We all know someone who always seems to have the latest gadgets, designer clothes, and flashy vacations. They talk about big plans, drop names, and make sure everyone sees their “luxurious” lifestyle.
But sometimes, things aren’t quite what they seem. In fact, a lot of people who appear rich and successful are actually struggling behind the scenes—secretly broke but doing everything they can to keep up the illusion.
It’s not always easy to tell, but if you pay attention, there are certain behaviors that give them away. Here are eight signs someone might be faking their wealth while quietly trying to stay afloat.
1) They prioritize image over financial stability
For some people, looking successful is more important than actually being financially secure.
They’ll spend money they don’t have on designer brands, luxury cars, and high-end experiences—not because they can truly afford them, but because they want others to believe they can.
Credit cards, loans, and even borrowed money from friends or family keep their lifestyle afloat. But behind closed doors, they’re stressed about bills, living paycheck to paycheck, or even drowning in debt.
To them, keeping up appearances is everything, even if it means sacrificing their own financial well-being.
2) They make big purchases to impress others
I once had a friend who always had the latest iPhone, the trendiest clothes, and even leased a luxury car—all while constantly complaining about being broke.
At first, I didn’t understand how that was possible. If money was tight, why spend so much on things that weren’t essential? But over time, it became clear: those purchases weren’t about necessity. They were about sending a message.
They wanted to look successful, even if it meant struggling behind the scenes. The expensive dinners, the designer bags—it was all for show. Meanwhile, they were barely scraping by, living off credit cards and stressing about rent.
It made me realize how far some people will go just to impress others, even at the cost of their own financial security.
3) They avoid talking about real financial details
People who are secretly broke tend to be vague when money comes up in conversation. They’ll brag about expensive purchases or luxurious experiences but quickly change the subject if you ask about savings, investments, or financial plans.
In fact, studies have shown that many high-income individuals live modestly, while those who struggle financially are more likely to overspend in an attempt to appear wealthy. It’s not wealth that drives flashy spending—it’s the need to prove something.
So if someone is always flaunting their lifestyle but never discusses practical financial matters, there’s a good chance their situation isn’t as glamorous as it seems.
4) They rely on buy now, pay later services
Instead of paying for things outright, they split purchases into smaller payments—sometimes across multiple platforms—just to make ends meet.
Buy now, pay later (BNPL) services have exploded in popularity, making it easier than ever to afford luxuries without feeling the immediate financial hit. But for those who are secretly broke, these services become less of a convenience and more of a lifeline.
They’ll stack payments on top of each other, juggling multiple due dates, all while pretending they have everything under control.
On the surface, it looks like they’re effortlessly keeping up with a lavish lifestyle. In reality, they’re just pushing financial stress further down the road.
5) They always have an excuse for why they’re struggling
I’ve noticed that people who secretly struggle with money rarely admit it outright. Instead, there’s always a reason—an unexpected expense, a bad investment, a temporary setback.
I once had a coworker who always dressed in designer brands and talked about their “big plans” for the future.
But every time payday rolled around, they were the first to borrow money for lunch, always promising it was just a rough month. That “rough month” stretched into years.
Rather than admitting they were living beyond their means, they always had an explanation for why things weren’t adding up. It wasn’t bad financial habits—it was just bad luck (at least, according to them).
6) They are overly generous with money
You’d think that someone struggling financially would be careful with their spending, but that’s not always the case.
In fact, some people who are secretly broke go out of their way to pick up the tab, buy expensive gifts, or lend money to others—even when they can’t afford it.
Why? Because generosity can be a powerful way to maintain the illusion of wealth. If they’re constantly paying for things, no one will question whether they’re actually struggling.
I’ve seen people who barely had enough for rent insist on covering dinner for a group just to uphold their image. It seems like confidence, but in reality, it’s often financial insecurity disguised as generosity.
7) They are always chasing the “next big thing”
People who secretly struggle with money often believe that one lucky break will fix everything.
They jump from one business idea to another, invest in risky ventures, or constantly talk about a new side hustle that’s “about to take off.”
Instead of focusing on long-term financial stability, they pin their hopes on quick success. It’s not uncommon to hear them say things like, “Once this deal goes through, I’ll be set,” or “Next year is going to be my year.”
But the truth is, they’re always in this cycle—always chasing, always waiting for that one thing that will finally make them as rich as they want people to believe they already are.
8) They are more focused on looking rich than becoming rich
At the core of it all, people who are secretly broke prioritize appearance over actual financial success.
They spend money to impress, not to invest. They chase status symbols instead of stability. Every decision is about maintaining an image, even when it comes at the cost of their own financial well-being.
True wealth isn’t loud. The people who are genuinely successful don’t need to prove it to anyone.
Why real success doesn’t need to be proved
If you’ve read this far, you’ve probably realized that people who try too hard to look successful are often the ones struggling the most.
Because real success—the kind that lasts—doesn’t come from flashy purchases or expensive illusions. It comes from financial security, smart decisions, and the confidence to live within your means without needing approval from others.
As Warren Buffett once said, “If you buy things you do not need, soon you will have to sell things you need.”
At the end of the day, wealth isn’t about how others see you. It’s about how stable and secure you truly are when no one else is watching.
