Back when I worked in digital communications, I saw countless social media updates where someone would highlight a luxury purchase or brag about a big title on their business card.
But it wasn’t until I started paying closer attention to wealth-building mindsets that I noticed a curious pattern.
Truly wealthy individuals rarely flaunt certain things that many in the middle class love to display.
I’m no millionaire, but I’ve learned that genuine financial security doesn’t require the same kind of flashy show-and-tell.
Here at DM News, we often talk about consumer behavior and how it shapes our lives.
Today, I want to delve into seven common “flexes” that I see people engaging in—especially those who are upper-middle income or aspiring to appear well-off—that folks with serious wealth typically avoid.
Let’s explore why this happens and, more importantly, what you can learn from it.
1. Designer logos everywhere
Have you ever spotted someone wearing a Gucci shirt, Gucci belt, Gucci hat, and maybe even Gucci slides—all in one outfit?
It might seem like the ultimate status symbol, but from what I’ve observed, people with real money rarely feel the need to scream brand names at every turn.
I remember a friend who worked at a high-end boutique telling me how the biggest spenders often preferred subtle designs that didn’t overtly announce their cost.
Sure, they might invest in well-made, high-quality items, but they aren’t walking billboards.
Meanwhile, I see middle-income earners collecting every flashy label under the sun, treating these products like a personal trophy case.
It’s not inherently bad to love a brand.
But if the primary goal is to tell the world you spent a fortune on something, that can signal a mindset focused on external validation.
As a result, your money might be going toward brand recognition rather than genuine quality or long-term investments.
2. Fancy job titles for show
A while back, I worked with someone who used a creative LinkedIn title: “Chief Visionary Director & Market Expansion Strategist.”
All well and good—except the company was just two people in a small shared office.
I’m not knocking small businesses (I love them!), but it became clear that the overblown title was there to impress others rather than accurately describe responsibilities.
Truly affluent folks often care more about results than job titles.
They know a big title won’t automatically mean a bigger bank account or actual expertise.
In fact, many successful entrepreneurs or investors keep it simple: “CEO,” “Founder,” or even no official title at all.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be proud of your role.
However, inflating your position can come across as trying too hard.
In my opinion, it’s better to let your accomplishments speak for themselves than to rely on an impressive-sounding label.
3. Obsessing over the “dream car”
Have you noticed how some people will buy the newest car every couple of years to show they can afford the “latest and greatest”?
Meanwhile, I’ve heard stories of millionaires driving sturdy, older cars that get the job done without the hefty monthly payments.
As noted by financial experts, depreciation is the single greatest cost to vehicle owners. This means your shiny new car is losing value the moment you drive it off the lot.
It’s not that the truly wealthy never buy nice cars—they often do.
But they’re also more strategic about it, focusing on overall cost, reliability, and long-term convenience.
Middle-class earners, on the other hand, may be more inclined to lease cars they can barely afford, just to maintain an image.
4. Flaunting pricey gadgets
We’ve all seen that person who rushes to buy the latest phone, laptop, and tablet the minute they drop—and then shows them off at every possible opportunity.
Again, nothing wrong with enjoying quality technology.
But it’s interesting to note that people with significant wealth often aren’t the first to line up for the newest gadget.
They tend to weigh whether an upgrade genuinely improves their productivity or lifestyle instead of racing to keep up appearances.
One of my former colleagues, who had a knack for investing, told me she’d happily use her phone until it practically fell apart in her hands.
Her reasoning?
She preferred to allocate funds toward stocks and real estate rather than frequent device upgrades.
Was she behind on the coolest tech?
Sure—but her bank balance spoke volumes.
It’s a mindset that says: If it still works, why replace it?
That might sound simplistic, but it truly frees up funds for more purposeful financial moves.
5. Over-sharing salary or income details
I once went to a networking event where someone casually dropped their six-figure salary into conversation within the first five minutes of meeting.
It didn’t impress me as much as they probably hoped.
Folks who are genuinely comfortable with their finances rarely feel the urge to broadcast those details to acquaintances or random strangers.
In fact, wealthy individuals might downplay or even keep their income private for various reasons—privacy, security, or just personal preference.
Middle-income earners, though, might see their salary as a badge of honor.
And if it’s a big jump from where they used to be, they’ll let you know, sometimes repeatedly.
I get it—it’s exciting to make more money than before.
But telling the world can sometimes come across as fishing for approval.
Money talk isn’t off-limits, but there’s a difference between open, honest conversations and flexing income as a status symbol.
6. Showing off a high-maintenance home
You’ve probably driven by those massive houses that dominate an entire block.
They look impressive from the outside, but I wonder how many are financed up to the hilt.
The truth is, some people use a sprawling house to signal they’ve “made it,” even if every spare penny goes toward the mortgage and upkeep.
Meanwhile, many truly affluent individuals might opt for something more modest.
They focus on functionality, comfort, and potential resale value rather than just square footage and grandeur.
In fact, take a look at how billionaire Warren Buffett lives — he still lives in the house he bought in the 1950s and drives an equally modest car.
That’s because he’d rather grow his money than spend it unnecessarily.
It’s a strategy that offers more flexibility, less stress, and a greater capacity to invest or spend on experiences.
When you see a giant home, remember it might be more about appearances than actual financial security.
7. Bragging about expensive dining and events
Last but definitely not least, let’s talk about dining out at swanky restaurants or attending high-priced events.
I’ve met people who love to discuss the exclusive clubs they frequent, the five-star restaurants they’ve tried, or how they snagged VIP tickets to the concert of the year.
Again, it’s not that truly wealthy folks don’t enjoy luxury experiences.
They often do—sometimes even more lavishly than we realize.
But they don’t always make it a centerpiece of conversation.
Overtly displaying luxury spending can backfire, making others question whether the spender is truly secure or just trying to appear that way.
When you’re genuinely comfortable financially, you don’t need that external affirmation.
You might still indulge, but it’s less about proving something and more about genuinely enjoying the experience.
That’s a big difference in mindset.
Wrapping up
When you look at how people handle money, it’s clear that true financial confidence doesn’t come from shouting about your purchases, job title, or income.
It’s about quiet stability, about understanding the difference between short-term validation and long-term wealth.
I’m not saying you should never treat yourself or celebrate your achievements.
We all deserve a little fun.
But I’ve found that the most financially secure individuals I know are the ones who let their bank accounts and investments speak for themselves, rather than their flashy stuff.
I hope these observations spark a bit of self-reflection.
If you catch yourself flexing, pause and ask: “Am I doing this for me or just to impress others?”
Chances are, you’ll gain clarity on what truly matters to you and how you want to use your resources.
And that’s when real wealth—tangible and intangible—starts to grow.
