Society has a way of making us believe that status, wealth, and appearances determine a person’s worth. Whether it’s material possessions, job titles, or social media validation, many people fall into the trap of measuring success by shallow standards. The problem? These beliefs don’t just shape how you see others—they can also keep you stuck in a cycle of comparison, insecurity, and unnecessary pressure.
If you’ve ever caught yourself making snap judgments about someone’s lifestyle, financial choices, or career, you might be viewing the world through a materialistic lens without even realizing it. Here are some common but subtle ways people place too much value on superficial measures of success—and why it’s time to break free from this mindset.
1. You Always Have To Tell Someone What Things Cost
When you buy something new, do you find yourself immediately telling people how much you spent on it? Whether it’s a luxury handbag, a new car, or even just an expensive meal, if you feel the need to announce the price, it’s a sign that material things are tied to your sense of self-worth. Instead of simply enjoying what you buy, you use the cost as a way to impress others or validate your choices. Psychology Today reports that “Materialism is associated with lower levels of well-being, less pro-social interpersonal behavior, more ecologically destructive behavior, and other outcomes that both decrease individual quality of life and imperil our planet.”
Money shouldn’t be the most interesting thing about your life. If you catch yourself constantly talking about how much things cost, it might be time to ask yourself why. Are you trying to gain approval? Are you looking for validation? Real confidence comes from who you are, not what you own. Start shifting your focus from price tags to experiences, relationships, and personal growth.
2. You Refuse To Stay In Motels Or Go Camping
While everyone has their preferences when it comes to travel, refusing to stay anywhere that isn’t five-star luxury can signal an attachment to status over experience. If the thought of staying in a budget motel or sleeping in a tent makes you uncomfortable—not because of cleanliness concerns but because you think it’s beneath you—then your priorities might be leaning too far toward materialism. As stated by The New York Times, “luxury travel is increasingly about access to experiences rather than lavish accommodations.”
Travel isn’t just about luxury accommodations—it’s about experiencing new places and cultures. Some of the best memories come from spontaneous adventures, not just high-end hotels. If you’re unwilling to go anywhere that doesn’t cater to a certain level of comfort, you might be missing out on some truly incredible experiences.
3. You Reward Yourself By Buying Things
It’s completely normal to treat yourself now and then, but if your first instinct after achieving something is to go shopping, it could be a sign that you equate success with material possessions. Whether it’s a big promotion or simply making it through a stressful week, do you always feel the need to buy something to mark the occasion? Research published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology found that “Material purchases were associated with more frequent thoughts about how the purchase compared to other options, while experiential purchases were associated with more frequent thoughts about the experience itself.”
There’s nothing wrong with rewarding yourself, but try shifting the focus to experiences instead of objects. Treat yourself to a fun outing, a meaningful moment with loved ones, or even a self-care activity. When you stop associating happiness with buying things, you’ll find that fulfillment comes from within, not from your shopping cart.
4. You Look At People As Being “Rich” Or “Poor”
Do you immediately categorize people based on their financial status? If your first impression of someone is shaped by how much money they have rather than who they are as a person, you might be placing too much emphasis on wealth. Seeing the world in terms of “rich” and “poor” reduces people to their financial status instead of valuing them for their character. The Science Survey reports that “The major issue with grouping people together based on one shared aspect, usually an unchangeable characteristic, is that it leads to stereotyping. As a result, people are viewed and judged through one lens rather than seen as a person with unique characteristics and flaws.”
Money is just one part of a person’s life, not the defining factor of who they are. When you shift your focus from wealth to personality, values, and kindness, you’ll start to appreciate people for their depth rather than their bank accounts. True connection comes from shared experiences, not economic status.
5. You Refuse To Buy Generic Brands
Brand loyalty is one thing, but if you completely avoid generic products because you think they’re “less than,” it might be time to reassess. Many generic items are made in the same factories as name-brand products, often with identical ingredients or materials. Yet, if you automatically assume a product is inferior just because it doesn’t have a prestigious label, you could be prioritizing status over practicality.
Buying name-brand everything doesn’t make you better than anyone else. It just means you’re spending more money. Challenge yourself to test a few generic products and see if you even notice the difference. You might find that you’re paying for the label, not the quality.
6. You Think Thrifting Is For “Poor” People
If you turn your nose up at thrift stores because you assume they’re only for people who can’t afford new clothes, you might be too focused on appearances. Thrifting isn’t just about affordability—it’s about sustainability, uniqueness, and finding hidden gems. Many stylish, high-quality pieces can be found secondhand, and shopping this way can be an ethical and fun way to express your personality.
