Being brought up in extreme poverty also alters the perspective on permanent expenditure. The 2025 child poverty report released by the World Bank states that almost nineteen percent of the global population of children continues to live below the poverty threshold of less than three dollars per day, and this situation has taught them extreme frugality at a very young age.
Many people who were raised in poverty are still deeply reluctant to spend money on something that does not seem to be a necessary need, despite becoming financially stable.
Spendthrift tendencies on little indulgences are often accompanied by guilt and doubt. The struggle to enjoy money without wasting it is a real challenge. The studies indicate that individuals brought up in a poor state tend to view most of their purchases as never worth the money, either emotionally or objectively.
Expensive daily treats seem wasteful or silly
It may not be justified to spend money on specialty coffee or snacks daily for a person who grew up in a financially deprived background. Research indicates that approximately 65 percent of Americans eat fast food or other fast snacks at least once or twice a week. However, not all those raised in poverty spend this on food, as they have been conditioned to consider it extremely costly and feel guilty.
The U.S. consumer averages $ 148 monthly on fast food, but people brought up in poverty tend to exclude such expenses to avoid feeling like they are wasting money. The acquired mental accounting saves and puts an end to spontaneous pleasure.
Human beings will often sell the little things that bring them happiness daily so that they can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a budget. This avoidance is a self-protective behavior rooted in a life of necessity, where one must focus on essentials.
Beauty and grooming extras are frivolous
A sense of guilt often accompanies spending money on manicures, hair styling, or spa sessions for those from a low socioeconomic background. Simple grooming was viewed as a luxury, and anything more than that appeared like spoiling oneself.
The problem is that surveys reveal that people who experienced poverty in their childhood have reduced their spending on beauty services by 30 percent, considering them unnecessary expenses.
Social psychology research associates the practice with worrying about money and prioritizing necessities over self-care extravagances. Such an attitude continues to deter many people from making beauty expenditures, even when prices are low.
Fast food dinners don’t feel worth it
The thought of dining out or ordering fast food triggers a flashback to family meals prepared with two or more ingredients. Adults with lower incomes (below 130 percent of the federal poverty level) patronize fast food less frequently than those with higher incomes.
However, the percentage of fast food consumption is high at 65 percent per week among Americans. Home cooking is an instinct and is highly sought after by many who were brought up on a tight budget, as it is cost-effective, and their home cooking is familiar. This renders a restaurant meal a costly and frequent luxury that is not worth the money in their mindset.
Flashy clothing feels unjustified
Individuals who have been brought up with second-hand clothes or even have a low wardrobe tend not to purchase expensive or fashionable apparel. The polls indicate that 70 percent of those who experienced childhood poverty choose practical and durable clothes.
This conservative nature often results in wearing outdated garments or shopping at discount stores to save on waste. Investing in showy fashion is regarded as a waste of money, contrary to the traditional values of parsimony and modesty. Most of them prefer utility to style to feel secure.
Vacations can feel like a luxury too far
The significant areas of expenditure that elicit guilt among those from a poor upbringing are travel and holidays. Some surveys indicate that adults who were raised in poverty are less likely to take annual vacations, with only 28% of them doing so, compared to 53% of adults raised with financial security.
This emotional barrier to leisure travel spending is often caused by the lack of family vacations during childhood. Most people delay holidays, even when they can afford them, because of the associated financial risk and guilt over spending money on travel rather than on necessities or savings.
New gadgets can trigger buyer’s remorse
The acquisition of new technology leaves many previously disadvantaged adults feeling excited and anxious about its potential to waste money. Studies indicate that approximately forty percent of individuals who grew up poor put off tech upgrades, compared to two out of five who grew up rich.
Hesitation is brought about by the fear of losing money in products that have short depreciation or that do not last. It results in the possession of devices whose lifespan is far beyond what is reasonable, focusing more on need than on want.
Keeping old cars and avoiding upgrades
The fact that car ownership is conservative in the case of a person who grew up in financial insecurity. Research shows that one out of five adults who grew up poor retains their vehicles for over 10 years, compared to four out of five.
Not buying new products minimizes the possibility of debts and financial unexpectedness. It is safer and more economically sound to keep old vehicles in cases where it might cost more to maintain them. Expenses on flashy or new cars often seem unwarranted and unnecessary.
