Create Space, Pick Your Pace!

Executive Summary

Work-life balance gets talked about a lot, but for many people, it still feels out of reach. We’re told to push hard early, save enough, and wait for balance to come later. But by the time “later” arrives, the opportunities we hoped to enjoy may not be there—or we may not have the energy to enjoy them. Real balance doesn’t come from hitting pause at retirement. It comes from building margin into your life now so you have the space to choose your pace at every stage.

Want to watch an in-depth exploration of this topic? Check out this video on my YouTube channel, @SavvySteward: Create Space, Pick Your Pace! Work-Life Balance Depends on ONE THING!

Create Space, Pick Your Pace!

Work-life balance is often misunderstood. It’s not just about working fewer hours or drawing better boundaries—it’s about creating enough margin to make thoughtful decisions, stay present with family, and pursue what matters without feeling constantly stretched.

That kind of flexibility shouldn’t begin at retirement. It should start much earlier, while careers are in their growth phase and responsibilities are expanding.

1. Why Do Americans Work So Much?

On average, Americans work about 400 more hours per year than people in many other developed countries. And no—it’s not because we all love being in the office.

There are several reasons for it. Health insurance is tied to employment for most families. Housing costs continue to rise. And workplace culture often rewards those who stay late, check email around the clock, or give up personal time in exchange for perceived commitment.

The result? People don’t stay on the clock because they want to—they stay because they feel like they have to. That’s one of the reasons burnout is so common.

2. Is Work-Life Balance Even Possible?

When most people talk about work-life balance, the advice sounds pretty familiar: set boundaries, manage your time better, find ways to unplug. Those things can help, but they’re ultimately short-term fixes for a long-term problem.

The bigger issue is that we’ve been taught balance is something we earn. Work now, enjoy life later. Grind through your 30s and 40s so you can hit your stride in your 50s and retire in your 60s.

And sure, that kind of pacing makes sense in theory. Your early career is the time to push—gain experience, grow your income, and build a strong foundation. Ideally, you reach your peak earning years in your 50s, giving you a chance to save aggressively and finish strong.

But that plan only works if you’ve created space along the way. If you’ve spent decades running at full tilt—with no margin and no room to breathe—you don’t arrive at retirement energized and ready to enjoy it. You arrive worn out.

By the time your 70s roll around, the opportunities you put off might not feel so accessible anymore. Your energy shifts. Your priorities change. That trip you imagined, the hobby you wanted to pursue, the experiences you delayed—they don’t always land the same way later in life.

That’s why balance isn’t something you chase after the fact. It’s something you build as you go.

3. What Makes Life Balance Actually Work?

The answer isn’t more money or more time. It’s margin.

Margin is the space between what you earn and what you spend. That space is where balance lives. Without margin, every paycheck has a job before it even lands. You’re covering your mortgage, groceries, bills, vacations—even your savings—with money that’s already spoken for.

And if your lifestyle depends entirely on your paycheck, cutting work hours can feel impossible. The moment you reduce your income, the pressure kicks in.

Margin creates breathing room: a chance to say yes to what’s meaningful and no to what’s not. That lets you create balance on your terms, not just when the calendar or your career says it’s time.

4. How Do You Create Financial Margin?

Let’s talk about how to carve out more space without blowing up your lifestyle.

First, focus on the big expenses.

When money feels tight, most people start by cutting the small stuff: skipping coffee or canceling a subscription or two. But real flexibility usually comes from tackling the larger, ongoing costs.

• Can you reduce your mortgage payment by refinancing?
• Could you adjust your insurance coverage to better reflect your actual needs?
• Is there a way to free up cash by downsizing a vehicle or rethinking your transportation costs?

These kinds of changes can unlock hundreds—sometimes thousands—of dollars a month. That kind of savings has a noticeable impact on your margin.

Second, be careful with lifestyle upgrades.

It’s easy to see a raise or bonus as permission to finally do that thing you’ve been putting off—upgrade the kitchen, book a nicer vacation, or splurge on a car. And there’s nothing wrong with enjoying your progress.

But each of those decisions comes with a tradeoff. As your lifestyle expands, so does the income required to maintain it. Over time, those upgrades become your new baseline, making it harder to step back.

Finally, build income that’s not tied to hours.

When your paycheck is your only income source, everything is riding on it. That’s like having a single bucket that fills up every two weeks and then empties just as fast.

But if you add a second bucket: income from investments, real estate, or dividends, that pressure starts to ease. Not every dollar comes from clocked hours.

Even modest passive income can help cover key expenses, giving your primary paycheck some backup—and you a little more freedom.

5. Why Is Financial Margin Important?

Because it gives you options.

Margin is what lets you work because you want to, not because you’re backed into a corner. When you build your financial life with margin in mind, you’re not sacrificing success. You’re designing your life in a way that honors your priorities—now and in the future.

You don’t have to wait for balance. Create space, pick your pace!

Contact Information

Keith Demetriades, CFP®, CKA®, helps individuals, families, and organizations integrate faith-based principles into their financial planning. Oikonomia is a foundational concept in his practice, reflecting his commitment to stewardship, purpose, and making your life count.
For more information, contact Keith at (806) 223-1105 or visit https://www.kingsview.com/advisor/keith-demetriades/.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial advisor to discuss your specific situation and needs. Past performance does not indicate future results, and all investments carry risks, including potential loss of principal. Any financial product or strategy references are purely illustrative and should not be construed as endorsements or recommendations.