You might not care what people think—and that’s totally fair—but if you’ve ever wondered why you weren’t taken seriously at work or in certain social circles, it might be worth a quick self-check. These 20 habits that make one look low-class don’t define their worth, but they do affect perception.
Regularly Maxing Out Your Credit Cards
Carrying high credit card balances is more than a financial issue—it can signal poor money habits. According to Experian, your credit utilization ratio affects your score significantly. Even if you earn well, a maxed-out card suggests poor planning, and it can lead to long-term financial instability.
Always Talking About Being Broke Online
Venting is one thing. Chronic posting about your money woes is another. If your feed is a rotating diary of bounced checks, late rent, and overdue bills, people may start associating your identity with scarcity. Social media doesn’t forget easily—and neither do potential employers or peers who see the pattern.
Acting Rude To Service Staff
Let’s be real: Snapping at a barista or rolling your eyes at a cashier says more about you than them. Being rude to people in customer service screams low character. It’s not about status—it’s about empathy. Gratitude and kindness show confidence, not weakness, and people notice that fast.
Wearing Clothing That Looks Neglected
No one expects a wardrobe full of designer labels, but wrinkled, faded, or tattered clothes tend to send a message that you’ve stopped trying. A clean, well-fitting outfit—no matter the brand—communicates effort. Iron your shirt, and replace shoes with holes. Those little details speak louder than logos or expensive price tags.
Trying To Haggle At Chain Stores
This isn’t a garage sale. Bargaining at McDonald’s or Target makes the employees uncomfortable, and you look clueless. A cashier can’t knock down prices. Attempting it signals either entitlement or a total disconnect from how retail works. Save the haggling for flea markets, bazaars, or places where it’s actually expected.
Letting Your Car Fall Apart
You can drive a beat-up vehicle and still look responsible—but not if it’s squeaking, leaking, and riding on bald tires. Mechanics often say luxury cars come in worse shape than beaters. Owning a high-end ride means nothing without upkeep. Flashy outside, falling apart inside? People notice—and it changes their impression.
Bragging About Bargains In Awkward Places
There’s nothing wrong with being proud of a good deal—but loudly bragging about how little you paid for something, especially in inappropriate settings, can come off as tacky rather than savvy. Whether it’s a fancy dinner, a wedding, or a business event, announcing the discount on your outfit or how you haggled down a price can make others uncomfortable.
Vaping At Work Or Around Non-Smokers
Even though vaping isn’t as offensive as smoking, it still carries a stigma, especially in professional settings. A UCL study noted vaping shifted from affluent to lower-income groups. If you’re puffing mid-meeting or by building entrances, it’s not just distracting—it may quietly reinforce stereotypes you don’t intend to echo.
Blaming Money For Every Missed Opportunity
Constantly saying, “I can’t afford that,” shuts down possibilities before they’re even explored. Sometimes, it’s true—but when it becomes a reflex, it sounds like you’ve stopped trying. Saying “not right now” or offering an alternative feels more intentional, hopeful, and open to growth—even if the bank account says otherwise.
Chasing Freebies Like They’re Life Goals
Free T-shirts, samples, online giveaways—fun once in a while. But if your inbox is a graveyard of unused discount codes and your shelves are full of junk you grabbed “because it was free,” it can give off scavenger vibes. Value doesn’t mean volume. Even with freebies, choose quality over clutter.
Wearing Fast Fashion That Falls Apart
Fast fashion is accessible, but when the seams come apart and buttons are missing, it stops being a bargain. Cheap fabrics rarely survive repeated wear. You can thrift better-quality pieces or invest in timeless basics that last longer. Also, remember that wearing clothes that look worn out or poorly made can cheapen your entire appearance.
Borrowing Without A Plan To Repay
Asking friends or family for financial help more often, without repayments, becomes a problem. Respect is mutual—and so is follow-through. Consistent borrowing without follow-up can strain relationships and make you look unreliable, especially when it starts to feel like a pattern instead of a plan.
Treating Every Outing Like A Photoshoot
We all love a good selfie, but constantly posing, filming, or curating content during casual dinners or simple errands can come across as insecure. When every moment is treated like an influencer campaign, it can feel more like a performance than real life. Real confidence doesn’t need constant validation—or a ring light at brunch.
Bragging About The Luxury Item You Can’t Really Afford
You’ve seen it: someone flaunts a Gucci belt or designer bag, only to live in a barebones apartment or struggle with bills. It’s less about the brand and more about your math. Priorities show. When the lifestyle doesn’t match the flex, people silently start wondering what else might be off.
Living In Chaos While Ignoring Repairs
You don’t need marble countertops to have pride in your space. But if your faucet’s been leaking for six months or the cabinet door fell off last year, it doesn’t say “busy professional”—it says “I’ve stopped caring.” Home upkeep doesn’t have to be HGTV-level. Functionality and pride go a long way.
Name-Dropping In Everyday Conversations
Mentioning who you know or where you’ve been can add color to a story. When name-dropping becomes a habit, though, it often comes across as insecure or performative. Instead of sounding impressive, it can create distance and make others feel like you’re trying too hard.
Swearing In The Office Like It’s Casual Friday
It might feel harmless in laid-back offices, and some people won’t even blink at it, especially among close colleagues. Still, dropping f-bombs during meetings or emails can wreck your image. Many companies still view unfiltered language as a red flag. There’s a time and place for venting—but your quarterly check-in or Slack thread isn’t usually one of them.
Oversharing At Work Or In Friend Groups
Telling your coworkers about your overdue rent, your ex’s bad credit, or your cousin’s pyramid scheme might feel like bonding, but oversharing money drama can quietly tank your credibility. Personal stories aren’t bad—but context matters. Save financial confessions for close circles, not the office lunch table or team Zoom.
Judging Others Who Live Modestly
Mocking people who coupon, thrift, or ride the bus doesn’t make you look rich—it makes you look insecure. Class isn’t about what you spend; it’s how you behave. Confidence respects different choices. If someone’s living smart and within their means, laughing at them just makes you look out of touch.
Constantly Flashing Your Cash Or Bank Balance
Talking openly about how much money you have, how much you spent, or casually dropping your bank balance into conversation doesn’t scream success—it signals insecurity. True wealth tends to be quiet. When financial flexing becomes your default, it can feel like you’re trying to prove something instead of just being comfortable in your own skin.
