What is the biggest wealth killer in life?

It’s not bad luck. It’s not taxes. It’s not even a lack of investing.

The biggest wealth killer in life is – “Keeping up with the Joneses”.

What Is “Keeping up with the Joneses”?

Keeping up with the Joneses happens when your expenses increase in line with your income. Each time you earn more—whether it's through a pay rise, bonus, or career upgrade—you start spending more. You move to a nicer home, drive a flashier car, upgrade your wardrobe, and dine out more often.

Suddenly, the extra income that could have gone towards building long-term wealth disappears into day-to-day spending. Over time, this can leave you stuck in a cycle of high earnings and high expenses, with little or no wealth to show for it.

If your spending always rises with your income, you will never build true financial freedom.

How “Keeping up with the Joneses” Destroys Wealth

1. Prevents Saving and Investing
   If you spend everything you earn, there’s nothing left to grow through savings or investment.
2. Creates Long-Term Financial Pressure
   Higher expenses mean higher obligations. You become dependent on your job or income stream, even if you’re unhappy or burnt out.
3. Limits Your Financial Options
   Want to take a career break, travel the world, or start a business? Dreams are harder to achieve.
4. Leads to Debt
   When lifestyle outpaces income, people often turn to credit cards or loans—creating even more financial strain.

Build Wealth That Lasts

If you want to build lasting financial freedom, resist the urge to upgrade every time your income does. Instead, stay focused on your long-term goals. Save consistently.