It’s often said, appearances can be deceptive.
People pretending to be successful and wealthy, while actually being broke, is a classic example. They might be trying to keep up appearances but there are always telltale signs for those observant enough to notice.
These signs are often subtle behaviors that give away their true financial status, even though they might be driving the latest model car or living in a posh neighborhood.
In this article, we’ll delve into 10 such subtle behaviors that are commonly displayed by those who pretend to be richer than they really are.
Let’s get started.
1) Living beyond their means
The first sign usually is living extravagantly.
People who pretend to be rich often live beyond their means. They tend to spend money on high-end, luxury items, even when their income doesn’t support such a lifestyle.
Their spending habits are often disproportionate to their actual earnings. They might be driving the latest high-end car, living in a swanky neighborhood, and dining at the most exclusive restaurants.
While it may seem like they have an unlimited flow of cash, the reality might be that they are drowning in debt and struggling to keep up with the facade.
And while it’s easy to get caught up in the glamour and glitz, there’s usually a significant financial stress lurking beneath the surface. The mounting credit card bills and loan installments are often a telling sign of their actual financial state.
2) Obsession with appearances
I once knew a guy who was always dressed to impress.
He donned the latest designer clothes, wore the most expensive watches, and was never seen without a pair of designer sunglasses – even indoors! He always made sure he looked like a million bucks.
On the surface, he appeared to be doing extremely well for himself. But as I got to know him better, I realized that his obsession with appearances was compensating for his lack of actual financial stability.
His credit cards were maxed out from buying these costly apparel and accessories. He was living paycheck to paycheck, barely making ends meet after paying the minimum amount due on his numerous cards.
His obsession with maintaining a wealthy appearance was a clear sign that he was pretending to be rich while actually being broke.
3) Prioritizing short-term gratification
Those pretending to be wealthier than they are often prioritize short-term gratification over long-term financial stability. They tend to make impulsive purchases, often on credit, without considering the long-term implications.
For instance, the average American has around $6,194 in credit card debt, according to Experian’s 2019 Consumer Credit Review. A significant portion of this can be attributed to unnecessary splurges and impulsive buys.
This behavior, driven by the desire to maintain a facade of wealth and success, often leads to significant debt and financial instability. The illusion of affluence then becomes a financial burden that’s hard to shake off.
4) Rarely discussing actual finances
People who pretend to be rich and successful, but are actually broke, tend to avoid discussing their actual finances.
They are comfortable talking about their latest extravagant purchase or the high-end vacation they just came back from. But when it comes to discussing savings, investments, or financial planning, they often divert the conversation.
This avoidance is usually because their financial reality doesn’t align with the wealthy image they portray. Discussing personal finances might reveal their true financial situation, hence the evasiveness.
5) High levels of financial stress
Pretending to be wealthier than you are can put you under immense financial stress. You’re constantly worried about keeping up appearances and maintaining the facade of wealth.
This constant worry about money and debt often translates into high levels of stress. They might have sleepless nights worrying about unpaid bills, looming debts, and the fear of their true financial situation being exposed.
If someone who appears to be rich is constantly anxious or stressed out about money, it could be a sign that they’re not as financially comfortable as they portray themselves to be.
6) Lack of genuine happiness
One of the most significant indicators I’ve noticed is a lack of genuine happiness.
When you are constantly chasing an image that’s not true to your reality, it’s hard to find genuine contentment. You are always on edge, worried about the facade crumbling and revealing your true situation.
They might seem to have it all – the car, the house, the clothes – but there’s often a profound sadness or dissatisfaction. The pressure of living a life that’s not genuinely theirs can take a toll on their happiness.
It’s heartbreaking to see that behind the flashy lifestyle and apparent success, there’s often a person who’s struggling to find real joy and satisfaction.
7) Avoidance of long-term financial commitments
I once found myself in a situation where I was avoiding making any long-term financial commitments. At the time, I was trying to project a certain image of success that wasn’t really reflective of my actual financial health.
I noticed that I was more comfortable spending money on things that added to my image of wealth, like fancy clothes and expensive gadgets, rather than investing in assets or savings. The thought of taking up long-term financial commitments like a mortgage or a retirement plan seemed daunting.
This behavior is common among people pretending to be rich. They tend to avoid long-term financial commitments as they are more focused on maintaining their facade of wealth in the present.
8) Over-generosity
People pretending to be rich often exhibit an unusual level of generosity. They might be the first to pick up the tab at a restaurant, offer extravagant gifts, or insist on paying for expensive outings.
While this may seem like a sign of wealth, it’s often a ploy to maintain the illusion of financial abundance. They feel the need to demonstrate their ‘wealth’ through their spending, even when it’s not financially sensible for them.
However, this over-generosity often leads to more financial strain as they struggle to balance their actual income with their extravagant spending habits.
9) Constant need for validation
People who pretend to be rich and successful often have a constant need for validation. They tend to seek approval and validation from others about their luxurious lifestyle and wealth.
They might constantly share their latest purchases or vacations on social media, looking for likes and comments to validate their affluent lifestyle. They might also name-drop or brag about their possessions at social events to draw attention to their ‘wealth.’
This constant need for validation often stems from insecurity about their actual financial situation. It’s a way of convincing both themselves and others that they are successful and wealthy.
10) Absence of financial growth
Despite all appearances, there is usually an absence of genuine financial growth. While they may seem to have a lot of money to spend, their net worth doesn’t increase over time.
They are often stuck in a cycle of debt and overspending, which prevents them from building wealth. Their money goes towards maintaining their luxurious lifestyle, rather than investments or savings that could lead to actual wealth accumulation.
This absence of financial growth is the reality behind the facade of wealth and success. It’s a clear sign that someone is pretending to be richer than they really are.
Reflection: The true measure of wealth
The concept of wealth and success is subjective and varies from person to person. For some, it’s about material possessions and ostentatious displays, while for others, it’s about financial stability and peace of mind.
People who pretend to be rich often get caught up in the outward display of wealth rather than focusing on building true financial stability. They get trapped in a cycle of overspending and debt, which prevents them from experiencing genuine financial growth.
As Benjamin Franklin wisely noted, “Wealth is not his that has it, but his that enjoys it.” Pretending to be rich might offer temporary pleasure and superficial validation, but it does not lead to lasting contentment or financial security.
It’s worth pondering whether the facade of wealth is worth the strain it puts on one’s finances and mental health. After all, the most fulfilling form of wealth comes from living within one’s means, investing wisely, and finding contentment in what we have.
Neuroscientist reveals a new way to manifest more financial abundance
Breakthrough Columbia study confirms the brain region is 250 million years old, the size of a walnut and accessible inside your brain right now.
