17 Shopping Habits That Reveal Hidden Wealth

Many of the wealthiest people we know of don’t attempt to hide their wealth, living extravagant lives and flaunting it in the process. But sometimes, the signs that someone has more money in their pocket are more subtle than you may think. 

1. Wearing Expensive Accessories

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Adding accessories to an outfit is typical. However, some of the most expensive accessories on the market are hardly distinguishable from less costly alternatives, such as watches or earrings. If someone is wearing a necklace that you know costs way more than it looks to be worth, chances are they have a lot of disposable income. 

2. Carrying a Metal Credit Card

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Most credit and debit cards we use daily are made from plastic. Metal is reserved for luxury credit cards—those that are exclusively reserved for the wealthy. These cards are invite-only, and many have an unlimited credit card limit. If that doesn’t scream “rich,” I don’t know what does. 

3. Wearing Casual Attire to a Formal Setting

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It might seem unexpected, but sometimes the wealthiest person in the room isn’t the best dressed. When luxury items like designer brands are easily attainable, they become less desirable. Some of the richest people may not be impressed by products that are too expensive for the rest of the population. 

4. Not Looking at the Bill

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Going out to eat is technically a luxury. Most people aren’t going to hand their debit or credit card over to their server before checking to see how much the bill is. You can tell money isn’t an issue for someone if they don’t even need to know the total before being confident they can cover the entire cost. 

5. Always Dining Out

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Many of us enjoy eating out at a restaurant every once in a while. Once you tally up drinks, appetizers, and the meal, however, you are reminded why you try to eat at home most of the time. For the financially blessed, ordering multiple courses at a restaurant several days a week is much more feasible. 

6. Assuming Everyone Travels

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With travel influencers taking over social media, it may seem like everyone travels abroad. In reality, unless you are being paid like many social media stars are, traveling is very expensive and, therefore, a once-a-year occasion, if that. If someone is always on a flight for their next leisure trip, they might be rich. 

7. School Uniforms

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While some educational institutions like charter schools might utilize uniforms for their students, plaid skirts and khaki pants are typically reserved for private school kids. Choosing to pay for your child’s education rather than taking advantage of the free education provided by a local school is a sign someone might have some money. 

8. Outsourcing Chores

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One of the luxuries of being wealthy is having the ability to hire other people to do the things you don’t want to do. If you notice your neighbor always has someone else clean their house or mow their lawn, they probably aren’t struggling financially. 

9. Paying for Large Purchases in Cash

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While having a metal credit card might be a subtle sign that screams “rich,” using cash for large purchases might be a clue. If you can pay for a car in total upfront without any financing, you must have a considerable amount of money and assets to your name. 

10. Traveling Without Luggage

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If you ask yourself, “How would you travel without luggage? Don’t you need to pack clothes?” this entry doesn’t pertain to you. The super-rich, who have multiple homes in multiple locations worldwide, often have their belongings already at their destination. 

11. Having Expensive Hobbies

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Some people like playing sports or hiking when the weather is nice. But if your favorite activities include costly activities like skiing or golfing at a resort, you might be giving hints about your net worth. 

12. Driving a Car With Bells and Whistles

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Many cars look similar these days, but one sign someone put a little more money into their car is driving a tricked-out vehicle. If you open the door of a standard-appearing car that looks like a spaceship on the inside, the owner might have more money than you would think. 

13. Always Wearing New Shoes

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Most people wear shoes until there is visible wear and tear. For some, it’s a matter of waiting until the shoe is no longer offering the support or comfort they need. If you notice your friend is always wearing shoes that appear to have come straight out of the box, they might have. 

14. Sporting Elusive Designer Brands

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There are many brands out there that, while on the pricier side, are common knowledge to the general public. A person making an average income could save up and buy a purse worth $2,000. However, some brands sell products for upwards of $40,000. A subtle sign that screams “rich” is sporting a brand nobody has heard of because nobody can afford it. 

15. Eating High-Quality Foods

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While eating out a lot might be a sign of wealth, the quality of the food in your fridge at home is also a great indicator. Organic food, high-quality lean meats, and many more food items are much more expensive than standard alternatives. Having the ability to opt for the more expensive option is an indicator of wealth. 

16. Never Checking the Price Tag

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Just like not needing to check the bill at a restaurant, not needing to check the price tags on items also screams “rich.” At some of the most exclusive shopping destinations for the ultra-rich, items don’t have price tags. 

17. Unchanging Money Habits

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When the price of gas increases or bacon costs $8 instead of $4, most people make light of their financial struggles by sharing complaints with their peers. While it may not seem obvious, someone who is never affected by the ever-changing economy has enough money to their name not to worry about it.