The Salary raise that silently Disappeared
Sudden flashback of our early life, we realize something we rarely notice when our salary goes up. The increased income raise makes us feel richer for a few weeks, and then life casually adjusts to the new number.
The simple coffee becomes a regular café visit. The old mobile by overnight feels outdated. A bigger flat, another subscription, one more EMI. Hardly any of these choices looks unreasonable on its own. But when they add up, they slowly absorb the entire increment.
I have seen few of my team mates (very initial years) who received a ₹15,000 raise. Within months, ₹10,000 already found its way, new places to go. The salary had increased but the savings barely must have moved? Sounds familiar, this is quite common, isn’t it.
I don’t say we shouldn’t enjoy better things. We definitely work hard for them. I feel every salary hike should give small raise to our investments as well. Even 20% of the increment is a good start.
Lifestyle can grow, just don’t let it grow alone. Hope you get it?
Rahul Karandikar
After two decades in technology, Rahul now works with individuals and families who want to think about money with clarity, patience, and a long-term perspective.
