Growing up without much money leaves an impression that sticks with you. Even when life gets more comfortable, old habits die hard, and you carry those learned behaviors. Here are 15 things people who grew up poor often do as adults, even though things are financially better.
1. They’re Pros at Stretching Every Dollar
The ability to stretch a dollar was a survival skill growing up, and it’s stuck for life. People who grew up poor can budget like no other because they had to. Whether it’s meal planning, couponing, or simply knowing how to find the best deals, they’ve mastered the art of living within their means—and then some.
2. They Stock Up on Sales Like an Olympic Sport
If you grew up poor, you probably learned that you grab as much as you can afford when something’s on sale. There’s a term for it: resource guarding. The instinct to stock up for “just in case” is real, whether it’s toilet paper or canned goods. Having a stash is like a safety net for the future; it gives them a sense of protection.
3. They Hate Wasting Food
Throwing away food? Not happening. Growing up, food wasn’t something you ‘threw away.’ Because of this, they’ll go to great lengths to avoid it now. Leftovers are tomorrow’s lunch, and as for veggies past their prime? Into a soup or stew, they go. Nothing gets tossed without trying to find a use for it.
4. They Save Everything “Just in Case”
People who grew up poor tend to hold on to things—old clothes, random kitchen gadgets, even broken stuff. Why? Because when money is tight, you never know when you might need something again. This “just in case” mindset makes decluttering almost impossible, and it’s a trait that’s hard to shake, even when they’re more financially stable.
5. They Agonize Over Spending on Themselves
Treating themselves is something that just doesn’t come naturally. Whether it’s a new pair of shoes or a weekend trip, spending money on a want instead of a need feels like a luxury that’s hard to justify, even in the best financial circumstances. Though they may be able to afford it, unshakable guilt often comes with splurging.
6. They’re All About DIY
Need a new shelf? Why buy it when you can make it yourself? Growing up poor often means you learned how to fix or create things with whatever you had lying around. That “do it yourself” mentality sticks with you into adulthood. Whether repairing clothes, fixing a leaky faucet, or even giving yourself a haircut, if you grew up without money, you’ve mastered the art of DIY.
7. They’re Always Checking Price Tags
Even when they’ve become financially stable, people who grew up poor can’t break the habit of constantly checking the price tag before buying something. That $5 difference between the two brands? Yeah, it still matters. No matter how much they earn, they shop differently because of their background.
8. They Always Have a Backup Plan (Or Two)
When money was tight, life was unpredictable, so having a backup plan wasn’t just ideal; it was necessary. That doesn’t change in adulthood. They’re always thinking ahead, with Plan B and Plan C in their back pocket, just in case something goes wrong. It’s their way of staying prepared for anything life throws their way.
9. They Get Nervous About Big Purchases
Even when they can afford it, buying something big—like a new car or furniture—feels nerve-wracking. They’ve never been accustomed to dropping large sums of cash like that, and they most likely never will. They’ll spend weeks (if not months) researching the best deal, weighing their options, and second-guessing if they really need it. That anxiety about spending large sums of money doesn’t go away just because their finances are better.
10. They Value Experiences Over Things
When you grow up without a lot of money, you learn that material things don’t make life meaningful; memories do. As adults, they tend to value experiences—time with family, trips, and memories—over fancy gadgets or expensive clothes.
11. They’re Hyperaware of Financial Security
Even if they’re comfortable now, a little voice always reminds them it could all disappear. They’re always thinking about what’s in their savings, planning for emergencies, ensuring they’re financially secure, and even about their eventual retirement. That early experience of being poor sticks with them; it drives them never to return.
12. They Tend to Avoid Debt Like the Plague
Credit cards? Loans? They’ll pass, thanks. People who grew up poor often avoid debt like it’s a trap (because, to them, it is). They’ve experienced firsthand how debt can spiral out of control, so they’re more likely to live within their means and avoid borrowing money unless necessary.
13. They Feel Weird About Money Conversations
Talking about money doesn’t come easy; it never has. Whether asking for a raise or splitting the bill with friends, people who grew up poor are bound to feel awkward around money conversations. It’s a sensitive subject, and they’ll try to avoid the topic altogether and talk about something lighter.
14. They’re Always Grateful for What They Have
One of the biggest things that sticks with you when you grow up poor? Gratitude. People who grew up without a lot don’t take anything for granted as adults. Whether it’s having a stable job, a roof over their head, or being able to buy groceries without stressing, they’re deeply thankful for the things they have now because they know exactly what it’s like to have gone without.
