You might not realize it, but the things you do can actually tell people a lot more about you than the things you say. And not all of them are good. Here are 25 habits that tell people you’re poor, no matter how many zeros there are in your bank account.
Looking Messy
Skipping out on the basics, like haircuts or wearing wrinkled clothes, is guaranteed to make you look a mess. It doesn’t matter how much you’ve got in your wallet because looking like a mess will make people think you’re one too. A little grooming can go a long way in showing the world you’ve got your act together.
Letting Things Fall Apart
But it’s not just your own appearance that’s important. Ignoring the upkeep of your house or car also isn’t a good look. If you do regular maintenance on them, you’ll show people you care and that you can actually afford to do it. Plus, keeping them in tip-top shape will make them last longer and work better, saving you money and hassle in the long run.
Too Many Logos
Rocking brand names from head to toe screams to people that you’re trying too hard. You don’t have to ditch the brands altogether, but perhaps you should choose some pieces where the quality and style speak for themselves. It’ll help your outfits stand out for all the right reasons and show people you’ve got taste as well as cash.
Skipping the Finances
When you don’t know the basics of managing your cash, you’re basically telling people that you’re broke. Whether you’re saving or investing, a little financial literacy can go a long way toward keeping your finances healthy. This way, you can show off your intelligent side and make people think you’re richer.
Not Building a Budget
Forget what you think you know about budgeting because it’s not just a list of dos and don’ts. Budgeting helps you track where your cash is going, and Investopedia talks about how important it is. When you know how much you spend, you’ll know where you can cut back and save money for things that really matter. It’s the best way to let people know you’re in control.
Price Over Quality
Sure, getting a ton of inexpensive stuff might help you save some money, but it also makes you look cheap. Spend a little cash on some solid items, and you’ll prove to people that you know the value of a dollar. It’ll also cost you less in the long run because these things will last you way longer, so it’s a win-win situation.
Being Stingy
Similarly, holding onto every dime tells people that you haven’t got enough to share. When people see you’re giving back, whether it’s donating to a cause you care about or picking up the tab for a friend, it puts you in a whole new light. It shows them you’re doing more than alright and you’re not afraid to lend a hand. And hey, it feels pretty good, doesn’t it?
Forgetting Your Manners
A little politeness can really polish up your image. We’re not just talking about saying “please” and “thank you” but also being respectful and considerate to everyone around you. This can completely change what they think of you, for the better. Ignoring your manners makes you seem a little rough around the edges.
Staying in Your Comfort Zone
Variety is the spice of life, so why are you sticking to a bland meal? Try some new experiences to show you’re adventurous, and, yeah, you’re probably doing alright with your finances. It can open up new opportunities and even make you a more interesting person to be around. Why wouldn’t you want that?
Letting Yourself Go
If you ignore your health, people will start to think you don’t care about yourself because you can’t afford to. One study found there’s a connection between being poor and eating unhealthily. Exercise regularly and eat the right food so that you look and feel good. This way, you’ll have enough energy to show people you value yourself and to deal with whatever life throws your way.
Ignoring Connections
Of course, making money is important, but it’s not the most important thing in life. Just focusing on making those dollars while ignoring your relationships looks pretty sad. You should always value people over pennies. After all, they can give you support and happiness in a way that money just can’t buy.
Not Planning Ahead
Even if you’ve got a huge salary, living paycheck to paycheck makes people think you’re short-sighted. Sadly, it’s all too real for most Americans, as a MetLife poll showed 55% of Americans live this way. Only people who actually have a future decide to plan for it, so what is it saying if you don’t? Setting goals and saving, whether it’s for emergencies or something else, shows a mature approach to handling finances.
Having Only One Income Source
Speaking of paychecks, having just one is risky business. What’ll you do if that one dries up? It doesn’t bear thinking about. You should try getting a side hustle or making investments to create a new revenue stream. It’ll protect you should the worst happen and show others that you’re financially independent.
Skipping the Arts
Avoiding cultural stuff makes you seem shallow and, worst of all, boring. Get into the arts or music so that people know there’s more to you than meets the eye. It can improve your creativity and emotional intelligence, which is also useful. A British study found that taking part in the arts is a strong sign of being middle class.
Wasting Time
Whatever you do, don’t just sit there for hours on end without doing anything productive. You’ll look like you’re just drifting in life. Instead, make the most of your time, and it’ll make people think you’re driven and have priorities. That’ll set you apart from those who just let life pass them by.
Poor Debt Management
When you let your debts pile up or just handle them badly, you show people that you’re drowning. Even if you’ve got lots of debt, managing it well can make people think you’re far more financially put together. Be careful about when and how you borrow. You should always have a solid plan to pay it back.
Quit Learning
If you quit learning new things, you’re hurting yourself in more ways than you might think. Learning makes you smarter and can help you develop new interests. It doesn’t matter what you’re learning about as long as you keep doing it. You’ll stay curious and be far more of an engaging person to other people.
Ignoring Professional Growth
Learning comes in many forms, and professional growth is one of the most important. Just coasting along at work suggests you don’t have any dreams. What you should do is ask for feedback and improve your skills to send a clear message that you’re headed places. Be the best you can be in your field.
Chasing Instant Pleasure
Okay, spending some money on the latest bit of tech or new clothing does feel good in the moment. But in the long run? Yeah, it tells people you’re not thinking about the future. Show people you can play the long game by saving for a dream trip or investing. This way, you’ve got the discipline and vision to make big things happen for yourself.
Hurting the Planet
Lots of people think that saving the planet is expensive, but they’re wrong. Throwing stuff away without a second thought makes it look like you don’t care about the world around you. It’s easy to make some eco-friendly changes, like using reusable bottles instead of plastic ones. People will start to see you as someone who cares about the bigger picture.
Not Networking
We get it, nobody likes a career event, but they’re great opportunities to show off your skills and learn from others. One research paper called it a “critical skill for enhancing social capital and career success.” You’ll be able to find your tribe in the working world and work with people that could lead to something awesome.
Being Tech-Shy
As you get older, trying to understand new technology can become more difficult. Unfortunately, this can signal to people that you’re behind the times. Don’t let it be that way. There are plenty of courses and YouTube videos to watch that’ll teach you about using the latest tech. If you want to stay relevant, this is pretty much essential.
Ignoring Self-Improvement
Not working on yourself means you’re just happy staying where you are. You should take the time to invest in personal development by hitting the gym or practicing mindfulness. Soon enough, people will think you’re committed to being your best self and that you’re growing in more than just a financial way.
Forgetting the Simplicity
Are you overloading your house with complicated things to show you’ve made it? Well, that’s actually doing the opposite. Instead, try decluttering your space and prioritize what really matters to indicate you’re confident in your values. After all, minimalism is totally in right now. Simplicity can also bring you a sense of peace like no amount of stuff could.
Ignoring Investment Opportunities
Don’t just leave your cash sitting in a low-yield savings account. You’re missing out on the chance to let it grow. Investing is difficult, but the trick is to start small and learn as you go. There are plenty of resources out there to help you make informed decisions. When you invest wisely, you’re broadcasting your future finances for everyone to see.
