We all know someone who’s so desperate to look like they’ve got tons of money that they actually make themselves look a bit silly in the process.
Sure, they have the latest and greatest of everything, but everything they have is on tick, and they’re up to their ears in debt, only one missed payment away from having their house or car repossessed. However, that doesn’t stop them from making these bad decisions in the hope that everyone will be impressed by them. Try not to roll your eyes too hard at these!
1. They lease luxury cars to project an image of success.
Driving around in a top-of-the-line car sure looks impressive, but it’s a pretty costly way to keep up appearances. They don’t even own the thing and have to watch the miles like a hawk. In the end, they’re paying loads for something they’ll just have to give back—talk about throwing money away just for a flashy ride.
2. They mortgage a house they can’t truly afford.
Source: Unsplash Living in a massive house is great… until the mortgage payments start crushing you. People stretch their budgets to the limit just to get a place that looks impressive. But all that “wow” factor disappears when they’re scrambling to pay bills and have nothing left for life’s little surprises—like fixing that leaky roof or, you know, eating.
3. They rack up credit card debt to fund a champagne lifestyle.
Ever see someone living like they’re royalty, but it’s all on the credit card? They’re eating out at fancy places, wearing designer clothes, and jetting off on luxury holidays—but all of it’s bought on borrowed money. The interest piles up faster than the memories, leaving them drowning in debt for years.
4. They skimp on important things to look rich.
These people are so focused on the ‘luxuries’ that they cut corners on the essentials. They’ll spend on the latest gadgets but ignore their health insurance or retirement savings. Yeah, they might look as if they’re rolling in it, but one big expense will knock them flat because they didn’t take care of what really matters.
5. They make risky investments, hoping they’ll get rich quick.
In their rush to look financially “ahead of the game,” some people dive into risky investments without really understanding them. They think it’s a shortcut to wealth, but more often than not, it blows up in their face. Instead of easy money, they end up with a lot less than they started with.
6. They force their kids to pick up pricey hobbies to keep up appearances.
Parents who stretch themselves thin to put their kids in the most expensive schools or activities aren’t really doing anyone any favours. Sure, it looks impressive, but going into debt for your kid’s ballet lessons or private tuition isn’t a smart long-term move. Family security matters more than looking like the Joneses.
7. They upgrade their gadgets constantly just to stay “current”.
They’ve got to have the latest phone, tablet, or smartwatch as soon as it’s out, even though their old one works perfectly fine. Chasing after every new gadget only drains their wallet and doesn’t really improve their life—except for showing off their shiny new toy.
8. They throw lavish parties or weddings they can’t afford.
Source: Unsplash Sure, a big party or wedding looks fabulous in photos, but when the debt sticks around long after the party’s over, it’s not so fun. People rack up bills for one night just to make sure everyone’s impressed—meanwhile, they’re stuck paying it off for years. It’s not worth the headache.
9. They buy a second home or holiday property they rarely use.
Source: Pexels A holiday home sounds like a dream, but the reality? A second mortgage, upkeep, and taxes on a place that barely gets used. It’s an expensive way to try to look like you’re living the high life, but in reality, it’s just another financial burden.
10. They overspend on brand names for everyday items.
Source: Unsplash We all like nice things, but splashing out on premium brands for every single thing, even toilet paper, is just a waste. Some high-end items might be worth it, but for day-to-day stuff? You’re just burning money for the label, not the quality.
11. They neglect their health to maintain a busy, successful image.
Some people work themselves into the ground to look like they’ve got it all together. They skip sleep, forget to eat right, and push their bodies too hard. In the end, all that hard work to keep up appearances could lead to serious health issues—and no amount of “success” will make up for that.
12. They pretend to know about high-culture topics they don’t understand.
They’ll spend big on art, wine, or literature they don’t even understand, just to fit in with the right crowd. It’s all about looking the part, but at the end of the day, it’s just empty posturing. They’re better off being real—but instead, they just end up looking foolish.
13. They constantly compare themselves to people on social media.
Social media is a big culprit in fuelling this whole facade. They look at other people’s highlight reels and feel the pressure to match it, even if it means going broke. They forget that everyone else is just showing the best bits, and it’s not the whole picture. Trying to keep up with that can be exhausting—and expensive.
