What are some subtle signs that someone is secretly wealthy?

[bjl584]

Just as the title implies, what do you all think subtly might reveal that someone has secret wealth?

[Fishindude77]

I don't know that there is an answer to this but I do know a few "good old boys", farmers and businessmen that live very low key lifestyles, don't drive anything flashy, don't live in extravagant houses, etc. that could buy and sell most of the wannabe big shots in the area.
They don't borrow money and they invest in their businesses, equipment, land and things that will retain or gain value or make more $$ -vs- showing off.

Maybe the most obvious signs might be something like the size of the rock on the wife's finger or watching how she lives, where the kids get sent to school, etc.
Generally guys like this enjoy their work and that's where they focus their time and effort.

[ua_guy]

I pay attention to how people solve problems, big and small.

[disneysteve]

That's a really interesting question. I think it will vary from person to person but there are almost always signs. I think ua_guy is on the right track in that it isn't about things or belongings or jewelry or cars. It's about their approach to issues. When there are decisions to be made that involve money, you can usually tell who has it and who doesn't.

[myrdale]

I pay attention to how people solve problems, big and small.

This one can go in two directions.

I've seen people who could afford to fix things the right way try to do it as absolutely cheaply as possible, then wonder why they had to redo it later.

Personally I try to do things right and in a way that will last for the long term, regardless of if there is a cheaper solution.

I suspect it is easier to see when someone is secretly broke.

[kork13]

I agree that it's probably easier to spot broke than to spot loaded.

I think the prime indicator in my view would be how they react to financial setbacks. Unanticipated expenses are devastating to someone who's broke.... More of an inconvenience for someone who's wealthy.

[myrdale]

I think the prime indicator in my view would be how they react to financial setbacks.

I believe that is a BINGO.

I would say how they utilize debt goes hand in hand with financial setbacks. I heard a discussion on the radio say a lot of people rely on credit cards for their emergency fund. I can see using the credit card as a matter of convenience, but if instead of paying it off in full it takes you months to pay off a sum that'd be an indicator.

[srblanco7]

Early retirement . Looking at u DisneySteve.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

I guess it depends on how you define wealthy?

No clue. Does it matter that sometimes it happens much later in life? As I look at my mom i sigh and shake my head. I think woah I bet she never thought she'd have so much money. I certainly never thought it. Not being offensive but truthful. Sometimes I'm like mom you could buy new clothes that fit. But okay. I'll tell you when I find out how much my in laws have because i'm almost certain they have more and live even worse. Considering the bus driver thought my MIL was homeless.

Financial setbacks? My in laws no matter how much money they have will whine and complain and try not to pay it. My mom would whip out the checkbook and pay it. But they both are well off.

[disneysteve]

Early retirement . Looking at u DisneySteve.

You're not wrong.