5 things middle-class people buy to impress (that the rich simply don’t)

You see it all the time—people stretching their budgets to drive the nicest car, wear the latest designer watch, or live in a house they can barely afford. 

But here’s the kicker: The truly wealthy? They don’t seem to do this. 

So what are some of the things middle-class folks spend on to signal status, while the rich couldn’t care less? 

Let’s get into ‘em. 

01 Expensive watches

That Rolex you’ve been eyeing? Chances are, a self-made millionaire wouldn’t buy it.

Research from The Millionaire Next Door found that half of all millionaires have never spent more than $235 on a watch and only 1% of millionaires have ever spent over $15,000 on a watch—and we’re talking about people worth millions. 

Meanwhile, data from Statistica suggests almost 20% of Americans making between $2,000 and $3,000 a month owned a Rolex in 2018! It seems many middle-class individuals finance luxury watches they can’t really afford, hoping to project success. 

The irony? The people they want to impress probably aren’t paying attention. A wealthy investor or entrepreneur is likely far more interested in your mindset and decision-making skills than the logo on your wrist.

02 Luxury clothing brands

We’ve all seen it—people dropping serious money on designer clothing, thinking it sets them apart. But here’s the reality: most millionaires don’t seem to care about your Gucci belt.

In fact, research suggests that 50% of millionaires have never spent more than $399 on a suit. And only 10% of millionaires have ever spent over $300 on a pair of shoes. 

Financial expert Dave Ramsey backs this up noting that the “typical millionaire lives in a middle-class home, drives a two-year-old or older paid-for car, and buys blue jeans at Wal-Mart.”

Why? Because rich people understand that branding is often just marketing. Paying $800 for a T-shirt doesn’t make it better—it just means you’re subsidizing the brand’s advertising budget.

03 Fancy cars (bought new)

It’s a classic status symbol: the brand-new luxury car. But if you think every wealthy person is driving a Bentley, think again.

According to a study by Experian Automotive, 61% of wealthy people drive Hondas, Toyotas, or Fords. Meanwhile, almost 10% of people who make under $100,000 a year own a luxury car.  

As financial expert Morgan Housel put it, “Spending money to show people how much money you have is the fastest way to have less money.”

04 Huge houses with massive mortgages

For a lot of people, the house they buy isn’t just a place to live—it’s a status statement. 

But what many don’t realize is that owning an oversized, expensive home doesn’t make you rich. It often makes you house-poor.

Wealthy people know that real estate is an investment, not a flex. 

For instance, Warren Buffett still lives in the modest home he bought in 1958 for $31,500. While some billionaires do own mansions, many self-made millionaires buy practical, affordable homes that don’t stretch their budgets.

Meanwhile, middle-class earners often max out their mortgage approvals and take on decades of stress just to impress people who—let’s be real—aren’t paying attention.

05 Over-the-top weddings

If there’s one event where spending goes off the rails, it’s weddings. The average American wedding now costs over $30,000—and many couples go into debt just to fund their big day.

Here’s a reality check: the wealthiest people often have surprisingly modest weddings. 

• Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan got married in their backyard. 
• Even Warren Buffett had a low-key wedding at his daughter’s house.

Why? Because rich people understand that spending a fortune on a single day doesn’t set you up for long-term success.

Wrapping up

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking wealth is about what you buy. But true wealth isn’t about looking rich—it’s about financial freedom.

Most self-made millionaires don’t waste money on status symbols. They prioritize investments, assets, and financial security over expensive clothes, flashy cars, and VIP experiences. Meanwhile, many middle-class earners drain their wallets trying to impress people who don’t even care.

At the end of the day, the best way to look rich? Actually build wealth. Save. Invest. Make smart money moves. Because while a luxury watch or a new car might turn heads for a moment, financial independence is what truly lasts.

Until next time, friends.