Kids Raised By Parents Who Struggled Financially Usually Carry 10 Habits Into Adulthood
Andrii Iemelianenko / Shutterstock Nobody chooses the environment they grow up in. People raised by parents who struggled financially might have often wished for a magic wand that could grant them the life of their dreams, but magic only exists in fairy tales, and managing the family finances isn't something they can do.
In an effort to find some sense of control over both their money situation and the stress they feel about it, these kids often develop habits they continue to fall back on even once they are adults.
Kids who were raised by parents who struggled financially often carry these habits with them into adulthood
1. They don't let sales people pressure them into buying things they don't need
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Most people run to the store as soon as the season changes. Glancing at the shiny signs that scream 20% off, they don't hesitate to spend if they think they're saving a pretty penny. But while most buy blindly, those who are financially cautious because they grew up in a home facing financial troubles love to wait.
They don't just wait for sales. They wait until they actually need something. Even if that pretty coat is 30% off, if they already have two in their closet, they aren't about to get a third one. Unlike others, financially cautious people know how sales work and that they don't necessarily save you money.
2. They compare prices before buying anything
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Financially cautious adults don't tend to go on shopping sprees without doing some research. While they'd love to spend $40 on a brand-name coat, they check prices elsewhere and on other brands before buying anything.
When you're focused on getting what you want and hurrying out of the store, it's easy to go over budget. This is why people who learned as kids just how hard things can get financially take their time. It doesn't matter if they're buying peanut butter or a sofa. If one item costs twice as much as the other, you'd better believe they're going for the cheaper one.
3. They turn off the lights and unplug appliances
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How many people unplug every single appliance and remember to turn off every single light? While financially cautious people are on it, the rest are pretty forgetful. Too tired to move from the couch, they'd rather spend the extra money and leave the lights on for a bit instead.
But while some are okay with being wasteful, kids who struggle grow into cautious adults. Because they're terrified of being broke, they make it a ritual to double-check the lights and appliances before they leave the house. Call them cheap, but they aren't about to spend more than they need to.
4. They avoid subscriptions like the plague
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Subscriptions can save you money if you use them well. But as companies become money-hungry, subscriptions are now often used as a money trap. This is why people who want to be especially careful with their money avoid them like the plague.
As financial and business journalist Quỳnh Lê explained, "The psychology behind the subscription model is intentional. Companies rely on consumer biases that make it easy to forget or avoid canceling."
So, do what financially cautious adults do and review those subscriptions every few months. You might not realize it, but it's probably eating up your budget.
5. They're always planning for the worst
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If someone grew up in a financially chaotic household, they're probably super anxious. They might not realize it, but our relationship with finances deeply impacts our mental health. As the authors of a 2022 study noted, "In addition to poverty, financial debt and loans are significantly associated with increased psychological distress and poor mental health status."
This is why adults who grew up with parents who were struggling are always planning for the worst. After growing up worried about whether the light bill would be paid on time, they're hypervigilant. Always expecting the other shoe to drop, these cautious adults stay ahead of the curve.
6. They check their bank balance frequently
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Is their bank balance magically going to disappear? Nope. But people who grew up in a financially precarious home often can't help themselves. They might be successful now, but a voice in the back of their head screams at them to remain cautious. So, they triple-check their account late at night. By reasoning that it's just being financially responsible, they can justify their obsessive behavior.
Unfortunately, there's bound to come a time when it takes a toll. It might not happen now, but their overly cautious ways often get to them. This is why it's important to take a step back and reevaluate their behavior. It won't be easy, but finding a way to put a lid on it will be the best decision they ever make.
7. They freeze food before it goes bad
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Nobody wants to waste food. Especially if they spend hours in the kitchen cooking it, throwing out perfectly good leftovers can feel heartbreaking. Still, while most get over that pretty quickly, people who grew up with financially unstable parents take it to heart.
With their rough upbringing, they'd rather freeze food than let it go to waste. In a world where grocery prices are on the rise, wasting food seems like a downright crime in their minds.
8. If they do need something, they use coupons and loyalty points
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No one can avoid buying anything forever. Even if someone is dedicated to saving money, they'll have to spend some money from time to time. But if they're going to spend it, you'd better believe they'll use coupons, discount codes, or loyalty points whenever they can.
They might only save a dollar or two, but it all adds up. Especially if they're doing a big haul, they'll make sure they're getting the best possible price.
9. They make coffee at home
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There may be no greater feeling than drinking your coffee in the morning. Especially if you know the day ahead will be chaotic, that caffeinated beverage is a lifesaver. But while many buy their coffee from Starbucks, people who don't want to have the same financial issues their parents had make theirs at home.
It takes a few minutes out of their day, but the alternative is way worse. If you aren't careful, you can easily spend more than $1,000 a year on coffee. This is why they prefer to make it at home. Because they're terrified of overspending, they'd rather put in a little effort than see the consequences reflected on their bank statement each month.
10. They use every bit of product before opening a new one
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Most people are pretty wasteful with products. Because they're always chasing the next new thing, they never finish the countless skincare creams they already have in their bathroom. In the moment, they label it self-care. Shrugging, they say that beauty has a price. But according to Advanced Dermatology, that price can be upwards of $722 a year.
This is why financially cautious people use every bit of product they have before opening another one. If every drop hasn't been completely scooped out, it isn't gone. Unlike others who toss it away half full, financially cautious people always finish it up. Even if they didn't like it, they don't care. In a wasteful world, people who grew up struggling strive to make the most of everything they have.
Marielisa Reyes is a writer with a bachelor's in psychology who covers self-help, relationships, career, family, and trending topics.
