If someone talks about buying a yacht, you know they’re rich. If someone mentions worrying about paying bills, you know they’re struggling.
Easy enough, right?
Not always. The world of wealth is a strange one full of odd sayings that can seem completely foreign to the rest of us.
That’s where I step in. As someone who’s spent time in both worlds, I’ve picked up on 8 things that those with money often say that sound utterly out of touch to the middle-class.
Let’s dive in.
1) “I don’t understand why people don’t just invest their money”
Money can be a fickle friend.
When you have plenty of it, it seems like there are countless opportunities to make more. You just throw some into stocks, real estate, or a promising startup, and watch as your wealth grows.
Sounds easy, right?
Not so much. For the middle-class, investing is often a luxury they can’t afford. They’re too busy worrying about paying bills, affording healthcare, and saving for retirement or their children’s education.
When the wealthy say they don’t understand why people don’t just invest their money, it shows a profound disconnection from the reality of living paycheck to paycheck.
It’s a statement that screams “out of touch”, echoing the divide between the financial realities of different social classes.
2) “Why don’t they just get a better job?”
Ah, this one hits close to home.
I remember having a conversation with a well-off friend of mine. I was venting about the struggles of balancing multiple part-time jobs, and he said, “Why don’t you just get a better job?”
As if it was that simple.
Most middle-class folks don’t have the luxury of choosing their employment based on passion or salary. They’re just trying to make ends meet, often juggling multiple jobs while also dealing with stress, health issues or family responsibilities.
The idea that someone can just ‘get a better job’ is, unfortunately, a clear indication of how out of touch some wealthy individuals can be with the realities faced by the middle class.
3) “I don’t have time to go grocery shopping”
When the wealthy say they don’t have time to go grocery shopping, it’s not about time management. It’s about having the resources to outsource mundane tasks.
In contrast, a 2019 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the average American spends around 41 minutes per trip on grocery shopping, not including travel time.
That’s a significant part of their week, especially for those with families to feed.
This statement is a clear example of how the luxury of delegating tasks can create a disconnect between the wealthy and middle-class experience.
4) “I don’t use public transportation”
There’s something about the world of private cars, chauffeurs, and first-class flights that creates a huge disconnect between the wealthy and the middle class.
For many middle-class people, public transportation is a daily reality. It’s how they get to work, school, or anywhere else they need to go. It’s affordable, accessible, and sometimes the only option.
But when someone with wealth casually mentions they don’t use public transportation, it highlights a stark division in lifestyle that can feel incredibly out of touch.
It’s not about the convenience of private travel, but rather the disregard for the common experiences of the majority.
5) “I can’t remember the last time I cooked a meal”
This one always gets me.
I enjoy cooking. It’s a way to unwind, create something with my hands, and share it with the people I care about. But more importantly, it’s a necessity. Like many middle-class folks, eating out every night or hiring a personal chef just isn’t in my budget.
So when I hear someone casually mention that they can’t remember the last time they cooked a meal, it really highlights the stark differences in our lifestyles.
It’s not a judgement, but an observation of how easy it is for those with money to become disconnected from the everyday realities of the middle class.
6) “I never look at the price tag”
This might seem like a dream scenario, not having to worry about how much something costs. To be able to walk into a store and buy anything you want without a second thought.
But it’s not always as glamorous as it sounds.
In reality, this mindset often leads to a detachment from the value of money. For middle-class people, every dollar counts. They budget, they plan, they make sacrifices.
If when someone wealthy casually mentions they never look at the price tag, it can feel like a slap in the face.
It’s not about envy or resentment, but a stark reminder of the different worlds we inhabit based on our financial circumstances.
7) “I’ve never taken out a loan”
Debt is a part of life for many middle-class people. Student loans, car loans, mortgages – these are often necessary steps towards achieving life goals.
So when a wealthy individual casually mentions they’ve never taken out a loan, it can feel incredibly alienating.
It’s not just the fact they’ve never needed to borrow money, but the underlying implication that they’ve never faced the financial struggles that come with paying off debt.
This statement serves as a stark illustration of the financial divide that separates the wealthy from the middle class. It’s not about demonizing wealth, but acknowledging the different realities and challenges faced by different sections of society.
8) “Money doesn’t buy happiness”
Here’s the kicker: when wealthy people say that money doesn’t buy happiness, it can seem incredibly tone-deaf to the middle-class.
Yes, money isn’t everything. But it can provide security, freedom from financial stress, and opportunities for experiences that might otherwise be out of reach.
When you’re worrying about making rent or affording groceries, hearing someone with ample financial resources say that money doesn’t buy happiness can feel dismissive of the very real struggles faced by many.
It’s not about equating wealth with happiness, but recognizing that financial stability plays a significant role in one’s overall well-being.
Understanding the divide
If you’ve made it this far in the article, I hope it’s clear that this isn’t about vilifying the wealthy or promoting class envy.
Rather, it’s about highlighting the fundamental differences in everyday experiences based on financial standing.
These eight phrases, often casually thrown around by those with money, demonstrate a disconnect from the realities faced by the middle class.
Money itself is neutral, but how we talk about it can reveal a lot about our understanding of the world. It can show empathy and awareness, or it can highlight ignorance and insensitivity.
Reflect on this for a moment. What does it mean for society when there’s such a stark disconnect between different groups? How can we bridge this gap?
That’s food for thought as we navigate our own financial journeys, empathizing with others while striving for financial security in an increasingly complex world.