Home upgrades feel less urgent
The sparsity of mindsets towards housing is a common phenomenon, with many individuals from impoverished households in this setup seeing no need to invest in higher functions, instead opting for luxury improvements. Statistics indicate that 35 percent of such adults make investments in home decoration or convenience projects compared to 62 percent.
Such purchases are often put off in favor of priorities such as bills or repairs. Home renovations are less pressing and even unwarranted, considering the background of cutting corners when it comes to necessities.
Gym memberships cause second thoughts
Gym or fitness classes are usually expensive, which can be a cause for hesitation. Several people from financially constrained backgrounds choose to exercise freely or self-manage because of the cost factor.
Approximately half of adults who had a poor childhood do not attend paid fitness programs (55 percent) compared to 30 percent of those raised in wealthier circumstances.
This parsimony can restrain regular exercise even though its advantages have been established. The expense is difficult to rationalize when compared to childhood education, which involves spending on necessities only.
Entertainment spending feels indulgent
Films, performances, and leisure may seem like unnecessary luxuries. The issue of poor weight leisure budgets was raised by people, with 60 percent of them reducing their spending on entertainment.
The threat of regret from spending money on the wrong thing affects pleasure, regardless of disposable income. This cautious expenditure cushions the fall into economic distress but can decrease living conditions or social bond.
Nightlife and alcohol create guilt
Bar and nightlife expenses or alcohol consumption end up being a source of guilt among the childhood poverty-conditioned population. Research indicates that 45 percent limit spending on drinking out, and this is related to irresponsible use of money.
Even the cost of socializing brings out interpersonal struggles between fun and cost-effectiveness. This restraint is indicative of a long-term history of prudent money management, likely stemming from previous hardship.
Buying gifts for oneself often feels selfish
And it may be greedy or wasteful to give oneself gifts or extravagant things. Most individuals who have poverty backgrounds would only associate money with needs, hence personal indulgences cause feelings of guilt. According to psychological research, this is due to the survival habits that are ingrained in our attitudes towards money.
Approximately half of the people who were brought up in poverty limit their gifting to themselves as a result. This is self-restraint, which is one of the greatest hindrances to financial satisfaction, even with better means.
Key takeaway
Childhood poverty leaves indelible marks on spending habits, instilling a sense of guilt and caution regarding unnecessary purchases. Expenses on everyday delights, cosmetic add-ons, dining out, flashy attire, holidaying, gadgets, car improvements, home decor, gym memberships, entertainment, nightlife, and personal gifts usually make up the list of common regrets.
These trends emerge as a result of having developed survival instincts in times of scarcity. Awareness of this can be used to break the financial guilt cycle and promote a healthy balance between saving and spending, ultimately leading to greater happiness. These habits are essential to know to have a satisfying financial life.
Disclaimer–This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
Don’t swipe until you read this: The 7 best credit cards for 2025 ranked by rewards
The 7 Best Credit Cards for 2025 Ranked by Rewards
There’s this moment that sticks with me—standing at a checkout line, swiping my old card like I always did, and thinking, “Wait… why am I not getting anything back for this?” I wasn’t traveling on points. I wasn’t getting cash back. I was just spending. Sound familiar?
Look, the truth is, credit cards can work for you—if you choose the right one. And in 2025, you’ve got some seriously rewarding options that can actually boost your bank account. From travel lovers to grocery haulers, there’s something for everyone.
Let’s break down the best credit cards out there this year—the ones that actually give back.
16 grocery staples to stock up on before prices spike again
16 Grocery Staples to Stock Up On Before Prices Spike Again
I was in the grocery store the other day, and it hit me—I’m buying the same things I always do, but my bill just keeps getting higher. Like, I swear I just blinked, and suddenly eggs are a luxury item. What’s going on?
Inflation, supply-chain delays, and erratic weather conditions have modestly (or, let’s face it, dramatically) pushed the prices of staples ever higher. The USDA reports that food prices climbed an additional 2.9% year over year in May 2025—and that’s after the inflation storm of 2022–2023.
So, if you’ve got room in a pantry, freezer, or even a couple of extra shelves, now might be a good moment to stock up on these staple groceries—before the prices rise later.
