The Wealth Aesthetic Obsession on Social Media: Fake Rich, Real Rich & Everything In Between

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Can you tell the difference between real rich and fake rich? What do you think about the points Your Rich BFF raised in this video?

[@petersmith2040]

Wearing a gold Rolex, whether genuine or fake, is no longer considered flexing on social media. Nowadays, it’s all about wearing a Patek Philippe, Richard Mille, A. Lange & Sohne, Audermars Piguet, or Vacheron Constantin.

[@dahliacheung6020]

I will agree that outside of Hollywood, the very wealthy or rich don't feel the need to show off as much as the less rich or wealthy, which is something you often see on social media too in my opinion. Those who really have it seem more more relaxed about it because they don't really know anything else. Those who aren't as far up there have likely had more interaction with people who don't have much money so they show their money off to set themselves apart. As for the differences between the words wealthy and rich: I see rich as making a lot of money and wealthy as having a lot of money. They can of course overlap.

[@Noon_00Nz]

Real rich try to hide something & Fake rich try to show off.

[@leahmanderson298]

“Rich people” are not a monolith. Some like luxury goods, some like travel, some are frugal, some collect art, some are philanthropic…there are literally millions of millionaires. They’re all different!

[@Justme-x4h]

This!!!!

[@AndrisWorld]

Totally 💯

[@luciar.villanueva1780]

Agree 100 percent

[@rainforest.4577]

Thank you!!!

[@rainforest.4577]

Also loving luxury doesn't mean trying to "look rich" or trying to "impress". My rich friend from a few years ago, wore brands that were so expensive only wealthy folks knew them. You could tell she was rich although her clothes weren't plastered with logos. The fabric was immaculate and of the highest quality.

[@tippytoe1250]

I feel wealthy. I have a beautiful loving family and great long term friendships. My husband and I are about to celebrate 30 years together. Our basic needs are met and we still enjoy luxury of traveling.

[@sandraankenbrand]

Same here... we live comfortably, 32yrs married

[@ajohonly3721]

This is the healthiest wealth ever 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾.

[@rauldelgado4370]

Can she Sense that Kind of Wealth...and all the other special gifts or other luxuries people possess.

[@instantkarmalr]

I went to high school with a lot of generational wealth (I didn’t have it personally). I once watched someone get genuinely sad upon learning one of her friends didn’t grow up having horses. She sympathetically asked if maybe her family had owned just one, because “everyone deserves at least ONE horse.” It didn’t seem fake at all: she seemed legitimately saddened knowing her friend didn’t grow up with horses. It was kind of fascinating to witness. She wasn’t trying to shame anyone, or even brag, really - she was just astoundingly clueless.

[@instantkarmalr]

And generally speaking, the generational wealth kids’ clothes were low key, although there were exceptions. One of the girls with a famous company last name mostly wore tshirts and jeans, but she also had a fondness for Lilly Pulitzer. Another very wealthy girl whose last name you might know from the luxury fashion world always had the best dresses for our dances 😭

[@ladyofwinterfel8143]

lol for all you know that tshirt was from the row or loro piana, sometimes since they're rich there probably isn't a target or tjmak or belk nearby, the shops nearby are loro piana brunello cuccinelli or chanel they're not driving 20 mins to reach the nearest target, i've lived in the UAE, theres not alot of generational wealth there because its only about 40 somethings years old country however 80percent of people there are wealthy and while there are areas you can get cheap stuff and bargain stuff with sellers for the most parts malls in the UAE will have the majory luxury brands like gucci, dior LV chanel and more, for the most part they are more accessible in the UAE than it is here in the US, here i have to travel to orlando to the nearest hermes boutique. and yup that kid you describe was indeed wealthy, its not that they are trying to show off, they are just truly genuinely clueless to the fact that there are extremely poor people, i mean you're not gona see these people walking the streets where people are high on crack, that just not the case, even drug lords will do their very best for their children to be not exposed to such lifestyle @@instantkarmalr

[@dahliacheung6020]

⁠that is true. They're always flexing without intending to because they don't feel the need. But to normies like me it doesn't come off as flexing because the brand names aren't flashing everywhere. Still, I've lived long enough to know the outfit that girl was wearing was a $1,000 t-shirt and $3,000 jeans.

