Stop Comparing, Start Growing – A Real-Life Money Mistake That Taught Me Everything

Hello dear readers, students, and fellow money warriors, 👋

Thank you so much for visiting my newly created financial blog. I truly appreciate every comment, message, and word of support I’ve received so far. This journey of financial education means a lot to me—and I hope it helps you find clarity, freedom, and purpose with your money.

Today, I’m sharing a very personal experience. A mistake I made back in 2018 that completely changed how I view money. I hope this story not only inspires you but also saves you from falling into the same trap.

💥 My 2018 Mistake – The Luxury Comparison Trap

Let me take you back to 2018. Life was going well—I had a stable income, my home renovation was just completed, and I was feeling proud. But then something started to affect me deeply: comparison.

Friends and neighbors were buying luxury home items—expensive Italian sofas, custom-designed curtains, smart TVs, fancy chandeliers, designer kitchenware, and more. Social media only added fuel to the fire—photos of stylish homes, trending gadgets, and “Pinterest-worthy” living rooms were everywhere.

And guess what?
Instead of appreciating what I had, I felt like I was lacking.

So, I started buying things I didn’t truly need. I spent on:

• A luxury couch set that no one ever really sat on 🛋️

• Designer lights that were more aesthetic than functional 💡

• A giant dining table we rarely used 🍽️

• Overpriced decor just to “look good” in pictures 🖼️

Why?
Not for comfort. Not for family. Not even for me.
It was just to impress others and keep up appearances.
And guess what happened next?

👉 My savings dropped.
👉 Credit card bills went up.
👉 I felt more stressed, not satisfied.

I was chasing a lifestyle, not building a life. And that’s when I realized:

❌ Trying to look rich is what keeps you poor.
✅ Building real wealth is about discipline, not display.

💡 The Turning Point – Learning the Truth About Money

This mistake was a painful one—but it opened my eyes. I began to study money, not just how to earn it, but how to respect it. And one book truly changed my thinking:

📘 Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

This book helped me understand the difference between assets and liabilities. I was buying liabilities thinking they were “upgrades.” Things that took money out of my pocket, not brought it in.

“The rich don’t work for money. They make money work for them.” – Rich Dad Poor Dad

I was working hard but my money wasn’t. I was stuck in a mindset of spending to look successful, not investing to become financially free.

📚 Other Powerful Books That Helped Me Shift

Here are some more books that guided me as I rebuilt my financial habits:

1. The Psychology of Money – Morgan Housel
   Helps you understand how emotions and behavior affect financial decisions.

2. Your Money or Your Life – Vicki Robin
   Connects money to life values and teaches conscious spending.

3. The Millionaire Next Door – Thomas J. Stanley
   Reveals how real millionaires live quietly, frugally, and invest wisely.

4. Think and Grow Rich – Napoleon Hill
   A mindset masterclass. Wealth starts in your thoughts.

🧠 Practical Money Rules I Live By Now

After that expensive lesson in 2018, I adopted some clear financial rules. Here are a few that truly helped me—and I believe they can help you too:

1. Don’t Buy to Impress. Buy to Progress.

Every purchase must add value, not just add looks.

2. Follow the 24-Hour Rule Before Buying Anything Costly.

If you still need it after 24 hours of thinking—then consider it.

3. Always Pay Yourself First.

Before spending, save/invest at least 20% of your income.

4. Track Every Rupee.

Use apps like Walnut, Goodbudget, or even Excel sheets. Know where your money goes.

5. Invest in Assets, Not Liabilities.

An asset puts money in your pocket (stocks, rental property, business). A liability takes money out (loans, EMIs on things you don’t need).

6. Have an Emergency Fund.

Keep 3–6 months of expenses saved in a separate account.

7. Avoid Lifestyle Inflation.

As income grows, don’t let expenses grow faster. Upgrade your investments first, not your car or wardrobe.

🙏 A Note to You – My Reader & Student

To everyone reading this—stop comparing your journey to others.
We all have different starting points. Some begin with inherited money. Others start with debt. Some get lucky early. Others bloom later.

Don’t waste your precious energy trying to “keep up.”
You are not behind. You’re right on time—for your life.

Focus on your growth, your values, your goals. Learn. Save. Invest. Repeat.

2025 is a year of financial awareness. If I can change, so can you. Let’s stop buying things we don’t need to impress people we don’t even care about.
Let’s build real wealth—brick by brick, decision by decision.

Your net worth doesn’t define your worth. But your money mindset shapes your future.
The richest people I know are not those who look flashy, but those who sleep peacefully at night—free from debts, full of choices.

🗣️ Let’s Connect!

Did this blog resonate with you?
Have you ever fallen into the trap of spending just to impress? If I can support you on your money journey, it would be an honor. 💬

Thank you for reading, and thank you for believing in financial growth.
See you in the next post!

Warm regards,
– Er. Adesh
Engineer. Educator. Earning Mindset Coach. 🚀💰