Money changes how people live, but it doesn’t always erase the habits and mindsets that come from growing up broke.
Some people might try to hide their past struggles, while others wear it like a badge of honour. Either way, when someone has gone from struggling to comfortable wealth, there are usually some telltale signs. Whether it’s in their spending habits, their attitude towards money, or the small things they do without even realising, here’s how you can tell someone who’s rich now didn’t always have it so easy.
1. They always check the price before buying anything.
No matter how much money they have, they still instinctively flip the price tag over before deciding on a purchase. They’re not being stingy; it’s just a reflex from years of needing to know exactly what everything costs before committing. Even if they can easily afford something now, the habit sticks. They might still hesitate before splurging, double-check sales, or wait for a discount, simply because the idea of spending without thinking feels unnatural to them.
2. They over-explain purchases to themselves.
Source: Unsplash People who grew up broke tend to justify every big purchase, even if they have more than enough to cover it. Whether it’s a new laptop, an expensive meal, or a holiday, they often talk themselves into it by listing all the practical reasons why it’s okay to spend the money. It’s not just out of guilt; it’s a mindset that comes from needing to make sure every penny was spent wisely in the past. Even when money isn’t tight anymore, they still feel like they need permission to treat themselves.
3. They tip generously, and without making a fuss.
People who used to be broke know what it’s like to rely on tips, minimum wage jobs, and unstable income. So when they’re in a position to tip, they don’t hesitate — they just do it. They don’t need to make a big show of it or wait for a thank you. They simply leave the money, knowing how much even a little extra can mean to someone trying to get by.
4. They feel slightly uncomfortable in luxury settings.
Even if they have the money for it, high-end restaurants, designer stores, and luxury experiences can still make them feel slightly out of place. The fancy atmosphere, the unspoken rules, and the way some people carry themselves in those spaces can feel unfamiliar. They might dress the part, act confident, and play along, but deep down, they still remember what it was like to feel like they didn’t belong in places like that. And sometimes, that feeling doesn’t completely go away.
5. They stock up on household basics like they’re preparing for a crisis.
Source: Unsplash People who grew up broke don’t just buy one bottle of shampoo or one roll of toilet roll — they buy in bulk whenever they can. The idea of running out of something essential still feels like a risk, even if they have the means to replace it easily. It’s a habit formed from experience. When you’ve been in a situation where even basic necessities weren’t guaranteed, you learn to prepare ahead—just in case.
6. They struggle to throw away things that might be useful.
Old clothes, random cables, takeaway containers — if someone used to be broke, they probably have a stash of things they “might need one day.” It’s not about hoarding. It’s just the instinct to hold onto things that could save money down the line. Even with money in the bank, the thought of waste still bothers them. They’ll repurpose, reuse, and fix things rather than throwing them out at the first sign of wear.
7. They still get excited about free food.
No matter how much money they have, the sight of free food at an event, in the office, or at a party still makes them light up. Years of stretching every penny mean that anything free still feels like a small victory. They might not need it, but the idea of passing up something that costs nothing feels almost unnatural. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good freebie?
8. They hate wasting food.
People who’ve experienced real financial stress don’t throw away leftovers without feeling a little guilty. They’ll find a way to use every bit of food in the fridge, turn random ingredients into a meal, and scrape every last bit out of a sauce jar. Even if they now have the money to replace things easily, the habit of making food stretch never really goes away. Wasting food still feels like throwing money in the bin.
9. They don’t assume they can just replace something if it breaks.
People who always had money tend to replace broken things without a second thought. But those who grew up broke? Their first instinct is to see if it can be fixed. Whether it’s a torn jacket, a dodgy phone charger, or a kitchen appliance that’s acting up, their immediate reaction is to figure out a workaround before spending money on a new one.
10. They feel a little awkward about treating themselves.
Even with a healthy bank balance, people who used to struggle financially can find it hard to spend on things that feel “unnecessary.” Expensive skincare, first-class flights, or even a new car might still feel like indulgences rather than reasonable purchases. They might do it anyway, but there’s often an internal battle over whether they really “deserve” it. That old feeling of money being fragile doesn’t always go away, no matter how much they have now.
11. They automatically compare prices, even when it doesn’t matter.
They might be in a fancy restaurant or buying something high-end, but they’ll still compare the cost to what they could have spent elsewhere. The habit of checking for deals, looking at different brands, and working out what’s the best value doesn’t disappear just because their bank balance is bigger. It’s not even about saving money — it’s just the way their brain has been wired. Even when they can afford the best, they still find themselves asking, “Could I get this cheaper somewhere else?”
12. They remember what things used to cost.
People who grew up without much money tend to have a near-photographic memory of prices from years ago. They remember exactly how much a meal deal cost in 2010 or how much their mum used to spend on groceries. Because money mattered so much back then, they paid attention to every penny. And now, when they see how much things have gone up, they can’t help but feel slightly outraged, whether they can afford it or not.
13. They never take financial stability for granted.
Source: Unsplash Even if they have plenty of money now, there’s always a small voice in the back of their head reminding them that things could change. The fear of going back to struggling never completely disappears. They save aggressively, plan for the worst, and often have emergency funds stacked up “just in case.” Even when they’re comfortable, they never fully relax when it comes to financial security.
14. They appreciate small luxuries more than people who were always rich.
A comfortable hotel room, an Uber instead of public transport, or being able to buy what they want without checking their bank balance first — these are things that feel like a luxury to someone who grew up without money. People who have always had financial comfort don’t notice these little things in the same way. But those who remember what it was like to struggle never stop appreciating the freedom of not having to worry about every purchase.
