their jobs. White collar workers historically have been the "shirt and tie" set, ...
    Read More »
  • Blue Collar

    A working-class person historically defined by hourly rates of pay and manual labor. A blue collar worker refers to the fact that most manual laborers at the turn of the century wore ...
    Read More »
  • Breadwinner

    The primary, or sole, income earner in a household. Breadwinners, by contributing the largest portion of household income, generally cover most household expenses and financially support ...
    Read More »
    • Household Income

      The combined gross income of all the members of a household who are 15 years old and older. Individuals do not have to be related in any way to be considered members of the same ...
      Read More »

Articles Of Interest

Partner Links