It’s one of those curiosities that makes you scratch your head:

You’re a working-class individual, you’ve saved up your hard-earned money, and you splurge on something you really want. You’re thrilled with your purchase, but then someone from the wealthy class looks at it and just sees it as trashy.

It’s not always a big, glaring difference.

Sometimes, it’s just a subtle distinction that creates this divide, even though your instincts or inclinations may disagree.

Here’s how to recognize those eight items that the working class often spend money on, but which the wealthy often dismiss as lowbrow.

This is the introductory section for an article titled “8 things working-class people splurge on that wealthy people consider trashy”. In this piece, we’ll explore these differences not to mock or divide, but to gain understanding and perhaps rethink our own biases about what constitutes ‘value’. 

1) Extravagant car accessories

It’s a common sight on our roads, right?

You see a car that’s not particularly high-end, but it’s decked out with all manner of accessories. Think neon underglow lights, oversized spoilers, custom decals – the works.

Now don’t get me wrong, everyone has the right to personalize their vehicle to their heart’s content. But here’s the kicker – these modifications often cost a pretty penny, sometimes more than the car itself.

For the wealthy, this might seem like an exercise in futility. They’d rather invest in a vehicle that performs excellently and has a sleek design right off the bat. Plus, they’re likely to consider these flashy modifications as tasteless or even trashy.

But if you’re from the working class and this is your way of expressing your personality or showing off your hard work, who’s to say it’s wrong?

2) Designer knock-offs

I’ll tell you a little story about my cousin.

She’s a hardworking woman, a single mom who’s doing her best to provide for her kids and, occasionally, treat herself. One day, she saved up enough to buy herself a handbag that had the look of a designer brand. It wasn’t the real deal, it was a knock-off, but she was over the moon with it.

From a distance, you couldn’t really tell it wasn’t authentic. She loved that bag and carried it with pride.

But then there was this one time at a family gathering. One of our wealthier relatives noticed the bag and made a snide remark about it. It didn’t sit well with me at all.

You see, for my cousin, that bag was more than just a fashion statement. It was a symbol of her hard work, her perseverance, and her ability to treat herself even on a tight budget.

But to our well-off relative? Just another trashy knock-off.

It’s good to have an eye for quality, sure, but dismissing someone’s pride and joy because it doesn’t carry an authentic designer label? That’s where the understanding gap lies. 

3) Lottery tickets

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that playing the lottery is insane. But when you look at it from a purely statistical perspective, the odds of winning are astronomically low.

Yet, it’s often the working class who regularly buy these tickets, hoping to hit the jackpot and change their lives overnight.

On the other hand, the wealthy might think of this as throwing money down the drain. Why gamble on such slim odds when you could invest that money and grow it steadily over time?

But then again, hope has no price tag. And if buying a lottery ticket brings that glimmer of hope and excitement to someone’s day, who are we to judge?

As Albert Einstein said, “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.” And maybe, just maybe, that’s what these lottery tickets represent – a little bit of imagination in our everyday lives.

4) Over-the-top holiday decorations

Did you know that Americans spend more than $6 billion on Christmas decorations each year?

It’s not hard to see where that money goes when you drive around neighborhoods during the holiday season. Homes are adorned with massive inflatable Santas, shimmering lights covering every inch of the house, and yards filled with reindeer and nativity scenes.

For many working-class folks, going all out with holiday decorations is a tradition they look forward to each year. It’s a way of spreading cheer and getting into the festive spirit.

But for the wealthy? This display of holiday excess might seem trashy or tacky.

They may prefer a more subtle, tasteful approach to their holiday decorating – think a classic wreath on the door or a well-dressed Christmas tree in the living room.

5) Fast food and takeout

There’s something incredibly comforting about a greasy burger and fries at the end of a long day, isn’t there?

For many working-class individuals, takeout or fast food is a treat. It’s a break from cooking, a chance to indulge, and a small pleasure that fits within their budget.

But to the wealthy, this may seem like an unhealthy and trashy choice. They might prefer dining in high-end restaurants or hiring personal chefs to cook nutritious, gourmet meals at home.

Yet, it’s important to remember that not everyone has the luxury of time or resources to maintain an exclusive diet. Sometimes, a quick drive-thru meal is all one can afford in terms of time, money, and energy.

Sure, it’s not caviar or a five-course meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant, but it’s satisfying in its own right. 

6) Novelty items

Ever walked into a home and spotted a singing fish mounted on the wall, or perhaps a toilet paper holder that talks? These novelty items, often seen as kitschy or tacky, bring joy to many working-class households.

For some, it’s about the sheer humor and absurdity these items bring. It’s a conversation starter, a piece that brings a smile to their faces every time they pass by.

Yet, for the wealthy, these items might be considered tasteless or trashy. They might prefer investing in expensive art pieces or timeless classics that are seen as adding value to their homes.

What’s the harm in finding amusement in the little things? After all, not everything in life needs to be about investment or value appreciation. Sometimes, it’s just about having a good laugh and enjoying the quirkiness life offers. 

7) Over-the-top clothing and accessories

Think leopard print leggings, neon-colored tops, oversized jewelry – the kind of stuff that really makes a statement.

For many working-class folks, these bold fashion choices are a way to express their individuality and personality. They’re not afraid to stand out or be unique.

However, from a wealthy person’s point of view, these clothing choices might come across as trashy or cheap. They often lean towards more subtle, classic, and high-end fashion choices.

But here’s the thing – fashion is subjective. What one person finds trashy, another might find trendy. What’s important is that you feel good in what you’re wearing and that it reflects who you are.

8) Pay-per-view events

There’s nothing like the excitement of a big boxing match or wrestling event on pay-per-view, right? The adrenaline rush, the anticipation, the communal experience of watching it with friends or family – it’s all part of the package.

It’s a splurge that many working-class people look forward to, even if it means saving up for a while or adjusting their budgets to afford it.

However, for the wealthy, this might seem like a waste of money. Instead of spending on a one-time event, they might prefer to invest in experiences such as live concerts, theater shows, or luxury vacations.

But here’s the deal – these pay-per-view events are more than just entertainment. They’re about community and shared experiences. They’re about the thrill of watching something unfold live, about being part of something bigger.

Final thoughts

As we navigate through this diverse world, it’s crucial to remember that value is subjective. What one person perceives as trashy, another might view as a treasure.

Each of these eight items we’ve discussed holds value and meaning for the working-class individuals who buy them. And that’s what really matters.

Wealthy individuals may dismiss these things as ‘trashy’, but this shouldn’t diminish any joy or satisfaction they bring.

After all, isn’t the ultimate goal of our purchases to make us happy, to express ourselves, and to enjoy our hard-earned money in ways that resonate with us?

The key takeaway here is not to judge or dismiss others’ choices just because they differ from ours. Instead, let’s learn to appreciate the diversity of tastes and preferences that make our world an interesting place.

As Oscar Wilde once said, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” So, whether you’re splurging on extravagant car accessories or a pay-per-view event, do it because it brings you joy, not because it fits someone else’s idea of value.

Here’s to embracing our individuality and celebrating the things that make us uniquely us.