There are a few subtle ways people try to fill the gaps in their self-esteem.

Some do it through their accomplishments, others through relationships, and then there are those who lean on wealth as a kind of armor.

There’s a clear difference between quietly enjoying success and using it to mask a sense of inadequacy, but sometimes the line gets blurry.

In this article, I’m unpacking nine traits that often reveal when men flaunt their money to compensate for low self-worth.

These aren’t just random behaviors—they’re clues to a deeper struggle. Let’s take a closer look at what’s really going on beneath the surface.

1) Overemphasis on material possessions

There’s an old saying that actions speak louder than words.

And when it comes to understanding the mindset of men who use money to compensate for a lack of self-worth, this couldn’t be more true.

These individuals have a propensity to place an exaggerated emphasis on material possessions.

Fancy cars, designer clothing, and extravagant purchases are all par for the course.

At the core, it’s a bid to attain validation and admiration from others, to distract from what they perceive as their own inadequacies.

But here’s the thing.

This overemphasis on material wealth often betrays a deep-seated insecurity and a struggle with self-esteem.

It’s an attempt to mask what they feel is lacking within themselves.

So next time you encounter someone who seems excessively focused on flaunting their wealth, remember that this could be a sign of their struggle with self-worth.

2) Frequent bragging about financial success

It’s interesting to observe the behavior of people around us.

I had an old friend, let’s call him Mark.

Mark came from a humble background but ended up making a fortune in the tech industry.

The strange thing was, Mark never used to talk much about his wealth until he started facing personal and professional setbacks.

He then began to frequently brag about his financial success, almost as if he was trying to convince himself and everyone else that he was still successful.

Every conversation with him would inevitably steer towards his latest expensive gadget or a recent luxury vacation.

As if these material possessions somehow validated his worth.

In retrospect, it was clear that Mark was using his wealth as a shield, a way to compensate for his internal struggles and lack of self-worth.

This tendency to frequently brag about financial success is another common trait among men who flaunt money to mask their insecurities.

3) The need for constant approval

Did you know that people who feel the need to flaunt their wealth often seek constant approval from others?

This comes from a psychological concept known as ‘external validation‘.

When someone lacks self-worth, they tend to rely heavily on others’ opinions and approval to feel good about themselves.

This often manifests in a need for constant compliments, reassurance, and recognition.

For men who use money to compensate, this can mean showing off their latest purchases or achievements, not for the sake of sharing, but in the hope of receiving praise and admiration.

It’s a form of reassurance that they’re doing well or that they’re important – a way of boosting their fragile self-esteem.

It might seem counterintuitive, but this constant need for approval can indicate a deep-seated lack of self-worth hiding behind the facade of wealth.

4) A tendency to belittle others

It’s not uncommon for men who use money to compensate for a lack of self-worth to develop a habit of belittling others.

This might be subtly expressing their disdain for someone else’s less expensive lifestyle or openly criticizing others’ financial decisions.

The reason behind this behavior is that by diminishing others, they elevate themselves.

In their minds, the more they can make others feel inferior, the better they feel about their own worth.

However, this isn’t true confidence.

Real confidence comes from within and doesn’t rely on making others feel inferior.

So if you notice someone consistently belittling others in relation to wealth or financial matters, it might be a sign that they’re compensating for low self-worth.

5) Demonstrating a lack of genuine happiness

Have you ever noticed how some of the wealthiest people can also be the most unhappy?

It’s a paradox that’s often true for men who use money to compensate for a lack of self-worth.

Despite their financial success, these individuals often struggle to find genuine happiness.

They might have all the material possessions they could ever want, but there’s a void that money can’t fill.

This is because true happiness comes from within and isn’t reliant on external factors like wealth or status.

When someone bases their self-worth solely on their financial success, they often find that it doesn’t lead to the contentment they expected.

So, if you notice someone who seems to have it all but still lacks genuine happiness, it could be a sign that they’re using their wealth to compensate for low self-worth.

6) Struggling with meaningful relationships

One of the most heartbreaking aspects of using wealth to mask a lack of self-worth is the struggle to form and maintain meaningful relationships.

When a person places high importance on wealth, they often attract people who value the same.

These connections, based on superficiality rather than genuine affection, can result in shallow and unsatisfying relationships.

In addition, the constant need to prove worth through wealth can put a strain on relationships.

Loved ones may feel unappreciated or undervalued, leading to disconnect and misunderstanding.

Deep down, these individuals crave connection and acceptance just like anyone else.

But their struggle with self-worth and their reliance on material wealth as a measure of success often gets in the way.

It’s a tough cycle to break and one that’s often deeply intertwined with their sense of value and self-esteem.

7) Obsession with status symbols

I’ll never forget the day I got my first luxury watch. It was an expensive piece, and I was proud of it.

I wore it everywhere, showing it off to anyone who would pay attention.

Over time, however, I realized that this obsession with my status symbol was rooted in my own insecurities.

I was using the watch as a means to feel better about myself, to feel successful, and to feel validated.

This is a common trait among men who use money to compensate for a lack of self-worth.

They often become obsessed with status symbols.

These can be high-end watches, luxury cars, designer clothes or even exclusive club memberships.

These symbols are often flaunted as trophies of their success, as a way of saying “Look at me, I’m doing well.”

Interestingly, studies have shown that flaunting luxury items can indeed enhance one’s status in the eyes of the public.

But despite the potential benefits, this obsession is often a mask for deeper insecurities and a lack of self-esteem.

8) A constant pursuit of more

Another common trait among men who use wealth to mask a lack of self-worth is a never-ending pursuit of more.

More money, more possessions, more success.

It’s as if they’re trying to fill a bottomless pit. No matter how much they acquire, it’s never enough.

This is because the void they’re trying to fill isn’t about material possessions, but about something much deeper, their self-worth.

This relentless pursuit often leads to a cycle of dissatisfaction.

They’re constantly chasing the next big thing, believing it will finally make them feel good about themselves.

But the reality is, no amount of external success can compensate for a lack of self-worth.

So if you see someone in an endless race for more, it could very well be an attempt to mask feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.

9) Lack of self-awareness

Arguably the most critical trait among men who use wealth to mask a lack of self-worth is a lack of self-awareness.

They often fail to recognize that their ostentatious display of wealth and their constant need for validation are signs of deeper insecurities.

True self-worth isn’t dependent on external validation or material success.

It comes from recognizing one’s inherent value, independent of wealth or status.

The journey to genuine self-worth can be challenging, especially for those who have been using money as a shield.

But with self-awareness, change is possible. 

Final thoughts

It’s easy to judge someone who flaunts their wealth, but when you take a step back, what you often find is a deeper story of insecurity and unmet needs.

True confidence doesn’t need designer labels or flashy displays—it’s quieter, rooted in self-awareness and self-acceptance.

What struck me most while reflecting on these traits is how universal the desire for validation really is.

Whether it’s through wealth or other means, we all have moments where we seek something external to affirm our worth.

But the truth is, self-worth isn’t something you can buy or borrow—it’s something you build from within.

So, the next time you see someone chasing approval through material things, try looking beyond the surface.

As Carl Rogers said, “When I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”

Maybe what they really need isn’t more wealth, but more understanding—starting with themselves.