15 Behaviors That Might Be Giveaways That You Grew Up Poor (Like I Did)

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Many who grew up with financial struggles often prefer not to broadcast their past.

Yet, certain behaviors can subtly reveal their history. These habits, rooted in a past of scarcity, linger into adulthood, offering a glimpse into their upbringing.

I grew up poor. My dad started a business when my older sister was born, and all of his resources were focused on that business. I can relate to these 15 behaviors of people that grew up poor.

Oh, and just because someone does any of these does not mean they are poor. I also made a video for this. It’s at the end.

Table of Contents

Grabbing Free Food for Later

When free food is available, some might stash a few snacks for later. This behavior stems from past food insecurity, where access to meals was never guaranteed.

This isn’t your normal behavior of saving leftovers. For example, my mom used to make what she called Three-Day Mostaccioli. For three (usually more) days every meal we ate was mostaccioli.

My wife still seems taken back when I eat the same leftovers for many meals in a row. I just can’t stand throwing food away. This is a sign of someone who grew up poor.

Difficulty in Buying Luxuries

For those who couldn’t afford nice things growing up, purchasing luxuries as adults can still feel like a forbidden act, even when finances allow it.

It isn’t just fancy cars. For those of us that grew up poor its hard to feel comfortable paying for a luxury like bacon on a hamburger. It just doesn’t feel right.

Related: What is Satisfice?

Stockpiling Essentials

Running out of necessities can trigger anxiety for those who experienced scarcity. They often keep multiple backups of items to avoid the fear of going without.

Hoarding Items

A storage unit filled with various items including boxes, chairs, and household goods, organized according to decluttering rules.

A past of lacking essentials can lead to hoarding. People might hold onto items, fearing they won’t have what they need in the future.

This one never affected me. But my mother was definitely a hoarder. I actually invented My One-Year Rule To Decluttering Could Save You Thousands.

Discussing Prices Frequently

Talking about prices is common among those who grew up poor. They often share how much they paid for items and the deals they found, a habit from needing to stretch every dollar.

Using Disposable Kitchenware as Permanent Dishes

Close up of a Pizza Slice on a Paper Plate

Finding someone eating from old butter tubs or drinking from pasta sauce jars is a telltale sign of a frugal upbringing. These items were repurposed as permanent dishes to save money.

Reusing Plastic Bags

A young boy is putting dough into a plastic bag to make biscuit donuts.

Plastic bags are viewed as valuable resources. They are cleaned and reused, serving multiple purposes beyond their initial use.

Preferring to Save Money Over Investing

People with a poor background often prioritize having cash on hand. They prefer the security of a savings account over the potential returns of investments.

Consuming Low-Quality Foods

Childhood diets of inexpensive, processed foods can shape adult preferences. The taste for bologna and mac and cheese often persists into later years.

Avoiding Clothes Dryers

Memorable baby shower T shirts hanging on a clothesline in a backyard.

Using a dryer can be costly. Many who grew up line-drying clothes continue this practice, enjoying the fresh scent and saving on utility bills.

Related:

Feeling Uneasy Around Expensive Items

A suburban two-story house with gray siding and a triple garage, illuminated windows glowing under a twilight sky.

Being around luxury items can cause anxiety. There’s a constant worry about damaging or having to replace costly things.

Reluctance to Buy New Items

How To Make Money Selling Things Online: Mom with lots of used clothes for sale — Image Credit: ChaChingQueen

Some prefer second-hand shopping, despite being able to afford new items. Thrift stores and online marketplaces are often their go-to for deals.

Using Every Last Drop

Stretching products to their limits, like adding water to shampoo bottles, is common. This habit ensures nothing goes to waste.

Struggling with Money Management

Growing up without financial education can lead to poor money management skills. Budgeting and saving are often challenging tasks.

Luckily this one did not happen with me. Growing up the son of a businessman actually taught me an immense amount about money management. So much so that I retired at 42 on my own merit.