The greatest destroyer of wealth is lifestyle inflation-which leads us to believe we deserve more as we can afford more. That elevation prompts an apartment upgrade. The bonus justifies the more luxurious car. New job requires a new wardrobe. By itself, each choice seems rational, but they all end up creating an illusion of luxurious spending and lifestyle inflation, something that has resonated with users on social media in the world of social media FOMO and lifestyle inflation.
A tweet by Akshat Shrivastava about saving 95 percent of his annual income has become a controversial subject, with hundreds of thousands of views and arguments about financial discipline and quality of life.
The story of Shrivastava starts at a modest point. After leaving college, he got a salary of only 10.000 rupees per month and lived with his parents. Owning a second-hand phone and living on home-cooked food, he could still save about 1000-2000 a month. According to him, he was in no debt, did not have a fancy lifestyle, and had simple habits.
The main challenge was when his revenue went up to 50 lakh per year. However, majority would improve their lifestyle in the same ratio, Shrivastava kept his habits of frugality. He has continued to live debt-free and saves 20 lakh per annum investing much in high-growth investments.
Shrivastava says today, being a married man with kids and staying in one of the costliest metropolitan cities that he still ably manages to save 95% of his income as he travels both to foreign countries and still fulfils his family.
His secret? There is one non-negotiable rule stated, and this is: never spend the money unless you can afford to pay twice. Is there one exception? Investment in abilities.
Increased income makes most people succumb to lifestyle inflation, Shrivastava says. However, I never allowed my lifestyle to increase at a faster rate than my income rate. Such an attitude is everything."
While Shrivastava's discipline has earned widespread admiration, critics point to a harsh reality. Many Indians simply don't earn enough to save such astronomical percentages.
"In India, 90% of people have salaries between ₹40,000 to ₹50,000, with annual growth of just 5-7%," commented one user. "With this situation, how much can one really save?"
Others argue that while financial discipline is admirable, quality of life matters too. The debate highlights a fundamental tension between aggressive wealth building and enjoying life's experiences.
Shrivastava insists his approach isn't about deprivation. "I've enjoyed every phase of life and remain deeply grateful. It's about conscious, values-based decisions, not austerity."
His investment strategy has clearly paid off. As his portfolio began generating passive income, his path to financial independence accelerated, creating a snowball effect that now allows him to maintain his high savings rate despite increased responsibilities.
The viral response to Shrivastava's post reflects a growing hunger for financial literacy in India. Many users shared their own struggles with impulse purchases and debt traps, underscoring the importance of building strong money habits early.
Whether or not the average person can replicate Shrivastava's extreme savings rate, his core message resonates: build wealth through steady, mindful financial habits rather than chasing trends.
"Save, invest, and live below your means, even when you start making more," he advises. "That's how you win long-term."
In an era of instant gratification, perhaps that's the most radical advice of all.
