30 “Rich People” Things People Still Do Despite Not Being Wealthy At All
Interview With Expert
Though financial stability is incredibly important, you don’t have to be a millionaire to enjoy life to the fullest. There are plenty of things you can do even without much cash in your pocket. On top of that, if you do have some savings to spare, you can still splurge from time to time to indulge in some truly luxurious activities.
The r/AskReddit online community recently shared some of the extravagant behaviors they’ve come to love even though they’re not rich. Buying whatever you want to cook and taking frequent holidays is just the tip of the iceberg. Scroll down to find out how else folks love to treat themselves.
Bored Panda reached out to personal finance expert Sam Dogen, the author of the bestselling severance negotiation book, 'How To Engineer Your Layoff' and the host of the 'Financial Samurai' blog. He shed some light on what everyone should prioritize in life no matter their income and shared his thoughts on who can be considered to be 'rich' in the United States in this day and age. You'll find our full interview with Dogen below.
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I have a adopted a black cat. That might not sound very exotic rich people stuff. But every time I look at him I can't help to think "I've got this incredibly beautiful graceful mini-jaguar in my house solely because I love it's companionship and looking at it.". Feel like a king with him.
I won’t buy crappy tires, shoes, or a bed. Don’t cheap out on what you put between you and the ground.
I tip servers like I’m rich because I used to work in the restaurant industry and I know all to well how brutal it can be
According to the Federal Reserve’s Consumer Finance Survey, the net worth of an average American household was a jaw-dropping $1.06 million (adjusted for inflation) in 2022.
Meanwhile, Zippia points out that there are a whopping 22 million millionaires in the United States alone. That’s around a third of the number of millionaires all around the globe.
Personal finance expert Dogen pointed out to Bored Panda that one's health and relationships are the foundation of everything. "Without your health, your wealth means very little. Therefore, spending more money on quality foods, exercise equipment, shoes, and physical trainers is worth it. As the saying goes, 'A rich man wants everything. A sick man wants one thing,'" the author of 'How To Engineer Your Layoff' said.
I buy the gel comfort pens. Makes me feel I'm a higher class when writing at work. Smooth crisp consistent ink.
My thermostat stays at the temperature setting of what is most comfortable to me and nothing will change that.
Replying to Pernille. Or you could invest in effient system. I know not everyone has that luxury. Years ago, we invested in a ductless system. Each room has its own units, so you can set the temperature different in each room. In the dead summer, brutal desert heat, an all electric house has a bill of $100.
It's not just our physical fitness that's essential, though. "In addition to maintaining physical health, it's important to maintain your mental health," Dogen said. "It's worth spending money on applications that help you sleep better, blackout curtains and blinds, and therapists when you are in mental pain."
On top of that, it is absolutely essential to invest in your social life. Dogen referred to the loneliness epidemic which is having a massive negative impact on people's lifespans.
"If you are lonely, I would spend more money on socializing, going to meetups, conferences, concerts, and more," the host of the 'Financial Samurai' blog urged.
Buy the good toilet paper
u/Bosslowski added:
I only buy 4 ply toilet paper because my butt deserves nothing but the best
I take myself on vacations. Whenever I'm on vacation, I do whatever I wanna do. I'll order a cocktail at 9 a.m. to go with my breakfast if I want to. When I'm on vacation, I don't look at the price — I just do it
I have someone clean my house once a month. Never thought I’d be somebody to have a cleaning lady but it’s totally worth it. It’s not even as expensive as I thought it would be.
But how can once a month be enough? Unless they deal with the day-to-day stuff, like floor, kitchen and bathroom, and leave to the cleaning lady the heavy duties, like washing the windows, cleaning thoroughly moving the furniture, ect...
Meanwhile, Dogen shared his thoughts on the net worth someone living in the US right now would need to have to be considered 'rich.'
"In America, the average American household is now a millionaire. It's hard to believe, but it's true according to the latest Federal Reserve Consumer Finances Survey. However, the median American household net worth is only $192,900 according to the Federal Reserve, which is more reflective of the average person," the author of 'How To Engineer Your Layoff' told Bored Panda.
My house stays at 68 in the summer and 72 in the winter. F**k that try to keep the electric bill down b******t. I work way too f*****g hard to be uncomfortable in my house.
