Some people will do almost anything to project an image of wealth and success.
We hear it in casual conversations, coffee shop chats, or random social media posts.
I’ve always found it fascinating how certain phrases creep into our everyday language, whether consciously or not, to create a sense of affluence.
Sometimes, these phrases are harmless and might even be used jokingly. Other times, they can be a desperate attempt to impress.
Let’s explore eight common phrases I’ve heard—both in my personal life and in my former digital marketing days—where people try to sound wealthier than they really are.
Remember, there’s no shame in not having a private jet or an ultra-exclusive membership, but it’s worth knowing the psychology behind these statements so we can all be a bit more real.
1. Money isn’t an issue for me
Ever heard someone casually say this when the bill arrives? “Money isn’t an issue for me—don’t worry about it!”
While there are plenty of people who genuinely don’t mind covering a tab, this phrase can often come off as a thinly veiled boast. In reality, most of us have budgets, responsibilities, and priorities.
If money truly wasn’t an issue, there’d be no need to bring it up.
From what I’ve seen, people who repeatedly say this are usually the same ones who’ll mention their financial struggles when you catch them in private.
It’s an example of impression management at its finest: by declaring that they have “zero money problems,” they’re hoping you’ll believe they’re on another financial level entirely.
Psychologically, it aligns with what researchers from Cornell University have called “self-enhancement bias,” where individuals exaggerate their positive qualities (or in this case, wealth) to fit into a certain social circle.
If you find yourself leaning on this phrase, ask: Am I saying it because it’s true, or because I want people to think it’s true?
2. I have a guy who handles that
You’ve probably heard a friend or acquaintance casually say something like, “Oh, I have a guy who handles my portfolio,” or “I don’t have time to worry about details—I have a guy for that.”
On the one hand, having an advisor or assistant can be practical. But on the other hand, repeatedly name-dropping your “guy” is often a status move.
It says, “I’m so busy and so important that I can’t handle these trivial tasks on my own.”
I used to work in digital marketing, and I can’t tell you how many times a client would talk about their “team of experts” or “personal consultant” when, in reality, they just used an online service or did the work themselves late at night.
It’s a classic case of the “fake it till you make it” approach.
As Gary Vaynerchuk once said, “Your legacy is being written by yourself. Make the right decisions.” If your “guy” genuinely brings value, by all means—give them credit.
But if you’re just name-dropping to elevate your image, it might be time to reevaluate what you’re trying to prove.
3. I only travel first class
I remember back in my marketing days, a former colleague wouldn’t stop bragging about always flying first class.
It was like she was allergic to coach or something. Then, in a random conversation, she confessed she’d actually used points and credits to get those fancy upgrades—she was racking up credit card debt to “live her best life.”
Now, there’s nothing wrong with traveling first class if you can legitimately afford it. The problem is flaunting it as a status symbol when it’s not consistent with your actual lifestyle or financial reality.
As a millennial who loves to travel, I get how appealing it is to post that photo of the extra legroom and champagne on social media. But the desire to project this image of luxury can lead us down a path of unnecessary debt.
It’s like Tim Ferriss reminds us in his work on lifestyle design: “What we fear doing most is usually what we most need to do.”
In some cases, the fear is of looking “less successful” than we think we should be, so we overspend to keep up the facade.
4. We summer in [exotic location]
If someone says, “We summer in Bali,” or “We have a little spot in the Hamptons,” they might simply be talking about their plans.
But often, the subtext is: “I have the kind of life that allows me to spend entire seasons in a luxurious destination.”
I’ve mentioned this before, but as a California-based writer, I’m no stranger to hearing people name-drop their vacations.
While I love discovering new coastal trails and lesser-known coffee spots here at home, I do enjoy traveling abroad when I can.
But the difference is that I don’t casually announce, “I summer in Italy,” if I merely spent a week there. According to a study, the need to display wealth or status can stem from what psychologists call “social proof”—we want to show we fit in with a certain elite group.
If the emphasis is more on the location’s exclusivity than the trip’s actual experiences, it might be more about signaling status than genuine passion for travel.
5. I’m too busy managing my investments
“Hey, do you want to catch a movie tonight?” “Oh, I would, but I’m too busy managing my investments.
