Whether you like it or not, certain social behaviors signal “lower class” to others. This isn’t to discriminate against anyone in a lower income class bracket. However, how you act is important if you don’t want to turn off certain people.
Whether it’s the way you dress, where you eat, or what you say when you’re around others, certain behaviors inevitably signal a lower-class status. By recognizing these signals, you can elevate your personal brand, regardless of income. Let’s dive in!
1. Frequently Using Payday Loans
If you have enough money, odds are you don’t need loans. However, if you’re frequently taking out loans or using credit for most purchases, this may signal lower class. Even if you don’t earn a high income, you should avoid debt at all costs.
It doesn’t make sense to pay high interest unless you’re purchasing a home constantly. Otherwise, you won’t have enough money to save or invest.
2. Relying on Public Assistance
The reality is if you’re receiving public assistance, there’s no shame. However, this likely means you’re not earning enough income to sustain yourself or your family. To qualify for public aid, you generally can’t pass a certain income, among other requirements.
3. Shopping at Discount Stores
If you shop at Dollar Tree and other discount stores, this doesn’t automatically mean you’re earning a low income. However, only you know if you’re purchasing there because it’s all you can afford. Regardless, there’s nothing wrong with shopping at discount stores. It’s often smart to pay less for most brand-name products.
4. Utilizing Public Transportation
Living in a large city enables many to opt to purchase a vehicle. However, for others, it’s their only option. Like other behaviors mentioned in this list, there’s no shame in taking public transportation. It’s convenient and more cost effective than owning a vehicle. However, constantly relying on public transportation may be the only option for those who can’t afford a vehicle.
5. Living in Subsidized Housing
With inflation, it’s no secret that interest rates and housing prices have hiked in the last few years. Living in subsidized housing generally requires individuals to earn a low income. This will be harder to spot for most people who aren’t close in your social circle. Despite there being nothing wrong with getting assistance, some will perceive this as lower-class.
6. Owning Older Vehicles
Most people will perceive others by the car they drive. However, what people see isn’t always the truth. For example, one could have a negative net worth, carry a lot of debt, and drive the latest Tesla Model X, which costs over $60,000. On the other hand, someone who drives a 2010 Toyota Camry, could be a multimillionaire.
However, despite what’s real or not, most people will assume that because you drive an older car, you don’t earn a high income.
7. Buying Second-Hand Clothing
Ironically, many millionaires wear basic clothes. For example, Mark Zuckerberg tends to wear a basic T-shirt with jeans. It’s those who wear a lot of brand-name clothes who have a low net worth.
The reality is that, like with cars, the clothes that someone wears don’t truly reveal whether one is wealthy. However, constantly shopping at thrift stores may signal to some that you don’t earn enough. This may be the secret to hiding your wealth from others.
8. Lacking Savings Accounts
Not having a savings account is a good indicator you’re struggling financially. Unlike other items on this list, everyone needs enough money to fund different financial goals. Plus, when you run into emergencies, you’ll need disposable income to cover these unexpected expenses.
9. Limited Healthcare Access
Health is wealth. Not having proper healthcare is a good tell-tale sign you’re struggling financially. Generally, it’s cheaper to purchase healthcare from your employer. Despite this sign being harder to spot than others, lacking healthcare access most likely means you’re earning a low income.
10. Minimal Stock Investments
You start planning for your retirement decades ahead. This way you take advantage of compound interest. Investing less than 10% of your income towards retirement signals you’re either mismanaging your money or can’t afford to do so.
11. Wearing Worn Clothing
There’s a difference between purchasing clothes from the thrift store and weaning worn clothing. For example, you can buy items at the thrift store that still have their original tags. In other words, you can find clothes in decent condition at thrift stores.
However, wearing torn clothes or clothes in poor condition will signal to others that you’re struggling financially.
12. Using Prepaid Phones
Using prepaid phones may signal to other people that you’re earning a low income. However, this may not be the case. You may be using prepaid phones because they are cheaper than most large providers or because you want to avoid price hikes. There’s nothing wrong with using prepaid phones, but know that some people may perceive you as lower class.
13. Rarely Dining Out
Eating at home is smart, especially with the rising cost in food across the board. Both restaurant and grocery prices have gone up. However, if you’re constantly passing on eating out with coworkers or friends, they may begin to believe you can’t afford to do so.
14. Not Traveling for Recreation
If you’re earning a low income, odds are you’re using all your money to cover necessary expenses. For example, paying for your mortgage, rent, or food will come first. This means you won’t have enough money for luxury activities like traveling locally or abroad. As people around you boast about their vacations, you may find yourself with little to say as you can’t afford to do so.
15. Working Low-Paying Jobs
Part of being in the lower-income class bracket is due to not earning enough money. Your job may be paying you the minimum wage, which most likely won’t be enough even if you are working full-time. Your best bet is learning new skills and transitioning to a high-paying career.
16. Education Ending at High School
Previous misinformation would predict that a college degree represents the ticket to success. There are countless stories of people who didn’t go to college and reached high levels of financial success. However, many people stay stuck with the old tradition and belief that having no college education means earning a low income.
17. Unfamiliar With Cultural Etiquette
Showing up with jeans at a nice restaurant that your company may pay for immediately signals to others that you’re lower class. Although this may be your personal preference, being undressed is a quick way to stand out.
Other behaviors like being rude or speaking with your mouth full will make others perceive you as lower class. Although you can still be wealthy despite not following etiquette, now others will have a low-class perception of you.
Don’t Let Others Dictate Your Financial Future
You may or may not agree with most items on this list. However, don’t let society determine your financial future. If you’re currently earning a low income, don’t be hard on yourself. Although reaching financial success is more attainable now than ever, it’s still challenging.
Never stop learning and continue to find ways to grow your income. If you do, you’ll increase your odds of reaching the financial success you desire. Isn’t a future where you’re not constantly stressed about money worth fighting for?