Keeping Up with the Joneses: Spend Like You, Not Like Them

In 1913, a comic strip introduced a family obsessed with matching their neighbors. The Joneses never appeared on the page, yet their influence was everywhere: buy a car, upgrade the house, chase the next shiny thing.

A century later, nothing’s changed—just the price tags. From kids needing the same shoes to fit in, to grown men competing over whose truck looks tougher, money still sends messages.

“Too many people spend money they haven't earned, to buy things they don't want, to impress people they don't like.” — Robert Quillen

Corporations profit from our urge to belong. That pressure leads to lifestyle creep: a raise comes in, spending rises to match, and goals drift further away. Most upgrades don’t happen because we need them but because it feels like everyone else is doing it.

Here’s the good news: you get to write your own rules. Maybe you skip the newest phone so you can see the world. Maybe you spend less on clothes so your emergency fund grows. You’re not giving up joy—you’re choosing it on purpose.

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” — Theodore Roosevelt

Make your spending a mirror of your values, not someone else’s highlight reel. Every purchase is a vote for the life you want.

Your Bank Statement Is a Mirror

Where is your money actually going? Open your last statement and circle three purchases you could have skipped. That’s your first win. People who build wealth tend to invest; people who struggle often overspend on things that don’t grow. The gap isn’t worth, it’s habits.

Try this quick reset:

• Rename a savings goal in your banking app (e.g., “Italy 2026” or “Freedom Fund”) and set an automatic transfer for the day after payday.

• Unfollow one account that triggers comparison.

• Use the 48-hour rule on non-essential buys.

  
  

1) The True Cost of “Homeownership”

Your biggest savings usually come from your biggest expenses—housing and cars. Start with housing.

If you’re renting, aim to keep rent around 30% of your monthly take-home pay while you build savings. Buying a home can be a smart long-term move, prices often rise over time and you can build equity. But not every house is a good investment.

Owning comes with hidden (but very real) costs: property taxes, insurance, repairs, HOA fees, and interest. Interest is simply the price of borrowing. If you borrow $100 and repay $105, that extra $5 is interest. Add in time, energy, and the occasional stress of repairs, and a “dream home” can become a burden if you stretch too far.

Rule of thumb: Don’t become house-poor. Choose a payment that still lets you save, invest, and live.

2) The Car That Drives Your Wealth in Reverse

Unlike most homes, a car drops in value the second you drive it off the lot. Many people spend a huge chunk of income on vehicles for the look, not the utility. This opportunity cost lasts for years.

Keep your car payment around 10% of monthly take-home pay, and aim for total car costs (payment, gas, insurance, maintenance) under 15–20%. Buy reliable, buy used when it makes sense, and celebrate the paid-off car more than the new one. The best flex is freedom.

Make Your Own Rules (3 Fast Habits)

1. Values List: Write three things money must do for you this year (e.g., “$1,000 emergency fund,” “weekend trip with family,” “start investing $50/month”).

2. Yes/No Filter: Create a one-line filter: “If it doesn’t move me toward my top three, it’s a no (or a ‘not now’).”

3. Automatic Wins: Automate savings/investing on payday so your future gets paid before the Joneses get your money.

   
   

Takeaway: You don’t have to keep up with anyone. Spend towards your purpose. Not your favorite influencer or singer. When your money matches your values, progress compounds and comparison fades.

Like this post? Join the Vinci Learning Newsletter for short, story-driven lessons that help you build a life you actually want.

Sources

Wilton, D. (2021, March 12). Joneses, keeping up with. Wordorigins.org. https://www.wordorigins.org/big-list-entries/joneses-keeping-up-with-the