Growing up with limited resources can leave lasting imprints that reveal themselves in adulthood.
I’ve seen it up close with friends, family, and even in my own life at times.
While many people might not talk about it openly, there are consistent themes that pop up in our day-to-day choices and habits when we’ve come from a background where money was tight.
Let’s break down nine behaviors I’ve noticed in adults who grew up with less.
1. They’re Extremely Resourceful
I’m a firm believer that living with fewer financial resources can spark ingenuity in ways you might never expect. When you’re short on funds as a kid, you learn to stretch every dollar.
Maybe you used to fix an old gadget over and over instead of getting a new one, or you found alternative ways to get something done (like turning cardboard boxes into makeshift furniture).
That resourcefulness tends to carry over into adulthood. Whether it’s figuring out how to repurpose leftover ingredients into a brand-new meal or turning a worn-out backpack into a gardening tote, people who grew up poor can often find creative ways to make the most of what they have.
I once had a roommate in college who could repair pretty much anything with duct tape, a paperclip, and sheer determination. It was like living with a real-life MacGyver—but what really fueled his creativity was that he’d grown up in a family where buying a replacement wasn’t always an option.
That mindset follows you, sometimes forever, and it can be a hidden superpower when it comes to solving problems at work or at home.
2. They Feel Guilty Spending On Themselves
Picture this: you’ve landed a decent job, and for once you actually have some disposable income. Yet the moment you think about buying that new jacket or planning a small vacation, a pang of guilt creeps in.
It’s that little voice questioning if you really need it—or if you should be saving just in case times get tough again.
This sense of guilt can be deeply ingrained. Spending on themselves might feel frivolous, even if they’re financially stable now. That guilt can hold people back from enjoying what they’ve worked hard to achieve.
As Tony Robbins once said, “The path to success is to take massive, determined action.” While I’m all for saving and being prudent, sometimes massive action is acknowledging that it’s okay to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
If you’re dealing with guilt over splurging on yourself, remember that it’s about balance. Look at your budget realistically, and don’t be afraid to give yourself permission to have nice things every once in a while.
3. They Value Experiences Over Material Possessions
I’ve mentioned this before, but there’s a big difference between wanting something because it’s advertised everywhere and genuinely finding value in it.
Often, people who grew up in poverty appreciate experiences—like going on a hike, exploring a new neighborhood, or simply having a BBQ with friends—far more than filling up a space with shiny new objects.
When money was scarce, day-to-day survival often overshadowed indulgent purchases. So once you’re in a place where you can pick and choose, many prefer to invest in experiences that create memories and deepen relationships rather than chasing the latest tech gadget.
This is something I personally relate to. I’d rather spend time journaling in a quiet park or traveling to a new city on a shoestring budget than buy expensive décor. There’s a sense of long-term fulfillment that comes from experiences that you can’t always replicate with material items.
4. They Have A Hard Time Letting Go Of “Just-In-Case” Items
I remember helping a friend clean out his storage unit a few years back. We found boxes full of old clothes, broken electronics, and random items he hadn’t touched in years. Each time I’d suggest throwing something out, he’d say, “But what if I need this someday?”
That “just in case” mentality is huge. When you grew up without a safety net, everything might feel like it could be useful down the road. You hold onto things because the thought of potentially needing to buy it again (if you can even afford it) can be stressful.
As organizational expert Marie Kondo famously notes, “The question of what you want to own is actually the question of how you want to live your life.”
There’s no shame in having a backup plan, but a cluttered closet or an overstuffed garage can become more suffocating than helpful. It’s a tough balance, but learning to let go is part of trusting that you’ll be able to handle future challenges, even without stacks of old boxes.
5. They’re Hyperaware Of Pricing And Deals
I used to joke that if “price-check champion” were an actual job title, my mother would’ve held it. She knew every coupon code and store discount within a 20-mile radius, and that skillset rubbed off on me.