It’s end-of-quarter and all.” This one always makes me laugh a little, because most average folks have some level of investment—whether it’s a retirement account or a modest portfolio.
But proclaiming it like this? That’s next-level posturing. It’s as if they want you to picture them in a high-rise office, furiously checking stocks in real time.
I once had a neighbor who insisted he was always stuck in “back-to-back meetings” with his “financial advisors.” Turns out, he was playing an online trading simulation game.
No real money, just imaginary “practice” funds. He’d chat about “his trades” on the simulation as if he were Warren Buffett closing deals on Wall Street.
Seth Godin often emphasizes authenticity in building trust, saying, “If it acts like a scam and feels like a scam, it’s a scam.” That might be harsh, but it’s a reminder that pretending to be someone you’re not is a risky game—one that often doesn’t pay off.
6. Oh, that’s just pocket change
This is one of the classic attempts at making a purchase sound inconsequential. It might be something as modest as a new gadget or a designer bag.
By calling it “pocket change,” the speaker implies that spending big bucks is no big deal.
I’ll admit, years ago, I fell into this trap myself after landing a major freelance gig. I was so excited about my higher income that I bought a smartwatch and brushed off the cost with an “Ah, it’s nothing.”
But deep down, I knew I had student loans and other bills waiting for me.
That smartwatch became a symbol of how easily we can fool ourselves into living beyond our means just to maintain an image.
It’s often the little lies we tell ourselves—like calling a bigger-than-necessary purchase “pocket change”—that nudge us toward credit card debt and financial stress.
The truly wealthy might say “it’s just a drop in the bucket,” but the difference is they can comfortably back it up.
7. I’ve got exclusive access
This phrase is typically dropped in contexts like, “I have exclusive access to that club,” or “I’m on the VIP list at that new lounge.”
People who say this often emphasize that not just anyone can stroll in—they, however, are part of an elite circle. During my travels, I’ve seen how differently this plays out in various cultures.
In some places, it’s super common to mention memberships or affiliations as a way to build credibility or trust. In others, it’s strictly about bragging rights.
When it comes to “exclusive access,” most of us suspect that if it were truly exclusive, the person wouldn’t be blabbing about it.
Experts like Simon Sinek often note that genuine confidence rarely needs announcements; it speaks for itself in how people carry themselves.
If someone is always dropping the “exclusivity” card, it’s worth asking whether that exclusivity is real—or just another illusion to boost their perceived status.
8. I’m redesigning my space right now
This one might surprise you, but it’s something I’ve heard countless times—especially in places like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
People say, “I’m redesigning my loft,” or “I’m renovating my place to open up the space for entertaining,” even if all they’ve done is buy a new coffee table.
Don’t get me wrong—home improvements can be a big deal. But consistently talking about your space in a way that paints it as a glamorous, large-scale project can be a way of sounding more upscale.
Sure, some folks might really be working with interior designers or gutting their kitchens. But I’ve encountered enough people who throw around “redesigning” to cloak a minor decoration tweak.
It reminds me of a friend who posted nonstop on social media about the “major renovation” on her condo. When I finally saw it, it was fresh paint in the living room—nothing more.
She admitted she liked the idea of people thinking she was investing thousands in a high-end makeover.
Putting it all together
These eight phrases are often telltale signs that someone wants to project a life of luxury—even when the reality might be far more ordinary.
It’s easy to get caught in the social pressures of appearing wealthier than we are. We live in a world where Instagram is filled with curated images and fleeting moments of grandeur.
Here at DM News, we believe in being genuine about our journeys. If you want to treat yourself, go for it. If you’re proud of an accomplishment, there’s nothing wrong with celebrating it.
But let’s not forget the value of honesty—both with ourselves and with others. True wealth, in my view, isn’t just about the number of zeros in your bank account.
It’s also about integrity, real connections, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re living within your means.
Ultimately, the next time you hear these phrases—or catch yourself using one—take a moment to reflect on the underlying motivation.
Is it about sharing something real, or is it more about creating an illusion of success? My bet is that people will respect you far more for the substance of who you are than the superficial stories you spin.
And that, my friends, is worth more than any exclusive membership or first-class upgrade.
