5 Ways I Tackle Wanting Nicer Things (Lifestyle Creep)

This week, Sim breaks down how to avoid lifestyle creep as your income grows and the people around you start spending more. She shares five practical strategies for managing pay rises and bonuses, avoiding the comparison trap, curating your social media, and defining what your own “rich life” actually looks like. If you want to enjoy earning more without letting bigger houses, nicer cars, luxury purchases, or social pressure derail your financial goals, this episode will help you spend according to what you genuinely value.Watch on YouTube | Somnipods 3 More from Friends That Invest: Stock Market Tea build financial confidence in under 5 minutes a week. Join 140,000+ investors in trainingInstagram | TikTok | X | Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Sim shares the simple money routines she actually uses to stay on top of her finances, without spending hours budgeting or tracking every purchase. She breaks down how to review subscriptions and recurring bills, rebalance your investment portfolio, and create a cash flow plan that helps you save and invest consistently. If you want a realistic financial routine that keeps your money organised and your long-term goals on track, these four habits are a great place to start.Income + Budget Planner Watch on YouTube | Somnipods 3 More from Friends That Invest: Stock Market Tea build financial confidence in under 5 minutes a week. Join 140,000+ investors in trainingInstagram | TikTok | X | Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Sim answers your biggest money and life questions, from how much you should be saving and investing to asking for a pay rise, changing careers, and whether rentvesting could make sense. She also shares a major life update about moving from New Zealand to New York, including why she’s choosing to rent, how NYC’s high cost of living could affect her financial independence, and what she’s most excited about. If you love personal finance mixed with an honest life update, consider this a cozy money Q&A with your Investie Bestie.Watch on YouTube | Somnipods 3 More from Friends That Invest: Stock Market Tea build financial confidence in under 5 minutes a week. Join 140,000+ investors in trainingInstagram | TikTok | X | Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Sim breaks down financial minimalism and how owning less can help you save more money, reduce stress and build wealth faster. She explores the psychology behind lifestyle creep, why experiences can bring more happiness than material things, and how spending less can leave more money to invest. Plus, Sim shares her approach to modern minimalism, where you can still splurge on the things you genuinely value without getting caught up in status or overconsumption.Watch on YouTube | Somnipods 3 More from Friends That Invest: Stock Market Tea build financial confidence in under 5 minutes a week. Join 140,000+ investors in trainingInstagram | TikTok | X | Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Sim breaks down 11 expensive splurges she doesn’t think are worth the money, from the Dyson Airwrap and Apple Watch to luxury jewellery, designer bags and brand-new cars. She shares which purchases she regrets, where she thinks you can spend less without sacrificing much, and why a high price tag doesn’t always mean better value. If you’re trying to save money, avoid lifestyle creep and make smarter spending decisions, this episode could save you thousands.Watch on YouTube | Somnipods 3 More from Friends That Invest: Stock Market Tea build financial confidence in under 5 minutes a week. Join 140,000+ investors in trainingInstagram | TikTok | X | Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Sim shares what happened when she broke one of investing’s biggest rules and tried to time the market by selling her NVIDIA shares. She breaks down why predicting market bubbles is almost impossible, the hidden costs of buying and selling, and why time in the market can matter more than getting the timing perfect. It’s a real-life investing lesson on overconfidence, market timing, and why a long-term strategy built around broad market index funds can be much simpler.Watch on YouTube | Somnipods 3 More from Friends That Invest: Stock Market Tea build financial confidence in under 5 minutes a week. Join 140,000+ investors in trainingInstagram | TikTok | X | Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Sim breaks down why she’s not selling her S&P 500 investments or pulling her money out of the US stock market, despite growing fears about America’s future. She explores four key reasons she remains confident in US investing long term, including innovation, access to capital, market liquidity, and the global revenue generated by S&P 500 companies. Plus, Sim explains where emerging markets can fit into a diversified investment portfolio without making drastic decisions based on short-term fear.Watch on YouTube | Somnipods 3 More from Friends That Invest: Stock Market Tea build financial confidence in under 5 minutes a week. Join 140,000+ investors in trainingInstagram | TikTok | X | Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Sim breaks down the hidden ways people pleasing could be costing you thousands, from accepting extra work without recognition to underselling yourself, overspending, and struggling to set financial boundaries. She shares practical strategies to negotiate your salary with confidence, stop money leaks, and build healthier habits at work and at home. If you want to earn more, spend less, and stop letting guilt get in the way of your financial goals, this episode is for you.Watch on YouTube | Somnipods 3 More from Friends That Invest: Stock Market Tea build financial confidence in under 5 minutes a week. Join 140,000+ investors in trainingInstagram | TikTok | X | Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Sim reflects on what happened after reaching financial independence and why retiring early wasn't what she expected. She shares the reality of hitting her FIRE number, why she chose to keep building Friends That Invest, and the surprising lessons she learned about purpose, productivity, and finding a career you don't want to retire from. If you're working towards financial freedom, this episode will help you rethink what wealth really means once you've reached your goal.Watch on YouTube | Somnipods 3 More from Friends That Invest: Stock Market Tea build financial confidence in under 5 minutes a week. Join 140,000+ investors in trainingInstagram | TikTok | X | Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Sim explores one of the biggest personal finance questions of all: should you spend money enjoying your life today, or save everything for the future? She shares how to find the balance between building wealth and creating meaningful experiences, why being too frugal can sometimes hold you back, and practical ways to spend with intention instead of guilt. If you've ever wondered whether you're saving too much or not enough, this episode will help you rethink your relationship with money.Watch on YouTube | Somnipods 3 More from Friends That Invest: Stock Market Tea build financial confidence in under 5 minutes a week. Join 140,000+ investors in trainingInstagram | TikTok | X | Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.