There’s a significant distinction between being genuinely affluent and merely pretending to be.

Pretending to be wealthier than one is involves putting up a façade, often leading to certain telltale behaviors.

On the contrary, actual wealth often comes with a different set of traits and actions.

In this article, we’ll focus on the behaviors usually displayed by people who pretend to be wealthier than they truly are. I will outline eight clear signs that may just reveal a wealth pretender in your midst.

This doesn’t mean every person showing these traits is faking wealth, but it’s certainly food for thought. Let’s dive in!

1) Flashy displays of material possessions

It’s not uncommon to notice that people pretending to be wealthier than they truly are have a knack for displaying flashy, expensive items.

The need to appear wealthy often drives them to acquire material possessions that they believe represent wealth. This could be anything from luxury cars, high-end clothing, or the latest tech gadgets.

The irony is, genuine wealthy individuals often do not feel the need to constantly showcase their wealth. They have nothing to prove. Their wealth isn’t defined by their possessions, but rather their assets and investments.

However, someone pretending to be wealthy will likely focus more on the exterior signs of affluence. They want you to see their wealth, even if it means living beyond their means.

Remember, this doesn’t mean that everyone who owns luxury items is pretending to be wealthy. But a consistent pattern of flashy displays can be a giveaway.

2) Overemphasis on brand names

Here’s something I’ve noticed in my own experiences.

I had a friend, let’s call him John. John was always keen to flaunt his clothing labels and make sure everyone knew he was wearing designer brands. He’d casually drop the brand names into conversations and always seemed to have the latest designer gear. It was as if the mention of these luxury brands was a validation of his status.

What struck me as odd was that he often complained about being short on cash when it came to more essential expenses. It became clear that John was more focused on appearing wealthy by associating himself with high-end brands, despite struggling financially behind the scenes.

Contrastingly, many genuinely wealthy people I know don’t place such an emphasis on brand names. Sure, they might enjoy quality products, but they don’t feel the need to broadcast it.

So, an overemphasis on brand names can often be a signal of someone pretending to be wealthier than they actually are.

3) Excessive dining out

People pretending to be wealthier than they are often dine out at expensive restaurants more frequently than their income can sustain. The allure of being seen in high-end eateries and the social media presence that often accompanies such visits can be irresistible.

Interestingly, a study revealed that the top 20% of U.S. earners spend less on dining out as a percentage of their income compared to the bottom 20%. This suggests that the truly wealthy are often more mindful about their expenditures and have a greater focus on building wealth rather than displaying it.

So, frequently dining out at ritzy restaurants, especially when it seems beyond one’s means, could be a sign of someone pretending to be wealthier than they are.

4) Living in a house they can’t afford

One of the most common behaviors displayed by people pretending to be wealthier than they are is living in a house they can’t realistically afford.

They might choose a home in a well-off neighborhood or a large, extravagant property that stretches their financial resources thin. The idea is to give off an impression of wealth and status.

However, this often leads to a financial strain as they struggle to keep up with mortgage payments, maintenance costs, and property taxes.

On the contrary, genuinely wealthy individuals often live within their means. They understand that true wealth isn’t about the house you live in, but the financial security and freedom you have.

So, if someone is living in a house that seems beyond their means, it might be a sign of them pretending to be wealthier than they actually are.

5) Neglecting meaningful relationships

Wealth isn’t just about material possessions or money in the bank. It’s about the richness of life’s experiences and the people we share them with.

Sometimes, those pretending to be wealthier than they are can get so caught up in maintaining their façade that they neglect their meaningful relationships. They may prioritize socializing with perceived high-status individuals, often at the expense of old friends and family members.

It’s heartrending, really, when people measure their worth by their wealth. True wealth lies in our relationships, in shared experiences, and in the love we give and receive.

So, if someone is constantly prioritizing appearances over meaningful connections, it could be a sign they are pretending to be wealthier than they actually are.

6) Constant stress about money

In the quest to maintain a façade of wealth, there’s an undercurrent of financial stress that often goes unnoticed. I’ve experienced this firsthand.

There was a time when I found myself wanting to keep up with the Joneses. Buying the newest gadgets, dining at fancy restaurants, and taking lavish vacations—all in a bid to appear affluent. But behind closed doors, I was constantly worried. Anxieties about paying my bills, clearing my debts, and meeting my financial obligations would keep me up at night.

Genuine wealth usually brings financial peace, not constant worry. The truly wealthy have their finances in order and don’t have to stress over every dollar spent.

So, a perpetual state of worry about money could indicate that someone is living beyond their means in an attempt to appear wealthier than they are.

7) Rarely talking about savings or investments

People pretending to be wealthier than they are often focus on their spending, rarely mentioning savings or investments. They might talk about the latest item they’ve purchased or the expensive vacation they’re planning, but discussions about their retirement plan or investment strategy may be conspicuously absent.

On the other hand, genuinely wealthy individuals understand the importance of savings and investments for building and maintaining wealth. They’re often more eager to discuss their investment strategies than their latest expenditures.

So, if someone is always discussing their spending but rarely mentions savings or investments, it could be a sign they’re pretending to be wealthier than they actually are.

8) Ignoring the value of experiences over material things

At the end of the day, the most valuable things in life aren’t things at all. They’re experiences, memories, and personal growth. People who pretend to be wealthier than they are often overlook this fundamental truth.

They chase after material possessions, believing they signify wealth and success. However, true wealth lies not in what we own, but in who we are as individuals and the experiences that shape us.

So, if someone constantly prioritizes material possessions over enriching experiences, it could be a sign that they’re pretending to be wealthier than they actually are.