They’re Tired Of Being Mistaken For Poor Just Because They Live Below Their Means. They Have Money, But Choose Simplicity

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For many financially secure people, living below their means isn’t just a habit; it’s a lifestyle choice.

But a recent viral Reddit thread on r/Frugal reveals a frustrating side effect: being constantly mistaken for poor.

The original poster, who says they have a good-paying job, a small business, and investments, described feeling dismissed by family and community members simply because they drive a 10-year-old car and don’t show off wealth.

“People assume I am unsuccessful and sometimes look down on me, even though I know in many cases I’m ahead financially,” they wrote. “Sometimes it really pisses me off.”

They’re not alone.

Frugal by Choice, Not by Force

Thousands of commenters chimed in to say they live the same way, not because they have to, but because it aligns with their values.

“Better to look broke and be rich than look rich and be broke.”

“My dad always used to say that the best burglar alarm is looking like you don’t have anything worth stealing.”

“I love when people think I’m poor. They don’t ask me for money.”

Frustration With Status Assumptions

Not everyone sees the judgment as harmless. Some comments revealed how these assumptions can result in disrespect or being taken less seriously.

“This is not about caring about how others feel about you,” one person wrote.

“It’s more like sometimes people talk down to you, or treat you like you’re an idiot when you know you’ve actually done better than them in life.”

Another echoed that: “Many times I got worse services because staff on commission prefer customers who look richer. Like they literally drop me, turn their back because someone better dressed walked in.”

Wealth Isn’t Always Loud

Many pushed back on the idea that money should be visible.

“My secretary yelled at me about 10 years ago, ‘You’re the CEO of the company…you need to be driving a newer vehicle!!’” one business owner wrote.

“The rent I get from my income properties is triple their mortgage payments. I’m perfectly okay if they don’t like my car 🙂 .”

“I make over six figures and still clip coupons,” said another. “Those close to me think it’s ridiculous, but I will never forget the feeling of being flat-broke in my early 20s and will never go through that again.”

As someone summed it up: “I probably have more money stacked in the bank than those with flashy clothing and the newest car. I’m investing in my future comfort, and no side-eye is going to deter me from having a secure future.”

Judgment Works Both Ways

Some people used the thread to reflect more critically on what it means to be offended by being seen as poor.

“What is the issue with people thinking you’re poor? Really sit with that one,” one person asked.

Another wrote, “I think you should take more issue with how these people treat poorer people in general rather than just yourself. You’re in a better position than others, does that mean that the actual poor people get to be treated differently? No, they deserve the same respect as anyone with or without money.”

Living Simply, Living Smart

Despite the occasional sting, most agreed that the frugal path results in freedom, not just financial, but emotional, too.

“We get that from one set of our friends, and we’ve actually stopped hanging out with them as much,” one person said.

“They spent a ton of money on a really nice house and built a pool… The thing is that our house is affordable, leaving us plenty of money for emergencies and maintenance.”

Another put it simply: “I’d rather people think I’m poor than know how much I have.”

In the end, most people agreed: being comfortable, free from stress, and able to make your own choices matters more than looking rich.

Living simply when you can afford more isn’t a loss, it’s a quiet win that shows up in confidence, peace of mind, and the freedom to enjoy life without debt or pressure.