Growing up poor — or without much extra cash to go around — inevitably affects the way people think, act, and approach life in ways they may not even realise.
While money struggles in childhood can be tough, they also build resilience, creativity, and a different perspective on finances, relationships, and success. Whether it’s being careful with spending, valuing hard work, or feeling uneasy about financial security, these traits often stick well into adulthood. Here are some of the most common qualities seen in people who grew up in households where making ends meet was a challenge sometimes.
1. They’re impressively resourceful.
When you don’t have a lot of money growing up, you quickly learn to make do with what you’ve got. Stretching meals, finding ways to repurpose things, or just figuring out how to have fun on a budget becomes second nature. That resourcefulness doesn’t just apply to finances; it extends to problem-solving in all areas of life. They’ve developed the skill of making the most out of any situation and adapting quickly when something unexpected pops up. What might seem like a setback to other people is just another chance for them to get creative and figure it out.
2. They feel guilty spending money on themselves.
Even after things improve financially, there’s often a sense of guilt when it comes to spending money on themselves. Growing up with little means being used to the idea that every penny matters, and treating yourself was something to be saved for special occasions, if that. Even when they can easily afford something nice, it feels a bit uncomfortable. Whether it’s a holiday, a new gadget, or a nice meal, they might feel like they’re splurging and should be saving for something more “practical” instead.
3. They usually have a strong work ethic.
When resources are limited, hard work becomes a non-negotiable. People who’ve faced financial struggles as children know from an early age that they have to earn what they want. That drive to work hard often sticks with them into adulthood. They’ve developed a deep sense of responsibility and don’t expect anything to be handed to them. That’s not to say they don’t enjoy a break, but they can struggle to relax. They have a relentless urge to keep working and proving their value.
4. They’re great at finding deals and discounts.
Growing up in a household where every penny mattered teaches people how to make money stretch. They know how to find the best deals, whether it’s waiting for sales, using coupons, or shopping second-hand. Wasting money on something they could get cheaper elsewhere just doesn’t make sense to them. Even when they can afford to spend more, they often still get a thrill out of finding a bargain. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about knowing they’re getting the most value out of every purchase, a habit that becomes second nature over time.
5. They feel anxious about financial stability.
No matter how much money they have now, people who grew up with financial struggles often live with a background fear that it could all disappear. Experiencing money problems as a child creates a deep sense of financial insecurity that can linger long into adulthood. Even if they have a comfortable income, they may still worry about unexpected costs, job loss, or economic downturns. They might obsess over savings or struggle to enjoy financial success because they always feel like they need to prepare for the worst.
6. They don’t take financial security for granted.
Source: Unsplash People who grew up in financially stable households often don’t think twice about things like paying bills on time or having enough food in the fridge. But for those who experienced financial hardship, these everyday securities are deeply appreciated. Even when they become more financially secure, they don’t forget what it was like to struggle. They may still feel grateful for simple things like being able to fill their car with petrol without worrying or having a savings account for emergencies — things that other people might see as normal, but they see as privileges.
7. They have complicated feelings about money.
Source: Unsplash For many who grew up in financially unstable households, money isn’t just about numbers, it’s emotional. It represents security, stress, struggle, and even self-worth. That can lead to complicated feelings around spending, saving, and financial success. Some people become extremely frugal, always being terrified that they’ll end up struggling again. Others swing the opposite way, overspending because they never got to enjoy luxuries as a child. Either way, their relationship with money is often shaped by their past experiences rather than just logic.
8. They value quality over brand names.
Source: Unsplash When money was tight, spending on something just because of a brand name wasn’t an option. Instead, it was about getting the most value for money. That often means people who grew up without much money focus on quality and durability over trendy labels. They’ve learned that just because something is expensive doesn’t mean it’s better, and just because something is cheap doesn’t mean it’s a good deal. They’re more interested in long-term value rather than flashy status symbols.
9. They’re uncomfortable talking about money.
In many households where money was a struggle, it was a stressful or even taboo topic. Parents might have argued about bills, or there was an unspoken rule not to bring up finances. As a result, many people who grew up in these environments feel awkward discussing money as adults. They may struggle to ask for a raise, talk about salaries with friends, or even have honest financial discussions in relationships. Money is often tied to deep emotions for them, making it a sensitive subject that they’d rather avoid.
10. They’re independent and self-reliant.
Growing up with financial struggles often means learning to be independent from an early age. Whether it was getting a part-time job as a teenager, learning how to cook because eating out wasn’t an option, or figuring out how to fix things instead of replacing them, they became self-sufficient out of necessity. Their independence carries into adulthood, making them less likely to rely on other people for help. While it can be a strength, it can also mean they struggle to ask for support, even when they genuinely need it.
11. They prioritise financial security over luxury.
Even when they start earning more, people who grew up without much money often prioritise security over indulgence. They’re more likely to focus on building savings, avoiding debt, and making practical purchases rather than spending on luxury items. For them, the idea of financial security is more appealing than material wealth. They may admire nice things, but if given the choice, they’d rather have peace of mind knowing they can handle an emergency than own the latest expensive gadget.
12. They have a strong sense of empathy.
Source: Unsplash Growing up without much money means they understand what it’s like to struggle, and it often makes them more empathetic towards those in similar situations. They don’t judge people for financial hardships because they know how easily circumstances can change. They may be more inclined to help people, whether it’s donating to charity, tipping generously, or just being supportive when someone they know is struggling. They recognise that financial difficulties don’t define a person’s worth.
13. They’re not easily impressed by wealth.
People who grew up with financial struggles often don’t see wealth as the ultimate measure of success. They know that money doesn’t necessarily equal happiness, and they tend to value character, kindness, and hard work more than someone’s bank balance. They’re not easily swayed by flashy displays of wealth or material possessions because they understand that real value isn’t always visible. They respect financial success, but they don’t let it define how they see people.
14. They’re resilient and adaptable.
Perhaps the biggest trait of all is resilience. Growing up with financial struggles teaches people how to navigate uncertainty, handle setbacks, and keep going even when things are tough. They’ve learned how to adjust, adapt, and survive. Their resilience carries them through life, helping them face challenges head-on. Whether it’s job loss, unexpected expenses, or a financial downturn, they have the mindset that they’ll figure it out because they always have.
