Ideal Lifestyle Costing
Most people never calculate what their ideal life actually costs. They assume it's impossibly expensive, so they never try. Or they chase "more" without knowing what "enough" looks like.
1-2 hours Annual or major life changes
This framework is adapted from Tim Ferriss' Dreamlining and Lifestyle Design principles. Key insight: Your ideal life probably costs less than you think.
The Philosophy
Tim Ferriss makes a crucial distinction: being vs. having vs. doing.
Most people focus on having (money, status, things). But what they actually want is to do certain things and be a certain kind of person. The having is just a means to that end.
When you get clear on the doing and being, the having often becomes much simpler.
Part 1: Define the Dream
Being — Who do you want to BE?
What qualities, states, and ways of being matter most?
Doing — What do you want to DO?
What experiences, activities, and achievements matter most?
6-Month Dreams:
12-Month Dreams:
Lifetime Dreams:
Having — What do you want to HAVE?
What possessions, resources, or circumstances enable your being and doing? Be specific.
Part 2: The Ideal Day
Describe your ideal ordinary day — not vacation, not special occasion, just Tuesday.
Morning (Wake to Noon):
Afternoon (Noon to 6pm):
Evening (6pm to Sleep):
Part 3: The Ideal Week
How many hours do you want to work?
How many days per week?
Where do you work from?
Part 4: The Cost Calculation
What does your ideal life actually cost per month?
Fixed Monthly Costs
| Category | Ideal Description | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $ | |
| Transportation | $ | |
| Food & Dining | $ | |
| Insurance | $ | |
| Healthcare | $ | |
| Childcare/Education | $ | |
| Other Fixed | $ | |
| Fixed Total | $ | |
Variable Monthly Costs
| Category | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Entertainment | $ |
| Fitness/Wellness | $ |
| Hobbies | $ |
| Personal Care | $ |
| Variable Total | $ |
"Doing" Costs (Annual ÷ 12)
| Dream/Experience | Annual Cost | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Travel/Vacations | $ | $ |
| Learning/Courses | $ | $ |
| Philanthropy | $ | $ |
| Doing Total | $ |
Summary
| Fixed Costs | $ |
| Variable Costs | $ |
| Doing Costs | $ |
| Total Monthly | $ |
| Total Annual | $ |
The Target Monthly Number (TMN)
This is your TMN — the monthly income that funds your dreamline:
This enables:
Reality Check
What surprises you about this calculation?
Is your ideal more or less expensive than you assumed?
What is the minimum income you'd need to live well (not lavishly, but well)?
Key Insights
- Lifestyle inflation is optional. You don't have to spend more as you earn more.
- Housing and transportation are usually the biggest expenses. Get these right.
- Experiences > Things. Experiences create lasting happiness. Things depreciate.
- Time is the real currency. The ideal lifestyle is about controlling your time.
- "Someday" is dangerous. If you can't do the ideal version, what's the minimum viable version?