Growing up in poverty can leave lasting impressions that shape your lifestyle and habits for the rest of your life.
While these experiences may vary, there are certain telltale signs, or “dead giveaways,” that someone grew up in a financially disadvantaged household.
Reusing Plastic Bags
Growing up in poverty often means finding ways to stretch every dollar, including reusing plastic bags from grocery stores for various purposes.
Whether it’s packing lunches, storing leftovers, or lining small trash bins, the sight of a drawer filled with reused plastic bags is a common marker of growing up without excess.
Shopping at Thrift Stores
Shopping at thrift stores for clothing and household items is a telltale sign of growing up in a financially strained household. Thrift stores offer affordable alternatives to brand-new items, allowing families to stretch their budgets while still meeting basic needs.
Hand-Me-Down Clothing
Hand-me-down clothing is a telltale sign of growing up in financially challenging circumstances, as families frequently hand off clothes from older siblings or relatives to younger ones. The practice of wearing clothing that others have previously worn becomes a routine aspect of daily life from year to year.
Cooking from Scratch
Preparing meals from scratch using basic ingredients is common in households with limited funds. Growing up poor often means learning to cook simple, economical meals that can stretch ingredients to feed the whole family.
Coupon Clipping
Coupon clipping is often passed down in families with tight money. Growing up poor may involve searching newspapers and circulars for coupons to save money on groceries and household essentials. For those who grew up clipping coupons, saving money becomes a way of life, ingrained from a young age.
Limited Access to Healthcare
Growing up poor often means having limited access to healthcare due to financial constraints. Delaying doctor visits or forgoing medical treatment for minor ailments is common, as families prioritize basic needs over healthcare expenses.
Lack of health insurance or reliance on government assistance programs may also create barriers to healthcare access.
Making Do with Hand-Me-Down Furniture
Hand-me-down furniture is another indication of growing up in poverty, as families often make do with secondhand or donated furniture to furnish their homes.
Whether it’s a well-worn sofa or a mismatched dining set, hand-me-down furniture carries stories of resilience and making the best of available resources.
Sharing Bedrooms or Living Spaces
Sharing bedrooms or living spaces with siblings or extended family members is a common experience for those who grew up poor.
Limited housing options and financial constraints often necessitate sharing living spaces to accommodate everyone in the household. While sharing space may lack privacy, it fosters closeness and solidarity among family members.
Patching Up Clothing
Patching up clothing to extend its lifespan is a practical skill often learned in households with tight money.
Whether it’s sewing up holes in jeans or patching worn-out elbows on sweaters, repairing clothing allows families to make the most out of their wardrobe without purchasing new items frequently.
Skipping Meals or Eating Cheaply
Skipping meals or opting for inexpensive, filling foods is a reality for many who grew up poor.
Budget constraints may lead to skipping meals altogether or relying on inexpensive staples like ramen noodles or canned goods to curb hunger.
Using Public Transportation
Relying on public transportation rather than owning a car is a practical choice for many who grew up poor. Owning and maintaining a vehicle can be costly, making public transportation a more affordable option for getting around.
Limited Access to Technology
Growing up poor often means having limited access to technology, such as computers, smartphones, or high-speed internet. Lack of access to technology can impact educational opportunities, job prospects, and social connections, creating barriers to socioeconomic advancement.
DIY Home Repairs
DIY home repairs are common in households where hiring professionals is not financially feasible. Families learn to tackle home maintenance tasks independently to save money, whether it’s fixing leaky faucets, patching up drywall, or unclogging drains.
Limited Extracurricular Activities
Due to financial constraints, participation in extracurricular activities may be limited for those who grew up poor. Whether it’s sports, music lessons, or summer camps, the cost of participation may be prohibitive for families on a tight budget.
Growing Food in a Garden
Growing food in a garden is a practical way for families to supplement their diet and save money on groceries. Whether it’s a small backyard garden or a few pots on a windowsill, homegrown fruits and vegetables provide nutritious, affordable options for those who grew up poor.
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Victoria Cornell helps women adopt a positive mindset even when the struggles of motherhood feel overwhelming. Victoria writes for multiple media outlets where she writes about, saving money, retirement, ways to reduce stress with mindset, manifesting, goal planning, productivity, and more.