spending

2 questions

What is lifestyle creep and how do I stop it?

Lifestyle creep happens when spending rises to match income increases, leaving savings unchanged despite earning more. Catching it requires separating each raise into savings before adjusting spending.
What are fixed vs variable expenses?

Fixed expenses are the same every month — rent, car payment, loan minimums. Variable expenses change — groceries, gas, dining out. Budgeting requires handling them differently: lock in fixed costs first, then set averages for variable ones.