People who are easily impressed by money and status usually display these 8 behaviors, according to a psychologist

I’ll be the first to admit it—money and status have a strange pull on us.

There’s something about wealth, about the shimmer of a luxury watch or the feel of a high-end car, that can change people.

It can shape how they see the world, and sometimes, even how they see themselves. Over the years, I’ve noticed that those who are easily swayed by money and prestige often have certain ‘tells.’

In this article, I’m sharing eight signs that might reveal when someone is more impressed by wealth than they realize.

1) They’re constantly comparing themselves

You know, it’s interesting to observe how people behave when they’re around others who have more money or status than them. It’s like a social experiment on steroids.

The first behavior that gives away someone who is easily swayed by wealth and prestige is a constant comparison.

They’re always sizing themselves up against others, trying to see where they fit into the hierarchy.

In psychology, we call this social comparison theory. It’s a theory that suggests we determine our own social and personal worth based on how we stack up against others.

So, if you notice someone always comparing their car to someone else’s, or their job title to another person’s, or their house to the mansion down the street – chances are they may be easily impressed by money and status.

2) They’re easily swayed by brand names

I remember a time when I was shopping with a friend.

As we were strolling through the store, I noticed her attention was immediately drawn to the most expensive brands. She wasn’t interested in the quality or even the style of the item but purely the name attached to it.

She’d pick up a plain white shirt, see the designer label, and suddenly it was ‘the best shirt ever.’

This made me realize something. She wasn’t choosing based on her personal preference or even practicality but was being influenced by the brand’s status.

You can call it ‘label fascination.’ It’s a clear sign that someone is easily impressed by money and status. They believe that possessing branded, expensive items adds value to their own social standing.

And interestingly, studies have proven that showing off luxury items, like wearing high-end brand clothes, can boost a person’s social status and help them get better treatment from others, even financially.

So, if you see someone who gets starry-eyed at the sight of designer labels or high-end brands – it might just be another telltale sign.

3) They’re more likely to engage in conspicuous consumption

There’s a term in the field of consumer behavior called ‘conspicuous consumption‘—spending money on luxury goods and services to display wealth and status.

It means that the consumers care less about the product’s use and more about its ability to impress.

Research backs this up. People who value social status are more likely to buy flashy, expensive items to show off.

And for those with high self-esteem and high socioeconomic status (SES), this tendency is even stronger. High SES can amplify self-esteem, driving a sense of superiority and entitlement (Ayoub et al., 2017).

These individuals often see luxury items as a way to affirm their self-image, so that a high-end sports car or designer watch becomes a statement of who they think they are and what they feel they deserve.

So if you notice someone splurging on a high-end sports car they rarely drive or wearing a luxurious watch that’s more for show than for time-keeping, they might be signaling their fascination with money and status.

4) They place a high value on appearances

Ever noticed someone who’s overly concerned about how they look, what they wear, or how they present themselves in public?

We’re not talking about someone who takes care of themselves or enjoys fashion. We’re talking about people who seem to value appearances above all else.

This behavior is often rooted in their desire to be associated with a certain level of wealth or status.

They believe that if they look the part, people will automatically assume they belong to that elite group.

Keep an eye out for those who are overly fixated on maintaining a certain image or facade. It could very well be a sign of their susceptibility to the allure of money and status.

5) They struggle with contentment

One of the heartbreaking things I’ve observed in individuals easily impressed by money and status is their struggle with contentment.

There always seems to be something more they want, something bigger they need to attain. It’s like they’re on a never-ending treadmill, chasing after the next shiny thing.

This constant pursuit often leaves them feeling unfulfilled and dissatisfied, no matter how much they acquire.

The joy of new acquisitions is fleeting because there’s always something else, something more desirable on the horizon.

So, if you notice someone who never seems satisfied with what they have or who’s constantly yearning for more, it could indicate a deep-rooted fascination with wealth and status.

6) They have a hard time maintaining meaningful relationships

I’ve found that maintaining deep, meaningful relationships can be challenging for those consumed by wealth and status.

In my own life, I had a close friend who became increasingly obsessed with luxury and prestige. It got to the point where our conversations were always about what he wanted to buy next or who he wanted to impress.

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Over time, our connection started to fade.

We no longer connected through shared experiences or mutual support. His pursuit of status became more important.

It hurt, but it was a clear indication of how money and status can overshadow personal connections.

So if you see someone whose relationships seem to hinge more on what they can gain rather than mutual understanding and support, it could be another sign of their fascination with wealth and status.

7) They’re prone to feeling insecure

Insecurity can often be a telltale sign of someone who is easily impressed by money and status.

They may feel that their self-worth is tied to their financial standing or how they are perceived by others.

This insecurity can manifest in various ways, such as constantly seeking validation, frequently worrying about their image, or displaying defensive behavior when their status is questioned.

So, if you notice someone who seems overly sensitive or insecure about their position, it might be another indicator of their focus on wealth and status.

8) They often equate success with material wealth

The most significant behavior to look out for is the belief that success equals material wealth.

For these individuals, the measure of one’s achievement isn’t about personal growth, happiness, or meaningful relationships.

All that matters to them is the accumulation of wealth, the brand of their car, the size of their house, or the exclusivity of their social circle.

This narrow view of success can lead to a skewed perception of the world and of themselves. It ties their self-worth to externals and diminishes the value of intrinsic qualities and accomplishments.

Success is a deeply personal concept and should never be reduced to mere material possessions or social standing.

Final thoughts

In the end, our relationship with wealth and status goes beyond just wanting nice things; it’s often a reflection of searching for validation, comfort, or even purpose.

But as we chase material success, it’s easy to overlook what truly brings contentment.

True fulfillment comes not from what we possess, but from who we are—our values, relationships, and the legacy we leave behind.

Because when the glitter fades, it’s the depth of character that endures. So maybe the next time we’re tempted to measure success by status, we’ll remember: the real wealth lies in what can’t be bought.