Numerous people struggle every day to pay for the things they want and need.
However, sometimes it’s hard to tell if we’re classified as one of these financially
unstable folks.
Find out if you meet the criteria in “Top Signs You Are Poor”:
16.
Struggle With Bills -
This might seem obvious but struggling with bills is a sure sign that you are poor.
If you have a difficult time paying your rent and various other expenditures at the end
of the month, then you more than likely aren’t raking in cash at work.
However, this doesn’t only apply to not being able to afford your monthly fees, it
also includes having the money but still finding it challenging.
It’s safe to say that the majority of people out there aren’t swimming in funds, and
it often has to do with the choices we make that we find it troublesome to make ends meet.
There are many people out there who choose phone plans, cars, electronics, etcetera that
they can’t afford.
This means they’re spending cash they could be saving and digging themselves into a hole.
If you’re paying for non-essential things, it’s tough to get ahead.
15.
99 Cent Store -
We’ve all been to the dollar store now and then; it’s a wonderful place to purchase
decorations for kids’ parties, candy, and maybe a few grocery items on a quick errand.
However, if you find yourself shopping at the 99 Cents Only Stores for nearly all of
your household needs, then you’re probably poor.
There’s no shame in saving a little money when you can but, let’s face it, dollar
store quality leaves a lot to be desired.
Their plates are flimsy, their food is unhealthy, and their apparel falls apart at the seams.
So, if you’re reliant on this store for essential items, you should rethink your financial
situation.
Another indicator that you’re monetarily challenged, is if you’ll do anything to
save a few pennies.
It’s true that extreme couponers conserve heaps of cash in the long run; but, do they
really need to store five hundred Gatorades in the basement?
Probably not, unless they’re planning for the apocalypse.
Plus, buying things you don’t need at a discounted price isn’t necessarily helping
out your fiscal situation.
14.
Scared Of Future -
Do you have children?
Are you concerned about their future endeavors?
Maybe you think that your life isn’t sufficient enough to provide for them in the far future.
If you’re afraid that your kid might not have a prosperous adulthood or that you have
unintentionally made their prospective undertakings more difficult, then you are probably poor.
People with finances to support themselves and their families aren’t concerned with
things like this because they know that they are successful.
They don’t question the future because they have money and they have a plan.
People struggling with their livelihood will often consider their child’s future because
they might not have money to pay for postsecondary schooling, a first car, and other tools for
them to thrive in their career.
There are ways to change this if you focus on your own success and know that it will
take work to accomplish your goals.
13.
Saying “No” -
Have you been strolling through the grocery store and see something cute and cheap, but
tell yourself not to buy it?
If you’re at the department store and your child sees a toy they want that isn’t expensive,
do you tell them “no”?
If you often deny yourself and your family perfectly affordable items, then you are probably
struggling financially.
Like we said before, unnecessary and expensive purchases are something to avoid; but, if
you can’t spare the cash for a two-dollar squirt gun or a cute coffee mug, then you
should consider changing your lifestyle around.
It’s easier said than done; but, with a serious effort, it’s achievable.
12.
Free Samples -
You don’t have to be poor to enjoy a sample now and then.
But if you’re tagging along with your friends to Costco just to get a free meal, you should
probably reconsider your spending habits.
Everybody likes tasting new products; but, if you’re hitting upwards of three samples
in one trip, then you’re most likely poor.
Also, if you don’t purchase any of the goods afterward, then, let’s be honest, you just
went there to eat.
You should be able to buy groceries so that you have food at home, not scavenge for supper
at sample stands.
Once again, this can be caused by overspending on other aspects of your life.
Make sure you have the essentials before purchasing expendables.
11.
McBroke -
Another sign that you’re poor is if you eat fast food consistently.
Like we discussed in the previous section, a person should have food to eat at home.
If you rely on McDonald’s and Burger King for your everyday meals, then you should begin
making some changes.
Although this could be due to lack of cooking skills, it is also often done because people
don’t have the money to eat elsewhere.
However, if you learn how to make some dishes at home, not only can you eat healthier, but
you can also save your cash.
Buying groceries might seem like a significant amount up front, but it will last for days
to weeks depending on its shelf-life.
Plus, one of the first steps to becoming wealthier is changing your entire attitude, which means
taking care of yourself physically and mentally; and eating a lot of greasy food will only
weigh you down...literally and metaphorically.
10.
3 Months Unemployed -
Do you ever plan things out?
Do you take the possibility of unfavorable events into consideration when making life
decisions?
If you don’t, then you are probably poor.
People who become wealthy are focused on the future.
They want to make sure that they are making bank and ensuring a successful life for themselves
as well as their families.
If you lost your job right now, would you be able to keep up your regular routine for
more than three months?
If you said “no”, then you have something to think about.
You should always have a backup plan in case things take a turn for the worse.
So, be careful with your purchases and make sure you have cash saved up.
There’s no shame in being prepared.
Plus, new employment can take awhile to find.
9.
Long Commute -
This one might seem a bit strange.
But, if you take over an hour driving to work every morning, then you are probably lacking
in the financial department.
The majority of jobs people have aren’t the best paying and are often far from their
employees’ homes.
So, if you’re making minimum wage and driving sixty minutes to and from work daily, you’re
spending a lot of your earnings on gas.
People who have positions closer to their houses save a lot of money just on commuting.
Therefore, if you can, you should look for work closer to your home or move somewhere
that will cut your drive time down significantly.
