Should you pretend to make less money than you actually do?

Some people might pretend to have more money than they actually do to impress others, but could it actually be beneficial to you to pretend you make less than you do in reality?

BY MAC & GAYDOS

Jan 23, 2015, 6:19 PM

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Some people might pretend to have more money than they actually do to impress others, but could it actually be beneficial to you to pretend you make less than you do in reality?

There are seven valid reasons to pretend you’re harder up than you really are:

Storing for emergencies

The world won’t wait on you to be financially ready for an emergency. In fact, it always seems that when you’re least ready for your car to break down or a trip to the hospital, that’s when disaster strikes. Pretending your paycheck is smaller and putting that extra bit of cash away just in case is a good way to stay prepared for anything.

Reducing debt

You can’t owe money you pretend you don’t have! If you think about it, lying to yourself a bit about how much you have to spend will keep that spending in check.

Saving for college

What’s a great way to save? Pretend that money doesn’t exist! You’ll be pleasantly surprised years down the road when you have enough for your kid’s college degree.

Retirement funds

Why start saving now? Because your expenses will only grow as you get older, of course! Starting to save as soon as you can could only mean good things for your future, especially if you put away that extra you’re “pretending” you don’t have.

Friends won’t pressure to spend

Let’s face it, we all like to do fun things. And these fun things often cost money! But if you tell your friends you can’t afford to participate, you can save a ton of money. And hey, if you really sell the “broke” act, maybe they’ll even cover the bill next time you all go out for sushi!

No begging from family

The tactics you could use on your friends are also applicable to family members. If you profess to not make as much as you do, you’ll have more to put in savings and less annoyance at seeing your sister’s “college loan” go to an unused gym membership.

Your income could actually drop

We’re not trying to jinx you or anything, but the reality of today’s economy is that your income could actually drop in the future. Getting used to spending less now could be the best way to prepare for the worst!