Plan Each Buck Change Your Luck Lessons From the Lottery
Executive Summary
What do lottery winners and high earners have in common? A sudden windfall and a steady rise in income might seem like opposites—but they share one critical trait: both can disappear without a plan.
Just like lottery winners who lose it all in a few short years, people who experience gradual income growth often fall into the trap of spending more simply because they earn more. The key to retaining wealth isn’t how much you make—it’s how intentionally you manage it.
Want to watch an in-depth exploration of this topic? Check out this video on my YouTube channel, @savvysteward: Plan Each Buck, Change Your Luck: Lessons From the Lottery
Plan Each Buck, Change Your Luck: Lessons From the Lottery
What would you do if you won the lottery tomorrow? It’s a fun question that sparks daydreams about dream homes, trips around the world, and generous gifts to family and friends.
But there’s another side that people often overlook: many lottery winners go bankrupt within just a few years. Not because they didn’t win enough but because they didn’t have a plan.
Now, imagine you don’t win a giant lump sum; instead, your income grows steadily over time. Your career advances, your paychecks get bigger, and your lifestyle expands to match. That scenario seems a lot more responsible, but the financial risks can be almost identical!
The issue isn’t how fast the money comes in. It’s what happens next.
People often assume that higher earnings automatically equal financial stability. But a bigger paycheck doesn’t make you immune to poor decisions—it just gives you more room to make them!
Why do lottery winners often go broke—and what does that have to do with you?
Lottery winners often fall into the trap of believing the money will last forever. They spend freely, assuming there’s plenty to go around. But without a strategy to manage that money, it disappears fast.
The same thing can happen with gradual income growth. As people earn more, they reward themselves. A new car. A better vacation. A home upgrade. If your choices don’t follow a financial plan, the end result is the same: you’ve spent more, but haven’t saved more.
How does lifestyle creep derail your progress?
Lifestyle creep doesn’t show up all at once. It’s a slow, steady shift—dinner out a little more often, nicer clothes, upgraded tech, a club membership that sounds like a smart idea at the time. None of these things feel extravagant in isolation.
But together, they eat away at margin.
The stress creeps in, but it’s invisible. You’re not “struggling,” but you’re not secure either.
The solution starts with one question: what does “enough” look like for you?
What does it mean to define “enough,” and why does it matter?
Enough isn’t a number. It’s a concept. It’s the point where your needs are met, your future is secure, and your spending supports your goals—not your impulses.
This is where prioritization becomes powerful. You can afford many things, but not everything.
Defining “enough: is NOT a limitation. It’s clarity.
How can your values shape your financial decisions?
A meaningful financial plan starts with values, not numbers. What do you care about? What impact do you want to make? What kind of life do you want to build?
One couple I worked with had dreamed for years about owning a vacation home—not for prestige, but as a gathering place for family. To make that dream real, they chose to skip a kitchen renovation and scale back on luxury travel. Those choices weren’t sacrifices—they were decisions aligned with a purpose.
When your spending serves your values, you gain more than money. You gain peace of mind. Your money becomes a tool for building connection, memory, and legacy—not just acquiring stuff.
What are the seven levels of financial freedom?
Understanding where you are—and where you’re headed—helps you make the most of your money. Grant Sabatier’s “seven levels of financial freedom” offer a helpful framework for thinking about financial progress:
- Clarity – Know what you have, what you owe, and what matters most. This is the starting point of every solid plan.
- Self-Sufficiency – Covering your basic expenses without outside help. You’re on your own financially.
- Breathing Room – Having margin after expenses. You’re no longer stuck in survival mode.
- Stability – Paying off high-interest debt and building an emergency fund. You’re protected from financial shocks.
- Flexibility – Enough saved to take a break, switch careers, or pursue a new opportunity without immediate financial stress.
- Financial Independence – Your assets generate income that covers your living expenses. You’re no longer trading time for money.
- Abundant Wealth – You’ve built more than enough. Your money now supports your life and your ability to impact others.
You don’t move through these levels by accident. You get there with a plan!
How can you use intentional planning to reach your next level?
Every level of financial freedom is built on one foundation: intentional action.
That’s where the 4D Client Experience comes in. My approach helps you:
- Design your vision. What does the life you want to build actually look like?
- Determine your current position. What are your assets, debts, and income sources?
- Deploy strategies that bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be!
- Develop over time. Life changes. Your plan should, too.
Whether you’re at the beginning of your financial journey or somewhere further down the path, the same principle holds true:
Plan each buck, change your luck.
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.