Once a year, I buy a premium car-cleaning package. They clean my car inside and out, including washing the interior with soap.
I really need to do this. My car - thanks to two doggies that regularly get chauffeured around - still like a kennels and try as I might, I just cannot completely shift the smell and all the dog hair.
I have a towel warmer in my bathroom.
Not all that expensive, but holy f**k is it a luxury. Especially this time of year.
Don’t reckon it’s a luxury, it’s smart. They don’t draw much energy and they dry your towels. Had one all my life, inherited one from my parents that only gave out 5 or so years ago - got a wall mounted one now, brilliant. When we renovated our bathroom I insisted on having one
"Given the median age in America is about 39, if you want to be considered 'rich,' then you should likely have at least a net worth above the average, which is $1.06 million. However, due to inflation, I think to be a real millionaire, a household needs a net worth of at least $3 million," Dogen explained.
"Depending on where in America you live, you might need more than $3 million or less. Here in San Francisco, a recent survey of residents by Charles Schwab revealed $5.1 million is required to feel rich. Here's the net worth required to feel rich in various cities."
Dogen told Bored Panda that his book, 'How To Engineer Your Layoff,' helps people walk away from jobs they dislike with money in their pocket. "I negotiated a severance in 2012 at age 34 which paid for 5 years of normal living expenses. It was my catalyst to retire early and do something on my own!"
I get my hair done. It's the one self care thing that is expensive that makes me feel beautiful
Same! I used to dye it myself (blonde) and it totally ruined my hair at times. But it was wayyy cheaper. Now I go to my hairdresser once every three months. It’s about €100 but I feel like a million bucks when I leave. And in the months to come I feel so happy with the colour of my hair!
I go into Marks and Spencer (fancy British brand) and buy things for lunch like their (hella expensive) pulled pork sausage rolls, prawn cocktails, fancy salads etc. I like to pretend I'm a fancy lady for a few minutes every couple weeks lol. :)
Every time I get the train home from London Euston (about 2-3 times a month) I get M&S snacks for the train ride and a bag of Percy pigs (their mascot) sweets for at home too. They do amazing vegan options and it makes my train ride home after a busy trip a little more fun.
Let’s not beat around the bush too much: wealth certainly has its uses. It puts food on your table. It puts a roof over said table. It sends your kids to good schools and, later, to college. It helps prepare you for retirement. But until that moment comes, your riches can save time on dull tasks and help you enjoy many aspects of life, from travel to trying out new and unusual activities.
Above all else, money can afford you the freedom to choose what kind of life you would rather have. That being said, you do not have to be gob-smackingly rich (however you might personally define that) to enjoy the many things that life has to offer. Someone from a working or middle-class background is perfectly capable of splurging on luxurious things and activities, from time to time. Or they might choose to always buy quality food or clothing because they know that it’s worth investing in, in the long run.
However, just because you’re a millionaire doesn’t automatically mean that you’re wealthy and vice versa. Gratitude and being responsible with your finances are important factors here.
I take my goofy a*s pitbull to a super fancy dog groomer where he gets blueberry facials and all kinds of other ridiculous s**t. It’s all these super high end dogs people probably paid thousands for. I bring in a dog I found wandering around as a puppy alone in a White Castle parking lot. He has no idea how lucky he is that i decided to stop for some cheese sliders that night… his life could have gone very differently.
Honorable mention, I don’t use a case on my IPhone. If it breaks, it breaks. That’s what AppleCare is for
I pay for the shampoo/conditioner upgrades, the tooth brushing, all those things that will improve their overall quality of life. My boy is a shih tzu mix, and I've definitely noticed that his skin is less itchy with the higher-tier shampoo and conditioner; when he's less itchy, he's a happier boy.
For me, in the UK, it's private dentistry. We have the option of state provided NHS dentistry, but I pay to go private. Everyone thinks I'm insane, but I like the service I get and I know if there's a problem I can get seen to promptly with the best care I can afford. I do not have a high salary and I don't really go on holidays or breaks away, but I'll happily spend out on my dental health.
We may have the OPTION for NHS dentistry in the UK, but try finding one within about 40 miles that's taking new patients!
