Not everyone brags about their wealth, but a lot of rich kids tend to do and say things that give themselves away pretty much immediately.
Of course, this isn’t necessarily something to be ashamed of. You can’t help the financial situation you were born into, and it’s not a character flaw to grow up with money. As long as they remain humble, see everyone as equals regardless of socioeconomic class, and don’t use their money to bring harm to other people, it’s just another reality of their life. Here’s how you’ll know someone has never struggled financially.
1. Casually mentioning luxury brands
When someone drops brand names like Burberry, Balenciaga, or Prada in everyday conversation, they might not be doing it to show off — it’s just their norm. For them, these aren’t status symbols; they’re just things. It’s not so much bragging as it is a reflection of what they’re used to. They probably don’t even realise that not everyone can casually buy a £1,000 handbag.
2. Being oblivious to everyday prices
If someone looks shocked when you mention how much a coffee or a bus fare costs, chances are they’ve never had to think about small expenses. They might genuinely have no clue how much a pint of milk or a loaf of bread costs — because someone else has always handled it. To them, everyday costs are minor details that barely register. It’s a luxury not to need to keep track of those things.
3. Having an endless supply of new stuff
New phone, new trainers, new car — and all within a few months. When someone constantly upgrades their gear without blinking, it’s usually a sign they don’t have to worry about budgets. For them, getting the latest and greatest isn’t a treat; it’s just a Tuesday. The idea of holding onto things until they’re worn out probably seems foreign to them. They’re used to replacing rather than repairing.
4. Treating holidays as a regular occurrence
“We’re just off to the Maldives again this summer” isn’t something most people say casually. Rich kids often see luxury getaways as standard, not a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If someone’s complaining about “only” going to Spain this year, they’re likely revealing their privileged perspective. For them, travel is just a routine part of life, not a hard-earned luxury. The concept of a ‘staycation’ probably seems like a punishment.
5. Driving expensive cars early on
While most teenagers scrape together savings for a used hatchback, some roll up in brand-new luxury cars. If someone’s first car is a BMW, a Mercedes, or even a Range Rover, chances are their parents made that happen. It’s not just the car; it’s the insurance, the maintenance, and the confidence to drive something so pricey. They might not realise most people are just hoping their old banger will last another year.
6. Not understanding the concept of “saving up”
Source: Unsplash If someone doesn’t get why you need to save for weeks or months for something you really want, they’ve probably never had to. For them, big purchases don’t require planning — they’re just one bank transfer away. The idea of putting off a desire because of financial constraints might be completely alien. Their ‘wait time’ is just how long it takes for the item to be delivered.
7. Casually name-dropping “family connections”
When someone mentions their “uncle who’s a CEO” or their “family friend who owns a yacht,” they might not even realise they’re name-dropping. To them, it’s just their social circle, but to everyone else, it’s a pretty big giveaway. These connections shape their opportunities in ways they don’t always acknowledge. What they call networking, other people might call a major leg up in life.
8. Having a surprising lack of life skills
Rich kids often haven’t had to learn certain basic skills because someone else has always done it for them. If they’re baffled by washing machines, can’t figure out how to cook pasta, or think cleaning is something that “just happens,” their privilege is showing. They’ve likely grown up in households where tasks were outsourced without a second thought. The idea of “DIY” doesn’t often apply to their daily lives.
9. Using phrases like “just get a new one”
If someone suggests replacing things the second they break, they might not understand the concept of fixing or making do. For them, buying a new phone or pair of shoes isn’t a big deal — it’s the default solution. This attitude often reflects a life where money isn’t a concern and waste isn’t an issue. They’re not being rude; they just don’t know any other way.
10. Not appreciating public transport
If someone treats buses, trains, or the tube as foreign territory, they’ve probably never needed to use them. Complaints about how “weird” or “gross” public transport is can reveal a life where taxis, Ubers, or personal drivers are the norm. They might genuinely not understand why anyone would choose public transport. For them, the idea of convenience is very different from the reality most people live with.
11. Thinking everyone has “staff”
If someone talks about “the gardener,” “the cleaner,” or “the driver” as if it’s standard, they’re showing their privileged hand. They might not realise these roles aren’t part of everyone’s household experience. In their world, having help isn’t a luxury — it’s an expectation. They may genuinely think that everyone has a team keeping their home running smoothly.
12. Having extravagant birthday parties
Source: Unsplash If someone’s birthday bash includes live music, caterers, or a venue that looks like a wedding reception, it’s a clue they grew up with a hefty budget for celebrations. A simple cake and a few friends just doesn’t cut it in their world. They might not see it as extravagant; it’s just how things are done. Their idea of a “low-key” party might still involve a lot of zeroes on the bill.
13. Not understanding financial stress
Rich kids often don’t grasp the idea of money being tight. If someone doesn’t understand why a sudden bill or unexpected expense is stressful, they’re probably used to having a financial safety net — or never thinking about money at all. The idea that one payment could derail someone’s month might seem dramatic to them. They live in a world where financial worries rarely exist.
14. Referring to their home as “the house” or “the estate”
When someone talks about “the house” as if it’s a multi-building compound or calls their property “the estate,” they’re giving away more than just location details. For them, sprawling grounds or multiple residences are normal — for most people, that’s pure luxury. They probably don’t even realise how unusual it sounds. To them, home is just a bit bigger, with a bit more space… or a lot more.
