11 Low Key Differences Between Rich and Poor People You Might Have Missed

We live in a highly judgmental society where people are judged daily about their appearance and their financial status. This is why so many of us want to appear to be wealthier than we actually are by buying expensive things we can’t necessarily afford. But this practise makes us only poorer and creates a massive debt it will take years to pay off. In reality, rich people don’t spend as much money as we think and they live a much more modest life.

1. They don’t always buy brand new cars.

Even if a rich person decides to buy a car, they usually don’t buy high-end models to show off. They don’t change cars every year just because they can. They hold onto their cars for at least 10 years to get the full value of them. For example, Leonardo DiCaprio drives a Toyota Prius which compared to how much money he earns, is a ridiculously cheap car.

Not only that, but they often buy vintage models that may cost a lot more than a new model.

2. They don’t wear matching sets of jewelry

In the ’90s, there were many women that wanted to show everyone just how wealthy they were, so they’d put on all their finest jewelry at the same time. It used to be very cool to have a set of earrings, a necklace, a ring, and a bracelet that matched. And there are still a lot of people who think that buying jewelry sets is a good idea.

However, the fashion industry says otherwise: the more you mix the styles, the better. You can wear pearls with sneakers, gold with silver, and even earrings from different pairs. The most important thing is not to wear too many things at once.

3. They often live below their means.

The biggest problem of many people is that they spend more that they earn. The only way you can increase you budget is living below your means.

We often meet people who buy nice houses in a nice neighborhood just because they want to impress other people. They think about what their friends and family members are going to say. Think about yourself, focus on your life, and don’t try to show off.

4. They have their very own style.

Many wealthy people have their own style of clothing and tend to keep wearing the same clothes for many years. Facebook’s founder Mark Zuckerberg explains it by saying that he wants to get rid of all the extra stuff in his life. He wants to make as few decisions as possible that don’t concern his contribution to society.

5. They don’t put their own photos in big flashy frames.

Massive frames containing portraits of the people that live there in small spaces look a bit ridiculous most of the time. What matters most is the photo itself, not the frame. So if you want to hang your photos, choose a simple frame or no frame at all. Massive frames look nice with mirrors, so you can try that.

6. They eat healthier and spend less for their food.

The most important difference between a millionaire’s daily menu and that of a person with a modest income is not in the cost of products. Rich people are literally obsessed with healthy eating. They might be consuming the same types of cereals and vegetables as we, mere mortals do, but you wouldn’t catch a billionaire wolfing down kebabs, hamburgers, French fries, or mayonnaise-rich salads from the “ready-to-eat” supermarket section.

7. They don’t spend money on luxuries.

Basically, this encompasses the costs of making oneself seem rich and successful. We’re talking about luxury banquets, business class flights, and new cars. People who want to appear richer than they really are, spend huge sums to this effect.

On the other hand, the truly successful ones often lead very modest lives. For instance, Ingvar Kamprad, the founder of IKEA, always flew economy class and drove an old Volvo. As for the Queen of England, Elizabeth II — she saves electricity at her Buckingham Palace residence.

8. They buy simple jeans.

For many people, jeans are a basic part of their everyday wardrobe, so don’t be cheap when shopping for them and don’t choose pairs that are no longer trendy. Today, it’s better to buy very simple models without any print, lace, or other decorative elements. Simple jeans are great for people of any age and occupation. And you can always use accessories to make them look more interesting.

9. They pay with cash.

Cashless economies are good for your wallet but aren’t too friendly with credit card bills. People who spend strategically prefer cash over a card, especially for smaller purchases. The rich live by the habit of keeping as far away from debt as possible. You can start paying for your meals in cash and avoid saving your card details in browsers to keep a tab on your expenses.

10. They pay their bills first.

Understanding your fixed expenses is what people good at managing money do better than us. They swear by the rule of paying their fixed expenses on the very first day through automated systems so that they have a clear view of how to spend the rest of their money.

11. They don’t buy devices and appliances with many functions.

When buying devices and appliances, you have to be very careful. Many brands offer mixes of functions, like a washing machine that’s also a dryer or a microwave that’s also an oven, for example. There are even 3-in-1 models out there, like an oven+coffeemaker+stove! But such devices are often sold for a lot of money and if you see one listed for super cheap, there’s a strong chance the manufacturer skimped on the parts, so the device won’t last all that long.

What other not-so-obvious differences do you think rich and poor people have? Do you think they spend money differently?