[@Greatdanewrangler]

I was a young, poor military wife. I used to take my kids to CA visiting family, and my brother and his wife worked at Disneyland. I don't know if it is still true, but employees used to be able to invite a visitor, so we went to Disney every time we were there. We'd go back to our base and my kids would talk about our trip. They had no idea that everybody didn't have an aunt and uncle to get them into Disneyland. They weren't bragging, they just didn't realize how fortunate they were, and they were truly sad that everybody didn't have the same ability. They went right back to poor enlisted kids, matching all their friends when we got back, though 😂

[@instantkarmalr]

@@Greatdanewrangler LOL, yes, like that! Except she was 17 and somehow hadn’t figured it out yet. PS your kids sound adorable ❤️

[@APPR.]

“Wealth only makes you more of what you already are”. - Dave Ramsey

[@niki151416]

I feel like yourrichbff might be pretty biased to what she sees and aspires as "rich" like....i have been around rich people, i had rich customers, a lot of them cared a lot about luxury items, they were definitely not giving 50% tips and they weren't even friendly 😂 so there is always a spectrum, not all rich people are the same, they are all different, just like all "normal/other" people

[@inbloom2300]

Exactly, generalising is dumb because there is a spectrum

[@homewreckerburrito]

Agreed! My friends who grew up poor leave larger tips and don't keep tabs when they cover something for another friend whereas my friends who grew up insanely wealthy will split things down to the last decimal, are stingy tippers, and remember that you owe them $5.12 for your portion of the valet- they will also venmo you the $3.25 they owe you for their bottle of water, because they didn't have cash on them right there, as you're paying for it so, I guess it all shakes out. I just find these generalizations overly general.

[@miao-m9q]

Yea. I have rich relatives. some very generous, visit less well off relative frequently, and buy them necessities when they need help. Didnt ask for anything in return. While some are so entitled, never go dutch during meals, even if they are not invited, we have to pay for the meal of whole family. What worst is they often pick the most expensive dishes, didnt bother to share food even knowingly cant finish it, or their kid didnt even want to order it but order regardless. There was once we were travelling together, and decided to go dutch with them on every meal because we cant afford to pay for them. Part of us also worry that they will choose expensive restaurant if we dont. Then the wife was not happy and talks nasty stuffs behind our back. Word spreads and i heard about it. i was angered and expressed my thoughts on what happened throughout the years. After that she still badmouth us, pick the most expensive items on the menu and cant finish their food... but at least they pay us half of the bill now😂😂

[@happymelodieart]

As someone who worked around a lot of wealthy people for years (either in high end fashion like Prada or luxury hotels in Paris or Michelin star restaurants) I absolutely agree but also, at least from my experience, there is tendency from "new rich" or "temporary rich" as I like to call influencers 😅, for being very loud with their money. They tend to "show of" more in general, through either wearing a tone of labels, or talking about how much they spend or how much they own ("I already have everything from this collection", "I already went there several times", things like that). But again that is from my personal experience and I wouldn't deem this to be true everywhere and for everyone.

[@WalkingandTalkingAussieGirl]

interesting topic makes you reflect a lot. I know a handful of people that are millionaires due to successful businesses and live in mansions, have great cars etc. They do wear designer brands but it is just the run of the mill life for them, its not 'special'. Money contributes to happiness in different ways; it provides them a lot of freedom, options on living situations, having great holidays and access to very healthy food. It just can't remove stresses of life though but they use money to help reduce stress in the way they hire cleaners etc so they can focus on their businesses not up keeping a home. It can't provide pure mental stability or guaranteed health, some people spiral into drinking or drugs because they have too much freedom. But if you use your money on in the right way, it definitely contributes to your overall happiness.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Some very good points you raised Thanks for watching ❤️

