Growing up without a lot of money — it’s a reality many of us have experienced but may not always want to reveal.
The signs are often subtle, hidden in our behaviors, habits, and attitudes. It’s more than just being frugal or economical; it’s a deeply ingrained mindset that shapes how we navigate life.
But how can you tell if someone grew up in financially challenging circumstances, even if they’re trying their best to hide it?
There are some subtle indicators that can give you a clue.
In this article, I’m going to peel back the veil and share nine signs that someone might have grown up poor, even if they’re putting on a brave face and not letting it show.
1) They’re resourceful in the face of scarcity
Growing up poor often means learning how to make do with less. When resources are scarce, you learn to get creative, to stretch what you have, and to find alternative solutions.
This isn’t about being miserly; it’s about survival. And this kind of resourcefulness doesn’t just disappear when circumstances improve.
It becomes a part of who you are, a life skill that’s deeply ingrained.
If you notice someone finding innovative solutions in situations where others might struggle, there’s a good chance they’ve experienced financial hardships in their past.
In many ways, this resourcefulness can be seen as a badge of honor—a testament to their resilience and adaptability.
It’s a sign of someone who has learned to navigate life’s challenges with grit and determination.
2) They’re hyper-aware of waste
Have you ever heard of the scarcity mindset?
It’s a psychological concept that speaks to how our behaviors are shaped by our perception of scarcity or abundance.
When resources are limited, every bit counts. You become hyper-aware of waste and tend to maximize the use of everything you have.
Growing up poor often instills this mindset.
Food isn’t wasted. Clothes are worn until they can’t be worn anymore. Everything must be used to its full potential.
This mindset usually sticks around, long after the scarcity is gone.
If you notice someone being extremely conscious about waste, they might have grown up in a financially challenged environment.
It’s not just about frugality; it’s a deeply ingrained habit born out of necessity.
3) They may overcompensate when they have more
Surprisingly, growing up with less can sometimes lead to overcompensation later in life.
The scarcity mindset can swing the other way too. When individuals who grew up poor find themselves financially stable, they might overcompensate for their past scarcity.
This could manifest in buying more food than necessary, even if it leads to waste. Or purchasing high-end items just because they can.
They might even keep things they don’t need “just in case.”
While they’re usually hyper-aware of waste due to their upbringing, old habits might clash with newfound opportunities.
If someone seems to overcompensate despite their usual frugality, it could be a sign they’ve experienced poverty in their past.
4) They have a complex relationship with money
Ever noticed how upbringing shapes your relationship with money?
For those who grew up poor, money often holds a deeper significance. It’s not just a means to buy things but a symbol of security, of not having to worry about basic necessities.
This might manifest as extreme caution about spending money, even when they can afford to. Or it could result in anxiety about losing money, leading to an obsessive need to save or invest.
Sometimes, this complex relationship is hidden behind a facade of casual indifference.
But if you look closely, you might see the layers beneath.
Despite appearing financially stable now, if someone seems overly cautious or anxious about money, it could be a sign they’ve faced financial hardships in the past.
5) They value experiences over material possessions
Growing up without a lot of money often changes your perspective on what truly matters.
Material possessions might come and go, but experiences? They last a lifetime.
Someone who grew up poor might prefer spending money on experiences rather than things.
They value time with loved ones over expensive outings and invest in learning new skills or traveling instead of buying the latest gadget.
It’s not about being cheap or disliking material possessions.
It’s about understanding the impermanence of things and the lasting impact of experiences.
6) They’re empathetic towards others in need
Those who have faced hardships often have a deeper understanding of what it means to struggle.
Our experiences shape how we relate to others, and when someone has grown up poor, they’re often more empathetic towards others in need.
It’s as if they can see themselves in those people’s shoes because they’ve walked that path before.
Empathy isn’t exclusive to those who have faced financial hardships. But living through tough times makes you more attuned to the struggles of others.
If you notice someone showing extraordinary empathy towards those less fortunate, especially in financial matters, it could be a sign they’ve experienced poverty themselves.
7) They’re humble about their achievements
Imagine climbing a mountain and quietly appreciating the view instead of shouting about your victory.
People who have faced financial hardships often approach their achievements similarly.
They’ve climbed their own mountains and crossed their own chasms. When they reach success, they remain humble.
They don’t feel the need to flaunt their wealth or success. Instead, they remember where they came from and appreciate how far they’ve come.
8) They’re hardworking and persistent
Growing up poor often means learning the value of hard work early on.
A childhood friend of mine, despite challenges, was always the most hardworking person in the room. Her unwavering determination to change her circumstances paid off, and she’s now a successful entrepreneur.
When you’ve had to fight for everything you’ve got, it builds a certain resilience.
You learn to keep going, even when things get tough.
If someone displays exceptional work ethic and a never-give-up attitude, it could be a sign they’ve faced financial hardships in their past.
It isn’t just ambition; it’s a deep-rooted determination forged from struggle.
9) They’re grateful for what they have
The most telling sign that someone might have grown up poor is an ingrained sense of gratitude.
Growing up with less makes you profoundly appreciative of what you do have. It’s not about the quantity but about the value and meaning attached to it.
You learn to be grateful for the small things: a warm meal, a roof over your head, a job that pays the bills.
This gratitude is a deeply felt emotion born out of a journey from scarcity to sufficiency.
So, what can we learn from this?
Being aware of these signs can help us understand and empathize with the experiences of those around us.
It also prompts us to reflect on our own attitudes and behaviors:
- Do we take our blessings for granted?
- Are we humble about our achievements?
- Do we value experiences over material possessions?
- Are we resourceful and persistent in the face of challenges?
While these signs often indicate growing up poor, they’re also traits that can be cultivated by anyone, regardless of their background.
Growing up poor doesn’t define a person. It’s a chapter in their life story—a chapter that has likely shaped them in profound ways.
As we journey through life, let’s remember that everyone has their own struggles and victories.
Let’s honor those journeys, our own and others’, with understanding, empathy, and respect.
And let’s be mindful of the signs we carry with us—reminders of where we’ve come from and how far we’ve come.
