Wild Takeover

In the heart of Lopburi, Thailand, the streets belong to the monkeys. They swing across power lines, perch on shop awnings, and even rule the traffic flow. Locals have always coexisted with them, treating them as both a charm and a nuisance. Tourists, too, would flock to Lopburi to witness these mischievous primates, tossing bananas and snacks their way to earn their favor—or at least to avoid their thievery. But in early 2020, something shifted. As lockdowns came into effect and tourist numbers dropped to nearly zero, the monkeys suddenly found themselves without their usual supply of food. And in the absence of treats, these resourceful little creatures got desperate.

With hunger as their motivator, the monkeys grew bolder, and their numbers seemed to swell. Troops of monkeys stormed the streets in search of food, raiding markets and ambushing locals. Shopkeepers armed themselves with sticks and makeshift barricades, but the monkeys proved relentless, climbing through windows and scavenging through trash bins. Once a manageable attraction, the monkeys’ numbers became overwhelming, like a torrent of tiny primates flooding every nook and cranny of the town. Videos surfaced of clashes between rival monkey gangs in the streets, fighting over food scraps as if in some dramatic turf war.

In time, the town’s leaders realized they had to take action. A mass sterilization project was launched to curb the monkey population and restore balance. It was a long, painstaking process, but it underscored the reality that leaving the monkey situation unchecked had created a problem that took immense effort and resources to contain.

The tale of Lopburi’s monkey invasion is a classic example of what happens when something is left unmonitored. When you’re not paying attention, things can quickly spiral, filling spaces where they aren’t meant to be. And oddly enough, across the globe and in a different setting, a similar takeover was brewing—only this time, it involved goats.

In a quiet neighborhood in Northern Wales, the residents of Llandudno had long enjoyed visits from the local goat population. These wild Kashmiri goats, known for their impressive, twisted horns, typically roamed the nearby hills of Great Orme and occasionally made brief ventures into town. But in early 2020, as streets emptied and daily routines ground to a halt, the goats took their chance to explore further. With nothing to deter them, the goats wandered deeper and deeper into Llandudno, transforming quiet roads and manicured yards into their playground.

It started with a few goats trotting down the main street. But before long, entire herds claimed the town as their own. They chewed on hedges, grazed on flowerbeds, and even lounged on front porches. Residents watched in astonishment as these horned invaders nibbled their way through well-kept gardens and made themselves at home on otherwise pristine sidewalks. While it was entertaining at first, the novelty soon wore off as the goats left behind a trail of trampled plants, damaged property, and, of course, a considerable amount of droppings.

For the locals, getting rid of the goats wasn’t an easy task. Without the usual daily activity and crowds to shoo them back to the hills, the goats seemed to feel entitled to their new territory. The problem underscored a simple truth: once something finds a foothold in your space—whether it’s monkeys, goats, or bad financial habits—it can be challenging to reverse course.

And that’s where the goats leave us with a lesson in personal finance. Just like the unmonitored streets of Llandudno invited a goat takeover, leaving our finances unattended can allow habits to creep in that gradually take over our budget, our savings, and even our future goals. Often, these habits start small, but before we know it, they’ve multiplied and made themselves right at home.

Think of lifestyle inflation as one of these “goat-like” habits. When we don’t consciously guard our spending, it’s easy for our expenses to expand to fill the space of any extra income. Got a raise? Suddenly, dining out feels like a regular thing, or a new car lease sounds appealing. Maybe it’s a slightly bigger apartment or that fancy coffee maker—just small decisions here and there that don’t seem like much. But, left unchecked, these purchases pile up, slowly overtaking the margin you once had in your budget.

It’s easy to think, “I’ll address this later,” or “It’s just a small expense.” But like the goats, once these habits settle in, it’s hard to send them back up the hill. Regular budget reviews and setting spending limits can help keep lifestyle inflation in check, just like town life keeps the goats in line. When we acknowledge these “goats” in our finances early, we have a better chance of nudging them out before they take over.

Another “goat” is unplanned or impulse purchases. One small indulgence here, another there, and suddenly your savings have less room to breathe. Just as the empty streets signaled to the goats that the town was fair game, impulse buying sends signals to your brain that it’s okay to spend on things that don’t align with your goals. A shopping trip here, an online sale there, and before you know it, the fences that once kept these purchases in check are gone.

So how do we “keep the goats out”? Start by setting clear financial goals and making regular budget check-ins a habit. Even small steps, like tracking your expenses weekly or keeping a set amount aside for non-essential spending, can be effective at keeping lifestyle inflation or impulsive purchases from running wild. Consider automated savings contributions or even working with a financial planner to help keep everything on track. These steps create the structure that keeps your finances healthy and prevents unwanted habits from moving in.

The goats and monkeys of Llandudno and Lopburi remind us of the importance of monitoring and maintaining boundaries. Once something encroaches, it’s far more challenging to regain control. And while our finances may not graze on flowerbeds or swing from power lines, they can still get out of hand quickly if we don’t keep watch. By staying proactive and setting clear limits, we can ensure that our financial spaces remain orderly, leaving room for the things we truly want to grow and thrive.