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LIFESTYLE CREEP CAN STALL YOUR WEALTH Walia recalled a client who said, "I've been earning Rs 80,000 a month for five years, but my net worth hasn't moved." On the surface, the client's lifestyle seemed ordinary-rent, groceries, occasional takeaways, and EMIs for a bike and a phone. Nothing extravagant. But the problem, Walia explained, wasn't spending too much. It was how the client thought about money. "Every time his salary went up, so did his spending. A Rs 5,000 raise became a new subscription. A Rs 10,000 hike became a fancier gadget. There was no intentionality-just slow lifestyle creep," said Walia. BUILDING A SYSTEM FOR SAVINGS To change this, Walia helped the client set up a simple structure. 30% of the salary was automatically invested into SIPs and an emergency fund on the day it arrived. One debit card was used for essentials, while one credit card was reserved for wants. Monthly check-ins were scheduled to track unnecessary leaks and adjust spending. RESULTS WITHOUT EARNING MORE After six months of following this system, the client's savings grew to Rs 1.9 lakh-without earning a rupee more. "He didn't get richer because of a new job. He got richer because of new habits," Walia said. This story highlights a key lesson: wealth is less about earning more and more about designing a system that protects your progress. FOCUS ON HABITS, NOT JUST INCOME Most people think that promotions and raises are the fastest route to financial security. But Walia says building intentional money habits-like automatic investments, budgeting, and tracking-can have a bigger impact over time. "Most people think wealth is about earning more. But it's really about designing a system that protects your progress," Walia emphasised. For anyone looking to grow their wealth, the takeaway is clear: start by changing your habits, not just chasing a higher salary. Small, consistent actions can create big results over time.