This mindset doesn’t magically disappear just because you’ve moved up a tax bracket. People who’ve experienced poverty often remain incredibly vigilant about sales, discounts, and price comparisons. They might drive an extra ten minutes just to save a couple of bucks, or stock up on non-perishables when there’s a two-for-one deal.
Now, I know the debate: is it worth the time and energy to chase every discount? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. But the habit of scanning for deals can be deeply ingrained, to the point where it’s practically automatic.
And honestly, it’s not always a bad thing—especially if it means you can set aside more for emergencies or invest in experiences down the road.
6. They Struggle With Long-Term Financial Planning
Many of us weren’t taught how to invest or budget for retirement in a formal way. But for those who grew up with little, the focus was often on making it through the week. Saving for 30 or 40 years down the line was a luxury you couldn’t afford to think about.
As a result, adults who grew up poor might find it tougher to navigate IRAs, 401(k)s, and all that financial jargon. It can feel intimidating, even if they have the resources to invest now.
This is backed by experts like Warren Buffett, who has said, “Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”
The concept is straightforward—start investing early, reap rewards later—but it’s easier said than done if you’ve never been exposed to the idea that money can grow passively over time.
If this is you, it might be worth reading beginner-friendly finance books or consulting a financial advisor to ease into long-term planning.
7. They Overthink “Safe” Career Choices
Another telltale behavior is gravitating toward careers that feel stable, rather than following a dream or passion that might be perceived as risky.
I’ve met people who said their parents insisted they become nurses or accountants, not because they loved the work, but because it offered a steady paycheck and benefits.
On one hand, security is important—especially if you know what it’s like to go without. On the other hand, it can stifle ambitions that might be more fulfilling or lucrative in the long run.
The challenge is figuring out how to balance your need for safety with your desire for a career that aligns with your interests.
Here at Small Business Bonfire, we often discuss how personal experiences shape professional decisions. If you’re aware that a fear of financial instability is holding you back from exploring a new path, it might be worth taking a calculated risk.
Maybe start a side hustle before quitting your day job, or negotiate some part-time work to test the waters of entrepreneurship. Having a backup plan can ease that fear while allowing you to explore something new.
8. They Sometimes Experience “Money Anxiety” Over Little Things
Let’s talk about money anxiety. Even in the best circumstances, finances can be stressful. But if you come from a lower-income background, the thought of unexpected expenses might trigger old fears.
Something as simple as seeing a slightly larger electricity bill can set off alarms. It’s that sense of dread that used to wash over you when a small financial hiccup could derail your entire month. While you may have more financial stability now, that emotional response can remain.
According to psychologist Kendra Cherry, anxiety can be deeply rooted in our past experiences. She’s noted how early traumas can embed themselves in our psyche, making us more prone to stress in adulthood.
If you find yourself panicking over minor costs, remind yourself of your current reality. Look at the big picture and consider if the expense is truly going to undo your finances, or if it just feels that way due to past conditioning.
9. They’re Generous In Unexpected Ways
Last but not least, I’ve noticed that many adults who grew up poor are surprisingly generous—often to a fault. When you know what it’s like to struggle, you might be the first to step in when someone else needs help.
That generosity can manifest in big or small ways: covering a friend’s coffee, tipping extra at a restaurant, or donating to a charity that supports underprivileged kids.
It’s a kind of empathy that stems from personal experience. You remember how uplifting it was to receive help when you needed it most, and you want to give that sense of relief to others.
Of course, there’s a balance here, too. Overgiving can lead to financial stress if you’re not careful with your own budget. But that altruistic tendency is a beautiful thing and speaks volumes about resilience and compassion.
To sum up
Growing up with limited means can shape how we view the world: from the sense of resourcefulness we carry into adulthood, to the guilt we might feel when splurging on ourselves, to that unwavering generosity that emerges when we see others in need.
The key is becoming aware of these behaviors and deciding which ones serve us well and which ones we might need to adapt.
Whether it’s learning to let go of clutter, exploring a new career path that sparks our passions, or finally saying yes to that summer getaway without feeling guilty—awareness is the first step toward growth and healthier decision-making.
Keep on the up and up
