We all know the stereotypical signs of wealth—designer clothes, luxury cars, big houses.

But those aren’t the only indicators that someone grew up with a silver spoon in their mouth.

Psychology tells us there’s a whole lot more to it than that.

These subtle, non-obvious signs can offer a peek behind the velvet curtain into a person’s affluent past.

So, let me cut to the chase and share with you these ten non-obvious signs that someone had a pretty plush upbringing, according to psychology.

Brace yourself, some of these may surprise you!

1) They don’t blink at price tags

Growing up rich can have a profound impact on your perception of money.

While most of us carefully check the price tag before making a purchase, those from affluent backgrounds might not even blink.

When we grow up accustomed to a certain lifestyle, our brains naturally adapt to it.

We become desensitized to what others might see as extravagant expenses.

That’s why you might find them ordering the most expensive dish on the menu without a second thought or investing in high-end fashion without batting an eye.

It’s not about showing off; it’s just what they’re used to.

2) Their comfort zone is wide-ranging

In my own experience, I’ve noticed that folks who’ve grown up with a healthy bank balance often have a comfort zone that’s pretty expansive.

I remember my friend, let’s call him John; we met in college and quickly bonded over our shared love of adventure and travel.

However, I soon realized that while I was planning trips on a shoestring budget, John was out there experiencing things I could only dream of.

He had a natural ease in different situations, whether it was dining at a fancy restaurant or navigating foreign cities.

His upbringing in a wealthy family gave him experiences that broadened his comfort zone.

Psychologist Carl Jung once said, “The shoe that fits one person pinches another; there is no recipe for living that suits all cases.”

It’s true—some of us are just more used to certain shoes than others!

3) They have an innate sense of entitlement

This one is a bit raw and may ruffle some feathers, but it’s worth mentioning.

An innate sense of entitlement can sometimes be a non-obvious sign of growing up very rich.

Now, I’m not talking about being spoiled or bratty—it’s more of a deep-seated belief that they deserve the best in life.

It’s like they have this inner compass that always points them toward the top shelf, the VIP section, the corner office.

If you encounter someone who seems to naturally gravitate towards the finer things and expects the best without question, it might just be a sign of their affluent upbringing.

4) They tend to be more philanthropic

Here’s an interesting one: Wealthier individuals often grow up with a stronger sense of social responsibility.

I’ve seen this firsthand in many of my affluent friends and acquaintances.

One of my closest friends, for example, was always the first to volunteer at local shelters and donate to charitable causes.

It wasn’t for show; it was a genuine part of who she was.

Growing up with wealth often exposes individuals to philanthropy at a young age, and this habit of giving can stick with them into adulthood.

Someone with a strong commitment to charity work or social causes might be a non-obvious sign that they grew up in a well-off family.

5) They might struggle with decision-making

Wealth can sometimes lead to indecisiveness.

Sounds counterintuitive, right?

But think about it: Growing up with a lot of options can make it harder to make choices later in life.

It’s like standing in front of a buffet spread and not knowing where to start.

I’ve seen this happen with people who grew up very rich.

They’re used to having a multitude of choices and that can sometimes lead to decision paralysis.

6) They have a unique perspective on work

People who grow up wealthy often have a different view of work compared to those who didn’t.

They might see work as an opportunity to pursue passions or make a difference, not just a means to earn a living.

Psychologist Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs proposes that once our basic needs (like food and shelter) are met, we strive for self-actualization—the desire to achieve our full potential.

Those who grew up in affluent families often have their basic and psychological needs met early on, allowing them to focus on self-fulfillment.

Coming across someone who seems unusually driven by passion or purpose in their work rather than just the paycheck could be a non-obvious sign of their wealthy upbringing.

7) They value experiences over possessions

Here’s something I’ve noticed over the years—those who grew up in wealthy households often place more value on experiences than material possessions.

My friend Sarah, whose family is quite well-off, would always choose a live concert over a new piece of jewelry, or a trip abroad over the latest gadget.

She believed in collecting moments, not things.

This mindset wasn’t about rejecting material wealth—it was about realizing that, in the end, the memories we create and the experiences we share are the true treasures that shape our lives.

8) They often struggle with self-worth

It’s important to note that growing up wealthy isn’t always sunshine and roses—it can sometimes lead to struggles with self-worth.

When a person grows up with a lot of money, it can be hard to separate their worth from thier wealth.

They might wonder if people like them as themselves, or for what they can offer them.

Ultimately, growing up in wealth doesn’t shield them from the complexities of identity formation.

That alone can create a distinct set of challenges that require self-awareness and a willingness to unearth the real, authentic version of oneself—beyond the material trappings of their upbringing.

9) They might be more frugal than you’d expect

Wealth doesn’t always equate to extravagance.

In fact, some individuals who grew up very rich might be more frugal than a person expect.

It’s not uncommon for wealthy families to instill values of financial prudence and caution, despite their abundant resources.

They understand the value of money and the importance of managing it wisely.

Spending money on others can have a much bigger return on happiness than spending it on oneself.

10) They have a strong network

I’ve noticed that those from wealthier backgrounds often have an extensive network of connections.

Wealthy families often have the means to send their children to prestigious schools and participate in exclusive social events.

As a result, those raised in such environments tend to develop a broad and diverse network of connections from a very young age.

It’s not necessarily about being extroverted or seeking out every opportunity, but more about having these opportunities presented to them by virtue of their upbringing and access.

A person with an unusually broad network of connections could also be a non-obvious sign that they grew up in a wealthy family.