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Stop renting the rich look..

I don’t get it. Some people spend so much energy trying to look rich, act rich, and signal wealth that it’s…well, kind of sad. And honestly, a little pathetic. I’m not talking about enjoying nice things. I’m talking about the people whose whole identity seems wrapped up in appearances, status, and “keeping up” instead of actually building real financial security.

Here’s the problem: when your focus is on looking rich, your decisions stop being about what’s smart and start being about what looks good. That new car isn’t a car – it’s a status symbol. That fancy dinner isn’t dinner – it’s a performance. And the thing is, constantly performing is exhausting. You’re not living your life, you’re living other people’s expectations of your life.

This obsession can get dangerous. People max out credit cards, take on debt, and overextend themselves financially just to maintain a façade. They might have the outward appearance of success, but underneath? Stress, anxiety, and vulnerability. And here’s the kicker: one unexpected expense, one financial setback, and the whole illusion falls apart because that “rich life” was never real to begin with.

Contrast that with financially responsible people who actually have money. They’re typically practical, and intentional. They spend on things that matter, save where it counts, and don’t care if anyone notices their choices. They understand value, and that’s exactly why they have money – they’re focused on building, not performing. (Related: Download your mindful spending Money Mindset Bullet Journal — it’s your personal spending coach). 

The Takeaway

So if you’re guilty of it – or know someone who is – here’s the reality: looking rich will never make you rich. It doesn’t pay bills, it doesn’t grow wealth, and it doesn’t bring peace of mind. 

At the end of the day, it’s sad because people spend so much energy trying to impress others that they forget to actually take care of themselves. And that’s dangerous. Because no matter how polished your Instagram or how flashy your lifestyle, financial stress doesn’t care about appearances.