Instead of seeing thrifting as a downgrade, consider it a way to break free from consumer culture. It allows you to develop a personal style that isn’t dictated by fast fashion trends. If you refuse to shop secondhand because of how it looks, it might be time to rethink your mindset about value.
Need a Mindset Shift? Check out 15 Powerful Lessons About Real Wealth From People Who Grew Up Poor
7. You Notice What Someone Is Wearing Rather Than Who They Are
When you meet someone new, what’s the first thing you notice? If you immediately assess their outfit, shoes, or accessories before considering their personality, you might be too focused on material appearance. Clothing can be an expression of style, but it doesn’t define someone’s worth or character.
Some of the most genuine, intelligent, and kind people in the world don’t care about designer labels. If your first instinct is to judge someone based on their wardrobe, you might be missing out on meaningful connections. Try focusing on the way they speak, their sense of humor, or how they treat others instead of what brand they’re wearing.
Are You Guilty Of Being Too Judgy? Discover the reasons we judge others unfairly here: 13 Ridiculous and Judgy Reasons People Don’t Like You
8. You Only Care About How Much A Gift Costs
If you measure the thoughtfulness of a gift by its price tag rather than the sentiment behind it, you might be too materialistic. A gift isn’t about proving financial status—it’s about showing appreciation. Some of the most meaningful gifts are handmade, personalized, or chosen with deep thought rather than high cost.
If you find yourself disappointed by gifts that aren’t expensive, ask yourself why. Is it about impressing others, or is it about feeling valued? True gratitude comes from recognizing effort and thought, not from fixating on price.
Are You Always Looking For Validation? Find out why here: People Who Seek Validation Typically Have These 12 Insecurities
9. You Judge People By The Car They Drive
For some, a car is simply a way to get from point A to point B. For others, it’s a status symbol. If you find yourself making assumptions about people based on their car—whether it’s judging someone for driving an older model or immediately respecting someone with a luxury vehicle—you might be placing too much importance on material wealth.
A car doesn’t define someone’s intelligence, kindness, or work ethic. Some people prioritize savings over status, while others simply don’t care about keeping up with car trends. Instead of assuming someone’s worth based on their vehicle, start focusing on how they treat others. A decent person in a used sedan is worth more than a toxic person in a brand-new sports car.
10. You Won’t Wear The Same Outfit Twice
If the idea of repeating an outfit at a major event makes you uncomfortable, you might be placing too much importance on appearances. Social media has fueled the pressure to constantly showcase new outfits, as if re-wearing clothes somehow diminishes their value. But the truth is, classic style is about wearing what makes you feel good, not chasing trends or impressing others with a revolving wardrobe.
Instead of stressing over wearing something new every time, start investing in quality pieces that you genuinely love. Some of the most fashionable people in the world repeat outfits confidently, proving that personal style isn’t about quantity but about how you carry yourself.
11. You Feel Threatened When Your Friends Make Big Purchases
If a friend buying a new house, car, or designer bag makes you feel inadequate, that’s a sign that your self-worth is too tied to material comparisons. Their financial choices don’t diminish your own life, and just because someone can afford something doesn’t mean they’re happier or more successful than you.
Instead of feeling envious, try shifting your perspective. Celebrate their success while reminding yourself that happiness isn’t measured in things. Your journey is your own, and what truly matters is building a life that feels good—not one that just looks good from the outside.
12. You Only Feel Good When You’re Wearing Designer Items
If you only feel put together when you’re draped in designer labels, you might be overvaluing brand names. While high-end fashion can be well-made, true confidence comes from how you wear something, not the label on it. Some of the most stylish people mix luxury pieces with affordable finds because they know style is about creativity, not just expense.
Try challenging yourself to find great pieces that aren’t about the logo. You might discover that your sense of fashion has more to do with how you carry yourself than the price tag of your outfit.
14. You Think The Most Expensive Version Is Automatically The Best
It’s easy to assume that a higher price means better quality, but that’s not always the case. Many brands charge premium prices simply because of their name, not because of superior craftsmanship. Plenty of budget-friendly options offer the same—if not better—performance than their luxury counterparts.
Before splurging, take the time to research and read reviews. Learning to differentiate between true quality and just good marketing will save you money and help you make smarter purchases that actually add value to your life.
15. You Buy Things Based On How Good They’ll Look On Instagram
In the age of social media, it’s tempting to buy things just because they’ll photograph well. Whether it’s a trendy coffee table book you’ll never read or an extravagant meal just for the aesthetic, if your spending habits are dictated by what looks impressive online, you may be prioritizing appearances over genuine enjoyment.
Next time you make a purchase, ask yourself if you’d still want it if no one else would see it. The best investments are the ones that bring you real joy, not just likes and comments.
