If you’ve grown up with very little money, you know that it can shape your attitudes, values, and behaviors in unique ways.
Growing up financially disadvantaged can be challenging, but it also cultivates certain qualities that are deeply ingrained.
You may find yourself being resourceful, appreciative of the small things, or particularly resilient. You might be more determined, humble, or have a strong work ethic.
Psychology suggests that these traits are common among individuals who grew up with limited financial resources. It’s not a stereotype or a judgment – it’s about understanding patterns and experiences.
Let’s delve into these eight traits that are often found in people who grew up with very little money. Understanding these traits can offer valuable insights into their lives and experiences.
1) Resourcefulness
If you’ve grown up without a lot of money, you’ve likely learned to be resourceful.
You might have had to think creatively about how to make do with what you have, or find ways to get what you need without spending a lot of money.
You may have developed skills like fixing things instead of buying new ones, or learned to cook meals from scratch when pre-packaged options were too expensive.
This can lead to a certain level of self-reliance and an ability to think outside the box that can serve you well in many areas of life.
This is not about being cheap or stingy — it’s about making the most out of limited resources. Growing up with little money can teach you to appreciate what you have and find creative solutions when faced with challenges.
This kind of resourcefulness is a trait that can help you adapt and thrive in all kinds of situations.
2) Generosity
Surprisingly, those who grew up with very little money often exhibit a great deal of generosity.
Though resources might have been scarce, the shared experience of hardship can foster a deep sense of empathy and compassion towards others in similar situations.
Whether it’s offering a helping hand, sharing a meal, or giving time to community service, individuals who grew up under financial constraints often understand the importance of giving back.
They’ve experienced firsthand the impact of small acts of kindness and are inclined to pay it forward.
This generosity isn’t necessarily about monetary giving. It’s more about being generous with what you do have, whether that’s time, skills, or even a listening ear.
This trait is a testament to the human capacity for empathy and resilience despite adversities.
3) Delayed gratification
Growing up with limited financial resources often means learning to wait for things you want.
This could mean saving up for a special item, waiting for sales, or simply going without until it’s feasible. As a result, you may develop the ability to delay gratification.
Stanford University conducted a study known as the “Marshmallow Test” where children were given one marshmallow and promised another if they could wait 15 minutes without eating the first one.
The results showed that those who could delay gratification were more likely to have successful outcomes in life.
In the context of growing up with little money, this skill can translate into patience, self-control and a deep appreciation for the things you are able to acquire, large or small.
It fosters an understanding that instant gratification is not always possible or even desirable, and that good things can indeed come to those who wait.
4) Gratitude
When you grow up with very little money, you learn to appreciate the small things in life. A warm meal, a safe place to sleep, or even the luxury of a few spare moments of leisure can be a source of deep gratitude.
You become aware of the value in everyday experiences that others might take for granted.
The laughter of a loved one, the beauty of a sunset, or the joy in a shared story become treasures to cherish rather than mundane occurrences.
This attitude of gratitude isn’t about ignoring hardships or difficulties. Rather, it’s about recognizing the good amidst the challenges and finding joy in simple pleasures.
This perspective can bring a sense of contentment and happiness that isn’t tied to material wealth or status.
5) Resilience
Life has a way of throwing curveballs, and growing up with little money can feel like you’re constantly at bat. But each time you face a challenge and come out the other side, you’re building resilience.
You might have experienced times when the pantry was nearly empty, but you found a way to make a meal.
Or maybe you wore hand-me-down clothes with pride, knowing that it’s not what you wear, but who you are that matters.
These experiences, while tough, helped shape your ability to bounce back from adversity. You learn to dust yourself off, adapt, and keep moving forward.
This resilience is not just about survival, it’s about thriving despite the odds. And that’s a trait everyone can connect with, regardless of their background.
6) Value of hard work
Growing up with less can instill a deep understanding of the value of hard work. You learn early that nothing comes for free, and if you want something, you need to work for it.
Take the story of a kid who wanted a bike. She knew her parents couldn’t afford to buy her one, so she decided to earn it herself.
She started a small neighborhood business, walking dogs after school and on weekends. It took her several months, but eventually, she saved enough to buy that bike.
And because she had worked so hard for it, she cherished it all the more.
This experience taught her not just about the value of money, but about perseverance, dedication, and the satisfaction of earning something through your own efforts.
These lessons stick with you, shaping your approach to work and goals throughout your life.
7) Realistic expectations
Growing up with little money often results in a grounded understanding of life. You learn that fairy tales are just that – tales. Dreams are wonderful to have, but achieving them requires action, not just wishing upon a star.
You understand that life isn’t always easy or fair, and that’s okay. Not everyone will have the latest gadgets or designer clothes, and that doesn’t determine your worth or happiness.
Success is not about how much you have, but how much you’ve grown and what you’ve done with what you’ve been given.
This realism doesn’t mean giving up on ambitions or settling for less. Instead, it’s about setting achievable goals, working hard to reach them, and understanding that the journey is as important as the destination.
8) Inner Strength
Perhaps the most significant takeaway from growing up with little money is the inner strength it develops. The challenges and hardships faced are not easy, but they forge a strength of character that’s hard to match.
You learn to stand tall, even when the winds of life are blowing hard. You find the courage to tackle problems head-on, to persevere when things look bleak, and to believe in yourself even when others don’t.
This inner strength becomes your compass, guiding you through life’s ups and downs. It’s the ability to keep going, to never give up, and to always strive for better.
It’s a testament to the human spirit and a reminder that our circumstances don’t define us, but how we respond to them does.
Final thoughts
Growing up with little money can certainly be tough, but as we’ve seen, it also instills traits that are invaluable in life. It’s important to remember that your past doesn’t define you, rather it shapes you into the person you are today.
This article aimed to highlight the resilience, strength, and unique perspective that comes from growing up in financially challenging circumstances.
Remember, it’s not about what you didn’t have, but about the character you built and the lessons you learned.
Life is a journey full of highs and lows, and each experience is an opportunity for growth. Here’s to celebrating your journey, embracing your strengths, and continuously striving towards a future filled with purpose and fulfillment.
