Signs Someone Grew Up Poor – Even if They’re Rich Now

A Redditor recently sparked a conversation in r/askSingapore, asking:
"What are some small signs that someone grew up or was once poor?"

The post focused on a friend earning over $200K a year, yet meticulously comparing every single price difference, even for a few cents, and feeling uneasy about spending. Turns out, he grew up in a low-income household, relying on bursaries and financial aid to get through school.

Many Singaporeans chimed in, sharing behaviors that hint at a tough financial past, even when someone is now financially comfortable.

1. Uncomfortable with Luxury & Lavish Spending

Even after becoming financially well-off, many who grew up poor feel uneasy in high-end environments.

"I feel quite uncomfortable in places like MBS. Would rather hang out at neighborhood malls."
— u/udontaxidriver

"Didn’t grow up poor, but I’m still uncomfortable at lavish events."
— u/Special_Big1506

While some people embrace luxury after breaking out of poverty, others feel out of place in high-end restaurants, designer stores, or fancy hotels. The mindset of "better to save than splurge" never quite fades.

2. Extreme Price Sensitivity

Many who grew up poor develop an obsession with prices, even if they can afford to spend more now.

"Not using Grab or taxi unless for a super emergency—even if you can afford it now."
— u/Big_Yesterday_5185

"Walking instead of taking a bus for 3 stops under the hot sun just to save a few cents."
— u/CheeseFriesIsLove

Even when they reach a comfortable financial state, the ingrained habit of spending cautiously and comparing prices stays.

3. Fear of Food Waste & Overeating

People who experienced food insecurity often develop anxiety around wasting food.

"Feeling uncomfortable at lavish events and not wanting to waste food."
— u/uintpt

"Food not nice must finish, feeling full die-die still must finish food."
— u/ephemeralcandy

This often leads to overeating, as the habit of finishing every last bite is deeply ingrained. Some even hoard food or leftovers, always fearing a time when food might be scarce again.

4. Prioritizing Needs Over Wants

Those with humble beginnings often delay spending on non-essential items.

"People delay spending on non-urgent but important things. My MOE HOD only changed phones because his old Samsung couldn't scan QR codes."
— u/yellowbumble-B

"Buying secondhand items when they are still perfect for usage."
— u/SufficientLaugh4456

While others may upgrade their phones, watches, or bags out of preference, people who grew up poor often hold onto things until they completely stop functioning.

5. Hoarding & Over-Saving

A lack of financial security growing up leads to hoarding behaviors—whether it's money or physical items.

"Hoarding. Unwillingness to throw things away and wanting to fix everything."
— u/MediumWillow5203

"Buying things they don’t really need just because it’s on discount."
— u/KLKCAhBoy90

People who grew up without financial stability tend to cling onto everything, whether it’s old clothes, household items, or even excess cash in a savings account, always afraid of "what if one day I have nothing again?"

6. Either Extremely Generous or Extremely Stingy

There’s no in-between—people who grew up poor either love sharing their wealth or hold onto it tightly.

"Some of the most generous people I met grew up poor. Some of the most miserly people I met grew up rich."
— u/Longjumping_Key_8910

"He is extremely generous to others but selfish towards himself."
— u/NickyC96

"I penny-pinch on meals for myself, but give out 4-digit angbaos to aunts and uncles who aren't doing well."
— u/56redditor65

For some, they know what it’s like to struggle, so they are eager to give back. Others, however, become hyper-cautious with spending, as if every dollar is still a lifeline.

7. Strong Fear of Debt & Loans

Growing up in a household struggling with debt leads to lifelong financial caution.

"Afraid of liabilities. Watching your parents struggle to pay loans makes you avoid taking unnecessary debt."
— u/Dazzling-Ad3857

These individuals will avoid loans at all costs, even if the investment is worth it (e.g., buying a house, financing a car, or furthering their education).

8. Treating Themselves Too Much

On the flip side, some who grew up poor now overspend on luxury experiences to make up for their childhood struggles.

"I have an uncle who grew up poor, but now he only eats at high-end restaurants. He refuses to eat at hawker centres."
— u/TheDoorDoesntWork

"Some people who grew up poor can’t control their spending once they start making money. It’s like years of pent-up frustration."
— u/diverdave142010

Since they never had nice things growing up, they overcompensate once they finally have money.

Final Thoughts

It’s fascinating how a tough financial past can shape behaviors even after someone becomes successful. Some stay super frugal, others become overly generous, and a few overcompensate by splurging on luxury.

One thing is clear: Money habits are deeply tied to past experiences. Whether someone continues to live cautiously or starts enjoying life to the fullest, their early struggles leave a lasting imprint.

Do you see yourself or someone you know in these behaviors?