Last week, Reddit user PrestonRoad90 made a post on the platform, asking those who grew up poor to share the things they believe people with more money will never understand about them.
It quickly gained traction and sparked thousands of heartfelt responses about the lasting impact of financial hardship. Many described how their experiences shaped their views on money, security, and even relationships.
From small but meaningful sacrifices to constantly worrying about bills, the thread highlighted the challenges that the wealthier may never have to consider.
#1
You just get so tired. It feels like there’s no resting because there’s always the pervasive feeling that you should be doing/making/fixing something. Poverty means constant planning – for the next meal, for the next bill, for the next crisis.
Image credits: Competitive_Bag3933
#2
Being poor is very expensive.
For example, if you’re unable to afford to pay a speeding ticket, it will accrue late fees, making it even harder to pay off.
If you need money right now to buy food and pay rent, Payday Loan shops can help you, but with exorbitant interest rates so you’ll end up paying back way more than you borrowed.
If you have a toothache but can’t afford to see the dentist, it can grow into something worse and more costly to fix.
Image credits: TelFaradiddle
#3
The anxiety you feel at the cash register. Knowing there’s nothing else you can put back, that you genuinely need every item and it’s the cheapest possible price, but somehow it’s still too expensive. That feeling never goes away.
Image credits: Living_Donut9603
#4
How difficult it is to crawl out of generational poverty.
Image credits: Stunning-Chipmunk243
#5
When you are starving and there’s nothing to eat so the only option left is to try and sleep because you hope that when you wake up you won’t feel so hungry.
Image credits: Sea_Pop_772
#6
How exhausting it is to constantly worry about making ends meet.
#7
The constant fear of running out of money that creates this weird obsession over and guilt about spending money, even when you’ve got decent finances.
I grew up poor and my partner grew up upper-middle class. We have managed to carved out a pretty comfortable life but I still have panic attacks about money and being able to afford essentials (food, rent, etc.). They are flabbergasted every time it happens. Like supportive but completely confused as to why I get so upset. My response is always “money can run out”. .
Image credits: My_Clandestine_Grave
#8
That Sugar toast is an acceptable dinner.
Image credits: reddit.com
#9
How much relationships matter. You’re alot safer in a dangerous neighborhood if you know and have good allies/friends in the neighborhood. It’s alot easier to share a bedroom with four or so other people if you like those people. You can’t afford that new car part, but if you know that dude in the neighborhood who fixes cars, he might hook you up for a little cash. Etc etc. TLDR: having solid, good relationships with people you have history with can make a WORLD of difference.
Image credits: EdithWhartonsFarts
#10
Being bullied for being poor.
Image credits: Friendly77Lady
#11
Food insecurity. I’m 60 and even now having no debt and being in a good spot, I still hoard food and keep any bit of leftovers. I remember going hungry and/or only having a small portion to eat..no seconds.
Image credits: kaideleigh
#12
Getting to stay home instead of school field trips because mom could never afford the ticket.Used to get excited about it until I realized why.
Image credits: SlttyxaxCutie
#13
Amount of time feeling powerless.
Image credits: xoxo44Sweetheart
#14
Being poor means constantly worrying about basic needs and future stability.
#15
Small problems become large ones when you don’t have adequate savings
Any extra expense can be catastrophic.
Image credits: ResurgentClusterfuck
#16
Going to the grocery store and not being able to afford the food you very exactly budgeted for because they raised the price of an item.
The most mortifying experience ever is getting to the register and discovering your total is mere cents above what you can afford so you have to pick an item to put back.
Or, finding out your card won’t go through because you forgot you paid your car insurance and there’s not enough money in your account to cover your groceries.
“Oh, wrong card, let’s try this one…” declined.
“That’s not the one, let’s try this one…” declined.
“Can we split the payment onto multiple cards?
“Oh, there’s not enough on that card to cover it? I’m sorry. Never mind. I’ll find out what money I have where and come back.”
As you walk of shame worse than any college one night stand has ever felt. Carrying your infant child on your hip leaving your groceries all behind because you can’t afford them.
I wish no one ever had to feel this way. But I also kinda wish everyone had to at least once.
#17
That oftentimes poor people make the decision to buy the thing that makes them happy when they can, instead of constantly saving only for what they need.
#18
As a fellow poor kid, the stinky kid in class probably didn’t have deodorant/couldn’t afford the proper deodorant. It still could be true for the stinky poor adult in your life. Be mindful and considerate sometimes.
Image credits: Zestyclose-Quarter87
#19
Being excluded from just about everything.
Image credits: RobertSunstone
#20
Even basic needs are luxury for you.
#21
You fix things yourself.
#22
Being told:
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.”.
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