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32 Habits That Folks Will Never Give Up Even If They Are Supposed To Be For “Poor People”
Economy & LaborJUN 4, 2025

32 Habits That Folks Will Never Give Up Even If They Are Supposed To Be For “Poor People”

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Very often, the habits that we pick up in our childhood stay with us throughout our lives. This may apply to many things, like how we use our money, handle our relationships, or even manage our houses. It might even serve us well to hang on to some habits like that.
In this particular list, folks are opening up about all the “poor people” practices they won’t quit, no matter how much money they make. Some of these ideas make a lot of sense because they help people live within their means and be content with what they have.
More info: Reddit

#1

Leftover food scraps on a plate with utensils, alongside vegetable peelings and a knife on a wooden table showing poor people habits.
I’m never going to waste food if I can help it. The fact that people casually throw away half of a meal is crazy to me, especially when it’s at a restaurant where they paid a $100+ bill.
54points

#2

Hand holding a cracked smartphone screen, illustrating poor people habits that persist regardless of wealth.
I don't upgrade my phone until it stops being functional.
52points

#3

Plastic bags filled with groceries and packaged goods representing poor people habits in daily shopping routines.
Using grocery bags as trash bags.
47points

Many believe that rich folks have better money habits than poorer people, but that isn’t always the case. Folks dealing with unfortunate circumstances might actually know how to manage on a budget, live within their means, and be happier with less. Those who have massive wealth may sometimes squander it away without even realizing it.

That’s why experts say that good financial health is connected to our habits, daily decisions, and overall mindset about money. Nobody is born knowing everything, and everyone has to learn about finance over time. It’s just important to make wise decisions and take time to grow wealth, which is also how many folks on this list are choosing to operate.

#4

Frozen meat stored loosely in a freezer drawer, illustrating poor people habits still done by grossly rich netizens.
Buying meat when it goes on sale, portioning it into useful amounts, and then freezing it for later.
43points

#5

Person holding a gray shirt on a wooden hanger, illustrating poor people habits despite being grossly rich.
Wearing shirts that still fit me, even several years later.
43points

#6

Hand pressing a white light switch on a textured gray wall illustrating poor people habits concept.
Turning lights off when i leave the room.
42points

One of the biggest reasons why many people don’t want to give up their spendthrift habits is that it’s easy to start splurging money once you start. This is called lifestyle creep, and it’s what happens when folks start earning more money and increase their expenses to match that.

This inflated style of living might be hard to keep up with and may eventually put a lot of pressure on folks to keep spending even more. In the pursuit of luxury, people might slowly forget how to enjoy the simple things that they used to before. It can prove to be a problem if the person becomes unemployed and cannot keep up with their expenses.

#7

Hand holding yellow plate with leftover food scraps over a trash bin, illustrating poor people habits seen in netizens.
I know people who don't eat leftovers. This is just so wasteful. Food is food is food. Throwing food away because it's a day old is way too foreign a concept for me. I also can eat the same thing 3 days in a row and not be bothered about it. If that's what there is, that's what I'm eating. I can afford variety now, but wasting food? I just can't do it. .
38points

#8

Hand squeezing lotion from a bottle onto palm, illustrating poor people habits related to skincare routines.
Using every single last drop of any products/eating all my food. Lotion? I am cutting open the tube. Shrimp shells?- soup time.
37points

#9

Various dry foods like nuts and pasta stored in glass jars on a sunlit windowsill, illustrating poor people habits.
Reusing containers, especially glass jars, for any kind of storage needs. Buttons, pens, coins, plant cuttings? They’re all going in repurposed jars!
36points

Like many of the frugal hacks on this list, there are many creative ways to save money and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. The best “poor people” hacks often relate to food in order to make the best use of their money. A good way to do this is to use all leftovers instead of throwing them away.

You can combine different leftovers like rice and gravies, or make sandwiches with meats that didn’t all get eaten. This practice will help eliminate food waste, help you be more sustainable, and save you money in the long run. It is also a way to eat healthier rather than constantly ordering or going out to eat.

#10

Person browsing books in a library, illustrating poor people habits that persist even among the grossly rich.
Borrowing from the library.
35points

#11

Being nice and courteous to working people.
35points

#12

Young woman smiling inside a car, illustrating poor people habits that netizens keep despite being grossly rich.
Driving a sensible car that I have paid off. I have zero desire to upgrade to some mid-tier sedan of a particular make so that I can signal that I’m moderately well off.
33points

As much as everyone wants to grow and become richer, it’s also important to stay closer to one’s roots. Being humble and holding on to some useful frugal habits can help folks be more content with what they have and maximize their savings.

Regardless of how much money a person has, a little humility and gratitude can go a long way in making them feel joy about their circumstances. Being humble can also help a person develop a lot of empathy for the people around them and change their outlook on the world.

#13

Two people at a restaurant table, one pointing at a menu, illustrating poor people habits discussed online.
Checking restaurant prices before looking at the menu like a broke muscle memory reflex.
30points

#14

Person eating yogurt with a spoon near a laptop, illustrating poor people habits in daily routines and lifestyle choices.
Licking yogurt tops to maximize value.
30points

#15

Young man in a denim jacket looking confused while shopping, depicting poor people habits despite wealth in a store aisle.
First step before any non-staple purchase is an argument from myself as to why it isn't necessary.
28points

Having all the money in the world isn’t always enough to make people happy. Sometimes, it’s their beliefs, mindset, and habits that will actually help them feel happy and stay strong. That’s exactly why so many folks on this list are clinging to spendthrift habits that are serving them well and helping them live a good life.

What are some of the “poor people” practices you’ll never give up? We’d love to know about them.

#16

Two slices of toast on a blue plate showing a habit related to poor people even if grossly rich.
Toast with butter, sugar and cinnamon.
28points

#17

Glass jar partially filled with coins representing poor people habits related to money and savings.
I pick up any coins found on the ground. Penny jar going strong.
27points

#18

Close-up of a cluttered workbench showing screws and tools, reflecting poor people habits in tool organization.
Leftover nuts and bolts (and other hardware/fasteners/tools) from new furniture kits, old broken appliances, etc. It goes to the garage so I can use it in 15 years.
26points

#19

Woman at market putting fresh carrots in reusable bag demonstrating poor people habits despite wealth.
Compare prices per unit

Edit. Per unit of measure. For example $0.36 per gram.
Report
24points

#20

Young woman browsing through clothes rack, illustrating poor people habits some netizens keep despite being rich.
Checking Clearance at clothing stores first. Sometimes I find great things for really cheap. Also, wait for the highest possible percentage off on a going out of business sale.
23points
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