Finance

I’m a 26-year-old healthcare manager making $90K—here’s how I avoid lifestyle inflation

Real people. Real finances. From six-figure earners to side hustlers, BCBusiness's Money Makers is pulling back the curtain on how British Columbians really make, spend and think about money—no filters, just facts.

By The Editors /

At 26, she’s a healthcare manager in Vancouver earning $90,000 a year—building a solid financial foundation despite feeling underpaid compared to peers in similar roles. She keeps her money habits simple and disciplined: tracking every expense in a notebook, maxing out her RRSP and leaning on her workplace pension. As she puts it, “Lifestyle inflation is a silent wealth killer,” and she’s determined not to fall into the trap.

That mindset comes from growing up watching her parents work tirelessly to meet basic needs, making her hesitant to ever ask for money. Today, the early lessons fuels her definition of success—no debts, no stress about bills and the freedom to change jobs or work wherever she wants. She splurges on quality produce, skips things that don’t matter—like salon nails—and stays focused on building the flexible, financially secure life her younger self never imagined. 

  • Age: 26
  • Location: Vancouver 
  • Industry: Healthcare 
  • Role: Manager 
  • Pronouns: She/her 
  • Total annual income: $90,000 

Income 

  • Annual salary: $86,000 
  • Bonuses: $4,000 
  • Benefits: Extended healthcare, life insurance, tech budget, professional development stipend, group pension plans

 

 

Do you feel fairly paid for what you do?  

Not really compared to other organizations with the same capabilities. 

Name one item you splurge on, regardless of your budget.  

Quality produces and fruits  

What’s something you refuse to spend money on?  

Getting nails done 

Do you use a financial advisor, app, spreadsheet—or vibes?  

I do track my spendings in my notebook monthly  

How has living in your city/neighbourhood impacted your financial choices?  

I live in Killarney area in Vancouver. I don’t find it affecting my financial choices.  

Do you ever find yourself concerned about money or financial security? If you’re comfortable sharing, what contributes to that?  

Yes. Growing up, money is something that I was scared to ask from my parents because I saw how hard they worked to meet our end needs. 

How, if at all, are you approaching retirement planning right now?  

I have a defined retirement plan from my work. I also max out my RRSP contribution each year.  

Is there a job you secretly admire for the pay or lifestyle?  

CPA for both pay and lifestyle 

How do you define financial success? What does being “rich” mean to you?  

Financial success means that I don’t need to worry about bills. No debts. Max out all registered accounts. I can freely switch jobs whenever I want. I want to work whenever and wherever I want . 

What’s one lesson you’ve learned about work and finances that you think others in your industry could benefit from?  

Live below our means. Lifestyle inflation is a silent wealth killer. 

Want to share your money story with BCBusiness? We want to hear from anyone living and working in B.C.—regardless of your role, experience or background. Take our short, anonymous survey here! 

The Editors

The Editors

The BCBusiness editorial team lives for big ideas, bold entrepreneurs and the business stories that make B.C. tick.