[@nancycausey9513]

Interesting subject matter and well thought out video! Really enjoyed this video and would be interested in more on this topic. I am BY NO MEANS rich or wealthy. I do find there is something to be said for being debt free, financially independent, being in a position to help others and enjoying experiences. I guess I'd call it "financially comfortable". Someone can be in this position but still need to plan ahead and spend or give in moderation. However, I must admit it would be nice to just live without minding the bottom line 🤭🙃

[@sandraankenbrand]

That's what I know also of millionaires... To the contrary my billionaire friend doesn't have a mansion for example... he is way more in hiding

[@AyH25]

The richest people I know DONT WORK. They just study a bunch of art degrees and travel to different art galleries year round. They are not stylish. They don’t wear nice stuff. But they do have homes full of art and in nice locations.

[@happymelodieart]

And that, is the kind of rich I'd like to be!

[@hyperfeminal]

As someone who grew up with both an heiress and a countess as best friends in school, I think it’s time we just retire this conversation. Like the whole quiet luxury thing; let’s leave this in 2023. Also worshipping rich people is getting exhausting; a lot of my friends growing up had terrible home lives. Who cares how people present themselves? We live in a world where so many people’s basic needs aren’t met; I’d argue that’s more of a priority than whether the person next to you is wearing a “ludicrously capacious bag”. Don’t mean to sound mean in any way, I just think present yourself the way you want, who cares? Also nothing on Instagram is real; just focus on yourself and your well-being 💖

[@haute03]

100% agree as someone who was also friends with and went to school with the generationally wealthy and "new money" folks. I honestly find it so fascinating that people want to know what ~truly~ wealthy people do so they can imitate it. Also, I've found that most of these people peddling content around what wealthy people do or don't do don't have a single clue what they're talking about because they've never actually been in those circles. If they were, it wouldn't even cross their mind to create content about it. I can't fathom creating YT videos about what my old college friends wear or how they act. It would be too bizarre.

[@hyperfeminal]

@@haute03 I wish I could like your comment a million times lol. I completely agree

[@feldhdleh]

​@@haute03 Great observations. People want to know how we live because it is alien to their way of thinking and behavior. It literally does not compute. It fascinates them to try to understand and emulate it. Like people cannot look away from a trainwreck. The exact opposite effect. I would never seek to analyze, document or otherwise unpack anyone else's rich life.

[@KWSHOPS]

Loved this topic! I think that very often people on social media are conflating wealth, or the opposite “new money” with how obnoxious a person displays themselves. I need everyone on the Internet to remember that a person’s bank account does not determine their self worth. A logo or lack there of has no bearings on how much money that person has. Social media(and especially reality television) by nature is staged. ….. and most important of all, being sh***ty to your waiter is uncool.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Love your take on this!

[@Alisha-hs8xj]

I think it’s sort of ironic that Your Rich BFF says this while wearing an Hermès necklace with obvious logo 😅

[@ilivace]

This ‘your rich bff’ chick is so incredibly annoying. She has no working experience…why is she being paid any attention to by anyone? Anyone who thinks she’s remotely credible I know is clueless…

[@jennifermcmillan2588]

I think she is obsessed and envies that 1%

[@canesugar911]

She admits to not being born Rich, so she buys the things she couldn't afford when poor

[@BeitBridg]

@@canesugar911 loud branding aka look at me things have nothing to do with what you couldn't afford.

[@GildedFashion]

Yes, it's not even fine jewellery. Costume stuff, and the H logo doesn't suit anyone, the shape of the letter is unflattering compared to YSL. You buy into the mystique of the brand unfortunately.

[@hellosavije1888]

There’s one thing that I never have been able to get over is how people are so concerned about other peoples money and whether or not they are wealthy or not. Are you wealthy ? if you are be happy if you’re not try to get there.

[@lovingsunshine3515]

Because we’re humans. We’re always comparing, jealous, and curious.

[@patricew.4010]

So I suppose golddiggers are something you also can't wrap your head around too.