I don’t worry about prices when I’m grocery shopping i just grab what i want
If you can do that now then you're either single or rich most likely both
Being rich is more than just about your net worth: it’s about your mindset. For instance, someone whose income is higher than their expenses, earns enough to live comfortably, and provide for their family might consider themselves wealthy. On the flip side, someone with untold millions who can’t tame their expenses, constantly stresses out over their finances, and isn’t satisfied with what they have can’t really be considered to be wealthy.
Similarly, if happiness is your end goal, then you won’t increase it with cash alone, no matter how much you have. Research has shown that it’s positive relationships that are the most important factor that contributes to our health and longevity.
I buy expensive cologne, even though I don’t buy anything else expensive in terms of clothes etc. I like to smell nice.
I do the same. The expensive stuff smells way better than anything you can get from Wally World. I just buy the purse sprays or rollerball of the scent and use it when I leave the house.
I pay for YouTube premium.
Me too. I'm too old for all those ads, I'll forget the story! Or an ad in the middle of your favourite music, ahhhh no.
So if you ever find yourself envying someone in a different tax bracket, consider what your social life is like. It might be best to focus on strengthening genuine relationships with the people you care about the most, rather than worrying about how you’re not a millionaire (yet). In the meantime, don’t forget to treat yourself from time to time. Saving money is important, but if you never get to enjoy the fruits of your labor, perhaps it’s time to work fewer hours and spend more time with your family and friends?
We have a garage fridge that is full of all different kinds of beverages.
I think it's the modern day equivalent to having a wet bar in the basement.
I leave the fridge door open when getting the butter out even though my dad said it would cost billions and send us to the streets.
I only make about $50,000 to $60,000 a year, but I take international trips. Traveling is the stuff of life for me. I forego a lot of things so that I can save up to go on a big journey once a year.
Buy name brand, expensive make up. In my defense it lasts much longer than drugstore.
I buy small trash bags for the bathroom trash bins. My whole family uses grocery bags, but I don’t like how they always rip at the bottom.
I cook my dogs food. Ground beef, grains and veggie mix every week. Cheaper in the long run and better for her health.
My brother always cooked his dogs their own food. He couldn't stand all the manufactured food for dogs, whenever anyone asked about it, he would say that "companies don't care what they put in human food, do you think they care what they put in dog food?" Miss ya, bro :(
Every so often, I eat at restaurants that cost $50 to $100 per person.
Upgrading to business class on long-haul flights to the east. It is so much better!
Buy the $6 bottle of coffee creamer knowing damn well I’m on the $3 bottle kind of budget.
I can’t help it though. Cobani sweet cream just hits different.
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I am anaphylactic to several foods and medications. My thing.. I buy the correct foods, regardless of cost, as I kind of like to stay alive, and I ensure I always have a prepay prescription certificate so I can order meds when needed, not when I can afford them. Oh... I do like good toilet paper. I agree with that poster 😉
I'm similar. There aren't many foods I can eat that doesn't result in a pancreatitis flare. So when I find one that doesn't, I stick with it, no matter what the cost. Certainly cheaper than a monthly hospital stay, for sure (obviously in the US here).
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This morning I was complaining how expensive things were and my husband looked at me funny. Now I answered "same" to most of these and realized half my friends could not say that...and I am a GenX-er, we still had time to set stuff aside and have good well paid careers. All the people writing these "rich" people things it's because we are rich, we just don't realize it.
I am anaphylactic to several foods and medications. My thing.. I buy the correct foods, regardless of cost, as I kind of like to stay alive, and I ensure I always have a prepay prescription certificate so I can order meds when needed, not when I can afford them. Oh... I do like good toilet paper. I agree with that poster 😉
I'm similar. There aren't many foods I can eat that doesn't result in a pancreatitis flare. So when I find one that doesn't, I stick with it, no matter what the cost. Certainly cheaper than a monthly hospital stay, for sure (obviously in the US here).
Load More Replies... This morning I was complaining how expensive things were and my husband looked at me funny. Now I answered "same" to most of these and realized half my friends could not say that...and I am a GenX-er, we still had time to set stuff aside and have good well paid careers. All the people writing these "rich" people things it's because we are rich, we just don't realize it.
