Have you ever encountered someone who seems to be living a lavish lifestyle while trying to pass off as poor and struggling? Let’s explore common behaviors and habits that often give off the impression of ‘rich pretending to be poor.’
From subtle signals to unmistakable signs, these behaviors will make you reexamine how people project their wealth or lack thereof.
Buy Knock-Off Brands
If you know someone interested in fashion and luxury items but chooses to wear inexpensive replicas to appear more affordable, it could indicate that they are hiding their natural passion for high-end goods and their financial capacity to purchase them.
Living Low-key, But Upscale
Have you ever known someone who moved into a neighborhood undergoing gentrification, where the property values quickly increased, but they still decided to move in despite knowing that it used to be a run-down area? They may be hiding a trendy loft rather than a rundown mess.
“Thrift” ing
Some people think thrifting is a great way to breathe new life into clothes, but it seems like the same people who thrift for trendy items are the very same people who support fast fashion. Besides, thrifting allows everyone to participate in current throwback trends, even if they cannot afford to buy new clothes. Still, it can also mean someone is hiding what they can afford to buy to look inexpensive and trendy.
Fully Loaded Vehicles
You can usually tell someone is trying to mask the fact that they have money if they have a mid to low-priced car loaded with every bell and whistle you can think of included with their “low-key” ride.
Complaining With No Action
There’s often that one friend who frequently complains about their financial struggles but takes no action to improve their situation. If you’re struggling to pay your rent, you should only purchase necessities. Therefore, this could signify a hidden level of comfort disguised as a financial struggle.
Pays for Food and Other Subscriptions
The person who claims to need to cut back but still uses an expensive subscription to shop for groceries each week, even though it is more pricey to stay on the subscription and probably doesn’t fit their budget. If they are hiding wealth, they won’t need it to fit their budget, but they will want it to look like they need to!
“Beg-packing”
“Beg-packing” is about young, wealthy people traveling to low-income countries in Asia or Central/South America and spending a few months living in hostels. They often rely on begging, busking, or odd jobs to earn pocket money while they’re there. Afterward, they may talk about their “authentic life-changing experience” for years to come as an example of how they struggle to enjoy their travels due to financial issues.
Lavish Van Life
A person struggling to pay rent decides it’s a good idea to spend $10k on a van and $20k on making it look like a bedroom to save money. Although van life is seen as an affordable way of living, it is interesting to wonder how this person could afford such an upgrade to their van.
Always Talking About Past Struggles
Observing if someone constantly talks about their struggles growing up without money is crucial. Most people who have gone through financial struggles or are still going through them tend to make the best of their situation and avoid discussing their hardships. However, if someone tries to fit a confident persona but is out of touch with reality, they may often bring up their past struggles and exaggerate their difficulties. Such comments are usually unrealistic and do not match their actual experiences.
Expensive Accessories
Some people dress down, but if you still see that they include small touches of luxury, such as expensive jewelry, a fancy haircut, or sneakers, that others cannot afford, it might be a sign that they’re hiding their wealth. Many accessories can cost much more than an entire outfit.
Inconsistent Behavior
Some people believe that when someone is constantly asking for rides because gas prices are high and they ask for help with dinners out, it is just a way to cover up their real intentions. These same people may book vacations and go shopping when you drop them off but never offer to help with gas money. There are definite inconsistencies in their behavior that reveal their true motives.
Concealing Lavish Vacations
You may know someone who says they love to travel abroad and brag about how inexpensive it is, but if you are struggling, any vacation may be too pricey and will take time to save. People who work hard for their vacation time don’t consider any part of the travel inexpensive.
Out Of Touch With Pricing
Do you know someone who claims to be shopping on a budget but doesn’t realize that the store they are boasting about is still quite expensive for many struggling people? They might appear disconnected from the reality of real financial difficulties as they try to conceal their financial comfort.
To Save Or Not To Save
Finally, they talk about saving money as if it’s optional, like they can try to save money where they can. If you’re working class, it’s not about your preference for saving money. It’s about survival and keeping a roof over your head rather than planning your next vacation.
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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.