Wealthy people work smarter.
8.
Dirty Laundry -
Clean clothes are something financially unstable and wealthy people should have in common,
although, the latter will have wash things more frequently.
If you notice that your outfit choices are slim to none and that you often run out of
clean undergarments, then you’re probably poor.
Unfortunately, many people struggle with cash flow because they don’t take good care of
themselves; their priorities are in the wrong place.
Maybe they want to get a better job, but to do that they have to work on their mental
state and physical appearance.
One of the easiest ways to do this is to make sure you have good hygiene and clean clothes
every day; this will make you look better to employers and, in turn, will give you confidence
in yourself.
7.
Unkempt House -
This sign goes along with personal hygiene.
If you generally leave your bedroom or house a mess, then you might be poor.
If you don’t take care of your things, then you probably don’t take care of yourself,
which we already discussed is an essential part of becoming wealthy.
People who take pride in what they have will keep their surroundings organized.
Plus, taking care of what you own will make it last longer.
For instance, let’s say you never vacuum.
If you let the dust and dirt pile up on your carpet for too long, it will get rubbed in
and permanently damage the fibers.
Also, keeping a tidy home makes you feel happier to live there, even if it’s small-scale.
When you live in a clean place, you’ll feel more comfortable there, and people will view
you as a more prosperous person.
Nobody likes a messy house.
6.
Assistance -
If you are currently receiving assistance from the government, family members, or even
friends, then you’re probably poor.
This a huge sign that you aren’t wealthy because you are unable to maintain your lifestyle
without the help of others.
There is no shame in needing financial aid at various points throughout your life, but
it should only be temporary.
This applies to people who want to attend university but don’t have the money to pay
for it outright.
The government helps them pay for their classes; however, they will use their education to
advance themselves in life.
This differs from somebody who continues the same way of life with no motivation or desire
to become a more independent person.
There are times when everyone could use a hand, but what you do with it determines the
type of person you are.
5.
Oldsmobile -
Another indication that you’re poor is how old your vehicle is.
Are you worried about your engine falling out every time you pull out of a parking space?
If so, you might be struggling financially.
A car that’s over ten years old isn’t usually reliable unless you’re somebody
who works on automobiles often.
However, if an old, used car was the only one you could afford, then it’s a significant
sign that you aren’t wealthy.
Plus, if you couldn’t provide the payments on a more solid vehicle, then your credit
probably isn’t excellent.
Building credit takes a long time, but lowering your score takes hardly any time at all.
If you have unpaid cards or loans, then you’ll have to work hard to make things better.
Unfortunately, people who are poor will also receive higher interest rates when applying
for a loan.
Having a dependable car plays a part in feeling confident and independent.
However, don’t make buying a new vehicle your top priority.
It is important, but it isn’t essential to one’s success.
4.
Free Parking -
Are you willing to park your car a mile away from your destination just to avoid parking
fees?
If you answered “yes”, then you’re probably poor.
Although the cost of parking can be unreasonable in some places, most of the time it doesn’t
exceed twenty dollars per day.
Of course, bigger cities, like New York City, are exceptions.
But, if you’re parking several blocks away from an event to bypass an eight dollar expense…
well, some might call that crazy.
Although there’s nothing wrong with trying to save money, if you are overly concerned
about it, then your bank account is most likely struggling.
3.
Overspending -
This might seem contradictory, but it is possible to spend too much money even if you’re poor;
in fact, it’s more likely.
Being financially limited can cause people to want more of what they can’t afford.
They see other people with fancy phones and name-brand clothes, and they want those things
too.
The only difference is that they don’t have the money up front to purchase them.
This is where the dreaded credit card comes in.
Although many people are responsible concerning their cards and pay them off monthly to build
credit, others will use them to purchase unnecessary items.
Sooner than they know it, the card is maxed out, they’re paying insane interest rates
and digging themselves a deeper hole on a daily basis.
The trick to overcome this issue is simple: don’t spend what you don’t have.
2.
Wifi Leech -
Are you always searching for an unsecured wifi network to join?
Do you ask your friends if you can go to their houses to use their internet connection?
Well, if you do, then you’re probably poor.
Having an internet connection has become an essential part of daily life.
Most employers need online applications to be filled out.
Schools require typed essays and online research.
Of course, people can go to a library for some of these things, but traveling to one
might not be an option for some people.
So, people who are unable to afford a monthly internet bill are likely to steal their neighbor’s
wifi.
This also applies to movies, television shows, and music; many people stream or download
these things using torrent websites.
Because it’s so easy, people might not think much of it; however, it’s still stealing.
A person who is financially secure will be able to afford a movie rental, Netflix subscription,
etcetera.
Although, once again, it isn’t recommended to purchase these non-essentials before making
sure you have everything you need to live a healthy lifestyle.
1.
Family Life -
So far, we’ve only talked about the financial aspect of being a wealthy person.
However, this applies to your personal life as much as it does to your bank account.
If you don’t have strong bonds with family or friends and often feel lonely, then you
are poor in an emotional sense.
This is perhaps even more important than pulling in the big bucks.
They say money can’t buy happiness, and they’re right.
Having finances is helpful, for sure, but even the rich aren’t necessarily satisfied
with their lives.
Plus, being happy because of your relationships can help tremendously in becoming monetarily
successful.
But, don’t feel defeated if you’ve met any of these criteria because improving yourself
and your life is always possible.
What do you think is the biggest sign of being poor?