> The lifestyle creep just gets most people.

I changed industry a few years ago and as a result had a big income increase. I made a point of not changing my lifestyle because I know it won't last forever.

Unfortunately, it's quite difficult to commit to it. Not that I live a particularly wealthy lifestyle, but it's hard to renounce to the extra little comfort that money can get you. Little by little, you get used spending a bit more money.

Also, when you live in a very expensive city like NYC, simply living not too far from work in a decent appartement takes a big part of your paycheck.