Some people go to great lengths to appear financially buoyant, even when their bank accounts tell a very different story.
It’s not always easy to spot, but if you pay attention, certain behaviours give them away.
Pretending to have it all together often takes more effort than actually working toward real success. But why do some people fake it?
Maybe it is about impressing others, keeping up appearances, or avoiding tough conversations about money.
Whatever the reason, these habits can be surprisingly common. Keep an eye out for these patterns because they reveal more than meets the eye.
One of the biggest giveaways is when someone focuses more on appearing successful than actually building wealth. They will splurge on designer clothes, luxury cars, or expensive gadgets not because they can afford it, but because they want people to think they can. For them, it’s all about the image. The truth is real success doesn’t need to be flashy. But for those pretending, it’s all about keeping up appearances even if it costs them more than they can handle.
Avoid talking about money in detail
I once had friends who always seemed to be living the high life: fancy dinners, extravagant vacations, and the latest tech gadgets. But anytime the topic of money came up, like budgeting or saving, they’d quickly change the subject or give vague answers. It was like the details didn’t exist, or they didn’t want to admit to them. People who are pretending often shy away from conversations about money because it risks exposing the truth. Talking specifics like savings goals or how much something costs requires transparency, and that’s not something they are ready to share.
Constantly chase trends to keep up appearances
People pretending to be successful often feel the need to stay on top of every trend, whether it is owning the newest phone, wearing the latest fashion, or being seen at the most popular spots in town. They equate being trendy with looking successful, even if it means stretching their finances to the breaking point. This behaviour is not just about personal preferences; it’s rooted in psychology. Humans are hardwired to seek social acceptance, and trends create a sense of belonging.
Overuse credit to fund lifestyle
For people pretending to be successful, credit cards often become their go-to solution for maintaining appearances. Instead of living within their means, they rely on borrowed money to afford things they cannot pay for, luxury items, high-end dining, or even everyday expenses. This habit can quickly spiral out of control. Credit can feel like free money at the moment, but the interest piles up, creating a financial hole that’s tough to climb out of.
Focus on showing off
For some, it’s not about quietly working toward financial goals; it’s about making sure everyone sees how well they are doing or how well they want people to think they’re doing. This often looks like posting photos of luxury vacations, showing off expensive purchases on social media, or dropping brand names in conversations. But here is the thing: true wealth rarely feels the need to announce itself.
Sacrifice future for temporary validation
It’s heartbreaking to see someone trade their long-term well-being for short-term approval. They will spend money they don’t have to impress people who may not even truly care. Whether it’s buying the latest gadget, throwing lavish parties, or keeping up with social circles that demand a certain lifestyle, the cost is more than financial; it’s emotional and mental, too. What is often overlooked is the toll this takes on their future. Retirement savings, emergency funds, and financial security are pushed aside for fleeting moments of validation. It’s a cycle of stress and insecurity disguised as confidence.
Avoid asking for help when needed
Pride can be a powerful thing, and for someone who’s pretending to be successful, asking for help feels like admitting failure. Even when they are struggling financially, they will keep it to themselves, hoping no one notices. Instead of reaching out to friends or family or even seeking professional guidance, they double down on trying to maintain the illusion that everything is fine. This refusal to ask for help can lead to isolation. The pressure of keeping up appearances becomes heavier, and the deeper they fall into financial trouble, the harder it is to climb out.
Overly generous with money
At first glance, someone who is always picking up the check, buying expensive gifts, or lending money freely might seem financially secure. But in some cases, this generosity can be a way to mask financial struggles. They want to be seen as successful and capable, and spending on others becomes a way to reinforce that image. The surprising reality is that this behaviour often leaves them worse off. By trying to prove their success through acts of generosity, they end up depleting resources they already don’t have.
Make big purchases to feel successful
For someone pretending to be successful, buying expensive things is not just about owning them; it’s about what those purchases represent. A luxury car, a high-end watch, or designer clothes can serve as symbols of achievement, even if the person buying them can’t afford them. The problem is that these purchases provide only a temporary sense of success. The excitement fades, but the financial burden remains.
Measure success by comparison
At the core of it all, people pretending to be successful often define their worth by how they stack up against others. They constantly compare their homes, cars, wardrobes, and lifestyles to those around them, using these external markers as a way to feel validated. But the comparison is a losing game. There will always be someone with more, and chasing that illusion of success only deepens the insecurity.
