15 Ways Growing Up Poor Impacts You as an Adult

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Growing up in poverty can have a profound impact on individuals as they navigate adulthood.

The struggle to make ends meet, the lack of resources, and the constant worry about basic necessities shape a person’s worldview, values, and decision-making process in ways that are often misunderstood.

In this blog post, we will explore 15 ways growing up poor impacts individuals as they transition into adulthood.

From the effects on mental health and self-esteem to the challenges in building financial stability and maintaining healthy relationships, we will delve into the various ways that poverty leaves its lasting mark.

By shedding light on these experiences, we hope to foster empathy, understanding, and support for those who have faced the hardships of poverty and continue to fight for a better future.

Join us on this journey as we uncover the unseen consequences and learn about the resilience and strength that arises from such adversity.

#1. Hoarding Money

Many people who grew up poor tend to hoard money as adults. 

It’s like a security blanket to ensure they never have to experience the financial insecurity they faced in their youth. 

While saving money is an important habit, it’s essential to enjoy the fruits of our labor and not let the ghosts of our past dictate our relationship with money. 

Ultimately, the key is to find a balance that allows for financial stability without sacrificing the joys of life.

#2. Not Asking for What You’re Worth

Whether it is a raise or negotiating your salary when offered a job, many people who grew up in poverty are scared to ask for more money.

They think asking will either result in losing their job, or their boss thinking less of them.

This results in being stuck in worse financial shape because they are underpaid their entire career.

#3. Trusting Others

Growing up poor can leave some people with a bit of a trust issue when it comes to others. 

It’s not that poor people inherently don’t trust anyone. It’s just that continually being let down by those around them can leave a lasting impact. 

When people don’t have the resources to provide for themselves or their families, they often rely on others for help. 

Unfortunately, this means they’re more likely to encounter people who may exploit their situation. 

It’s hard to open up and trust others when you’ve been let down before, so it’s no wonder some people who grew up poor struggle with this.

#4. Inability To Spend Money On Things You Need

When every penny counts, it’s easy to develop a scarcity mindset that makes it hard to part with our hard-earned cash. 

After all, we’ve learned the hard way that we can’t always count on having enough money to go around. 

As a result, we may hesitate to spend money on things we need even when we can afford them. 

It’s almost like we’re waiting for the other shoe to drop and a financial emergency that will drain our resources. 

But the truth is that sometimes we need to take a deep breath and trust that we can handle whatever comes our way.

#5. Picking Up Free Items

People who grew up poor may have developed a mindset of making the most of every opportunity, including the chance to obtain free items. 

They may have experienced firsthand the importance of being resourceful and creative with limited resources. 

Additionally, getting something for free can be a source of pride and accomplishment, representing a tangible benefit gained without spending money. 

This can lead to a tendency to seek out free items or deals, even when one’s financial situation has improved.

#6. Scared To Take Financial Risks

People who grew up poor may have learned to be cautious with their finances due to the potential consequences of making a mistake or taking a risk.

They may have experienced firsthand the stress and anxiety of not having enough money and therefore have a strong desire to avoid financial instability.

Additionally, they may not have had access to the same resources and opportunities for financial education and guidance that those from more affluent backgrounds may have had.

As a result, they may be more risk-averse and hesitant to make financial investments or take on debt, even when it could potentially lead to long-term benefits.

#7. Stocking Up When You Find Deals

Unsurprisingly, many people who grew up poor tend to stock up when they come across a good deal. 

Having extra shampoo or canned goods lying around can be an absolute comfort when you’re used to living paycheck to paycheck or struggling to make ends meet. 

It’s like a safety net, ensuring you’ll have what you need, even if money is tight.

#8. Afraid to Use Nice Things

While they may splurge on an expensive item, they may not use it for fear of breaking or ruining it.

So the item stays packed away and never gets used.

#9. Staying at a Job You Dislike

Many people who grew up poor are simply happy to have a job.

But this thinking can stop them from finding a career they truly enjoy, or one that pays better.

They are too afraid to give up on a job they have to take a risk with a new one.

#10. Fear of Banks

Even though keeping money at a bank is safe and a way to earn interest on your money, many people that grew up poor refuse to use banks.

It could be because they don’t trust them or it could be that when the money is out of their control, they become anxious.

This fear can extend to other financial relationships too, causing them to never get ahead financially.

#11. Having Control Issues

People who grew up poor may have experienced a lack of control in many areas of their life due to limited resources and opportunities. 

Because of this, they may develop a desire to control their environment as much as possible, including their relationships and possessions. 

This desire for control can manifest as a need to micromanage and plan every detail and difficulty delegating tasks to others. 

Additionally, a fear of losing what they have worked hard to attain can lead to hoarding or other behaviors related to a need for control. 

These tendencies can be a way of coping with past feelings of powerlessness and insecurity.

#12. Not Throwing Out Food

People who grew up poor often experienced food scarcity and insecurity, where they didn’t always have enough food to eat. 

As a result, they tend to develop a strong appreciation for the value of food and the effort it takes to obtain it. 

This can lead to a tendency not to want to waste food, as throwing it away feels like a disregard for the hard work that went into acquiring it and a reminder of past struggles with food insecurity.

This issue might come through as always ensuring you eat everything on your plate, or it could be obsessing over leftovers to ensure to eat them before they go bad.

#13. Not Believing Your Finances Can Improve

Growing up poor can take a toll on a person’s mindset, particularly regarding money. 

When you’ve lived your whole life with the constant stress of not having enough, it’s tough to imagine things being any different. 

It can feel like no matter what you do, you’ll never quite get ahead. 

And even when you start to progress, that nagging voice in your head keeps telling you it won’t last.

#14. Settling for Less

Poverty often leads to a feeling of settling for less than what is deserved, and this can be seen in many aspects of life. 

Education may suffer as resources are limited, leading to a potentially reduced level of knowledge and understanding. 

Career opportunities may also seem more limited due to a lack of access to jobs that offer long-term stability or higher salaries.

#15. Buying Generic

In an effort to save money, those in poverty may be forced to purchase generic versions of the products they need.

This can mean that the quality of items is lower, leading to problems such as longer repair times or a shorter lifespan for certain goods.

The same goes for food; with limited resources and reduced access to healthier options, many families are stuck buying cheaper, processed foods that lack the proper nutrients to lead a healthy lifestyle.

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