I’ve often thought about how money can change things, but it doesn’t always change people for the better.

Class isn’t something you buy, and having more wealth doesn’t automatically mean you’ve mastered the art of subtlety or sophistication.

People who’ve recently come into money sometimes fall into behaviors that reveal their inexperience with it.

And while that’s perfectly natural, there are certain signs that tend to stand out—especially when it comes to how they handle their newfound wealth.

Let’s take a closer look at a few behaviors that can signal “new money” and what it means to grow beyond that mindset.

1) Flashy displays of wealth

When it comes to money, there’s a difference between celebrating your success and being downright ostentatious.

For those new to wealth, it’s all too tempting to indulge in flashy displays of affluence.

This could be anything from buying the most extravagant car on the market, to wearing head-to-toe designer labels, or constantly posting about their luxurious lifestyle on social media.

Interestingly, research by Daniel J. Kruger and Jessica S. Kruger in Evolutionary Psychological Science (2018) highlights that these conspicuous displays of wealth often signal more than just a desire to show off material success.

Their study found that men who prioritize flashy purchases, such as opting for showy features on a car over practical investments, are often perceived as having a greater interest in short-term relationships and less commitment to long-term investments—both in relationships and in financial decisions.

This kind of behavior not only communicates a “new money” mindset but may also reflect deeper life strategies focused on immediate gratification over lasting value.

The desire to prove wealth to the world often screams “new money” and, unfortunately, a lack of class.

True class, though, shows in subtlety and discretion. How you carry yourself and respect others speaks volumes.

Exhibiting restraint and humility in displaying wealth is a hallmark of “old money” and a sign of true class.

So if you’re keen on not being labeled as “new money,” it might be worth reflecting on your behavior for any signs of over-the-top displays of wealth.

2) Tipping extravagantly (and publicly)

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m all about rewarding good service. But let me share a personal story that might clarify my point here.

A while back, I was out dining with a friend who had recently come into a significant amount of wealth.

When it came time to pay the bill, he left an incredibly generous tip, well above the standard percentage.

While there’s nothing wrong with being a big tipper, it was his need to announce it loudly enough for everyone in the restaurant to hear that raised eyebrows.

His intent wasn’t solely to reward the server but to ensure everyone around knew about his capacity to spend big.

That moment screamed “new money” and showed a lack of understanding of the subtlety associated with class.

Being generous is certainly commendable, but if you’re doing it for public recognition, it might come off as a show-off or desperate.

Class lies in silently doing good deeds without drawing attention to them. Tipping should be about acknowledging good service, not advertising your wealth.

3) Ignoring cultural etiquette

One of the clear indicators of “new money” is a disregard for cultural etiquette, particularly when it comes to fine dining and social engagements.

For example, a common faux pas is holding a wine glass by the bowl rather than by the stem. This isn’t just a matter of looking sophisticated.

Holding the glass by the stem prevents the heat from your hand from affecting the temperature of the wine.

Being aware of and respecting such cultural etiquettes not only shows class but also a willingness to adapt and learn.

So, if you’re keen to avoid being tagged as “new money”, it’s worth brushing up on these societal norms.

4) Constant reminders of their wealth

Money talks, but it doesn’t always need to. One behavior that screams “new money” is the constant need to remind others of their wealth.

This can be through casual mentions of their latest purchases, name-dropping designer brands, or incessantly talking about their income or investments.

People with a sense of class understand that wealth isn’t measured by material possessions alone but also by their character, conduct, and contribution to society.

They don’t feel the need to constantly validate their wealth or success to others.

Classy people are comfortable in their own skin without having to prove anything to anyone.

5) Lack of generosity

Ironically, while those with “new money” can be prone to extravagant spending on themselves, they often show a surprising lack of generosity when it comes to helping others.

They may be quick to pick up the tab at a fancy restaurant but hesitant to donate to charitable causes or support friends in need.

Class shows through using your resources to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Those who have been long accustomed to wealth often understand this and are more likely to contribute to society in meaningful ways.

6) Disregard for relationships

Wealth can change a lot of things, but it shouldn’t change the people who matter to you.

Sadly, a behavior that often screams “new money” is the disregard for old relationships.

Whether it’s neglecting old friends for new wealthy acquaintances or treating service staff poorly, this behavior reflects a lack of class.

I remember an old saying my grandmother used to tell me, “Treat the janitor with the same respect as you would the CEO.”

It’s a simple statement, but it carries a wealth of meaning about true class. Valuing people for who they are and not what they have is important.

7) Worship of material possessions

When I was younger, there was a period when my family went through some financial hardships.

This experience taught me a lot about the transient nature of material possessions.

One behavior that often indicates “new money” is an excessive focus on acquiring and maintaining material possessions.

Whether it’s a new designer handbag, the latest tech gadget, or a luxury sports car, the emphasis is on having the best and most expensive items.

Research by psychologist Tim Kasser sheds light on why this kind of materialism doesn’t lead to long-term happiness.

In his meta-analysis, Kasser found that people who prioritize materialistic values tend to experience lower levels of well-being, more anxiety, and less life satisfaction.

According to Kasser, materialism often leads to a cycle of dissatisfaction because it doesn’t fulfill core psychological needs like feeling connected to others, competent, or free.

The pursuit of possessions, rather than meaningful relationships or personal growth, can leave people feeling empty despite their wealth.

So while it’s perfectly fine to enjoy the fruits of your labor, remember not to let material possessions define you or your worth.

8) Neglecting personal growth

It’s not uncommon for those newly rich to become so engrossed in their wealth that they neglect their personal growth.

This can manifest in a lack of interest in expanding their knowledge, improving their skills, or nurturing their creativity.

However, neglecting personal growth often screams “new money” and a lack of class.

Those who are truly classy understand that wealth provides an opportunity for continued learning and self-improvement.

They invest in books, attend seminars, nurture hobbies, and seek experiences that enrich their lives beyond material possessions.

9) Forgetting where they came from

Perhaps the most telling sign of “new money” and a lack of class is forgetting one’s roots.

When people suddenly amass wealth, they often feel the need to distance themselves from their past, as if their humble beginnings are something to be ashamed of.

However, true class lies in acknowledging and respecting your journey, including the struggles and challenges that have shaped you.

Regardless of how much wealth one accumulates, it’s important to stay grounded and remember where you came from.

Your past is a testament to your resilience and determination. Humility, gratitude, and authenticity are the real hallmarks of class.

Final thoughts

The thing with wealth is that it’s a tool, not an identity. It can open doors and provide comfort, but it doesn’t define who you are at your core.

The behaviors that scream “new money” usually come from a place of trying to prove something—to yourself, to others—but real class has nothing to do with showing off.

It’s rooted in humility, understanding where you came from, and valuing people, not possessions.

True class doesn’t come from what you own, but from how you treat others and how you carry yourself. That’s the real mark of growth.