Money can’t buy class. It’s a phrase we’ve all heard, and it’s absolutely true.

There are people who have a lot of money but display very little class. And often, they don’t even realize it.

However, these behaviors aren’t always blatant – they can be subtle. Today, we delve into the seven such behaviors that give away a lack of class, regardless of how much money is in the bank.

Let’s dive in. 

1) Flashing their wealth

You’ve seen them before.

They’re the ones who always have the latest luxury car, designer clothes, and the most expensive gadgets.

They flaunt their wealth around like it’s going out of style.

They do this not because they necessarily enjoy these things, but because they want others to know just how much money they have.

It’s a display of power and status, but it often comes off as tacky and tasteless.

And the funny thing is, they don’t even realize they’re doing it.

To them, it’s just how they live their life.

2) Lack of empathy

Another subtle behavior I’ve noticed among individuals with lots of money but little class is a distinct lack of empathy.

I remember a time when I was at a charity event.

One of the guests, a man known for his substantial wealth, was asked to say a few words about the cause.

Instead of focusing on the needs of the charity, he spent the entire time talking about his latest business venture.

It was clear that he was more interested in promoting himself than understanding and empathizing with the people the charity was trying to help.

He had the money to make a difference but lacked the class to focus on anything other than himself.

This lack of empathy, more often than not, goes unnoticed by them.

But for those paying attention, it’s a glaring sign of their lack of class.

3) Poor tipping habits

You might be surprised to learn that wealth doesn’t always equate to generosity, especially when it comes to tipping.

Some Uber and DoorDash drivers have  actually said that rich people are the worst tippers. 

This might not seem like a big deal, but it’s a subtle sign of a lack of class.

Tipping is a social norm, a way of showing appreciation for service.

When someone consistently under-tips or avoids tipping altogether despite having the means to do so, it reveals a lack of understanding or disregard for this social contract.

It’s not about the money – it’s about respect and appreciation. 

4) Disrespecting service staff

Here’s one you probably expected.

Whether it’s waiters, cleaners, or retail workers, individuals lacking in class often treat these workers as if they’re beneath them.

They may be impatient, rude, or even downright disrespectful.

They fail to recognize that these individuals are doing their jobs and deserve respect just like anyone else.

Real class is about treating everyone with kindness and respect, regardless of their job or social status.

It’s a subtle behavior, but it speaks volumes about character.

5) A lack of genuine generosity

I remember a birthday party I had a few years ago.

A friend of mine, who is quite well-off, gave me an expensive gift.

While I appreciated the gesture, what stuck with me was not the gift itself, but the way he acted after giving it.

He kept mentioning the price and how difficult it had been to acquire.

It was as if he expected constant praise and gratitude for his effort.

It made me feel uncomfortable and honestly, a little sad for him.

Truly classy people give without expecting anything in return.

It’s about being generous because you want to make someone else happy, not because you want recognition or praise.

Unfortunately, this ungratefulness is often overlooked by those who display it.

But for those on the receiving end, it’s a clear sign of someone who might have a lot of money, but very little class.

6) Name-dropping

Another subtle behavior among people with money but little class is the habit of name-dropping.

They constantly reference the famous or influential people they know, as if to assert their own importance.

They may casually mention the celebrity they bumped into at a party, or the high-profile businessperson they had lunch with.

They do this in an attempt to elevate their own status and impress others.

True class, however, doesn’t require validation from association with well-known figures.

It’s about being comfortable with who you are, without needing to ride on the coattails of others’ fame or success.

7) Lack of humility

Perhaps the most telling sign of someone who has a lot of money but little class is a lack of humility.

They often see themselves as superior to others purely because of their wealth.

They may boast about their accomplishments, dismiss others’ opinions, or fail to acknowledge their own mistakes.

They believe that their financial success gives them a free pass to act as they please.

Humility, however, is a cornerstone of class.

It’s about recognizing that no matter how successful you are, you’re no better or worse than anyone else.

It’s about being gracious in victory and accepting in defeat.

Final reflection: Class is a choice

At the heart of it all, class is not about wealth; it’s about character, respect, and consideration for others.

It’s about understanding that money is a tool, not a measure of worth.

The philosopher Seneca once said, “Wealth is the slave of a wise man. The master of a fool.”

This statement rings true even today.

Those who display the subtle behaviors we’ve discussed may have amassed great fortunes, but they’ve missed out on the wisdom that should come with it.

They’ve allowed wealth to master them, rather than mastering their wealth.

Let this be a reminder for us all.

Class isn’t something you can buy. It’s something you cultivate through humility, empathy, and respect for others.

Whether you’re wealthy or not, you have the choice to display class in every interaction and every decision.

And that choice will always speak louder than any amount of money.