[@tiffanyh4364]

If you visit the Midwest in the United States, you will find that it is a cultural thing for us to brag about what a great “deal” we got on something, regardless of how financially comfortable we are. I hear people receive a compliment on something and they will say “Thanks! I got it on sale at whatever store for 50% off the markdown!” It is much harder to tell who is wealthy. As a periodontist, I see patients quite often who will walk in dressed in jeans and an average t shirt who barely look middle class then they pay cash for a $50,000 treatment plan.

[@viktoriareissler4021]

It's a shame that you didn't mention your own experiences with luxury content etc. in this video. I missed self-reflection on your part. I have been following you for some time and have watched almost all of your videos. Where do you stand in this discussion (“real” wealth vs. flexing)? I mean, what normal person with a normal income can afford dozens of luxury items (bags, clothes...) a year without maxing out 10 credit cards. More insides from your own personal life would have been beneficial (or ppl around you).❤

[@jedrzejowskia]

She mentioned in an earlier video she had a cleaner employed for her house before😂 so its not like she has ever been humble. Its just a separate topic she is discussing here.

[@margaritam8995]

i agree! very interested

[@EconDude]

Character is destiny. More often than not, money just makes you more of who you are.

[@caguilo25]

I went to school for tourism and airlines almost 30 years ago, and one of my professors stated the same thing the other lady mentioned in the interview clip, the wealthy carry themselves in a more quiet, unassuming way than nouveau rich (who tends to be more flashy and posh than their counterpart), traveling in comfy clothes, etc.

[@nicolehall694]

I agree with you that "wealthy" is relative. Many people we know would consider us "wealthy" yet we are financially responsible and not necessarily wealthy. There's a HUGE difference

[@IBPaintsppp-wt5ou]

I think wealthy is up for you to define. I have no debt, one year of expenses saved/invested, less than 100k, and I consider myself wealthy. I have a lot of freedom to do what I like. Every person needs to learn how to be content with what they have.

[@LittleMissDeeDee]

Great video! In my opinion, wealth is relative to where you live in the world. Most Westerners would be considered rich to those living in a developing country where cost of living is substantially lower. A $200k salary per year is considered rich in Montana, but only just above average in New York City. A New Yorker earning this salary probably wouldn’t feel wealthy at all, regardless of what national statistics may say. I also think a lot of wealthy people are truly out of touch because they were surrounded by people in the same tax bracket, if not higher, therefore receiving a Gucci dress for a 16th Birthday may seem late for someone who schooled with people who received fine jewellery throughout their childhood. Also, the idea that wealthy people don’t flex their wealth is a myth. They absolutely do, through where and how they choose to travel, where they send their children to school and the quality of clothes they choose to wear - car and art collections etc. Purchasing a $100 million yacht is flexing, as is buying a $2 million holiday home in Tuscany. Financial flexibility also isn’t wealth or richness to me. True financial wealth is being able to live life freely without having to clock into a job or worry about your money running out - in fact, the priority is protecting wealth.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

I think her argument was that they don’t flex with things Travel or where your children go to school I suppose you could argue is an experience but the art and yachts are things and owning them is a flex I would agree with you Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@seabreeze4559]

It's flexing if you wanna impress people. They don't.

[@canesugar911]

​@@seabreeze4559they do. The entire experience is about saving face

[@theugliestbeast]

Why would you want to look rich if you're not? We worship rich people too much like they do something amazing when most of the times it's caused they exploit people/things.

[@Cassandralynn83]

They are living vicariously through the actual, legit rich.

[@mille5913]

Thank you. It seems like TOR comment is the only sane one here. Ppl are to glorifying rich ppl. I wouldn't like to be around them at all, besides even if I become extremely rich, richer than them, they won't welcome me into their circle. How can such ppl be good ones as many commentators state here

[@HelenMarley-ym3ge]

My Nan said to me when I was young "If you have something money can't buy, then you are rich indeed."

[@rainforest.4577]

I always heard that rich was upper middle class to 8 figures, and wealthy meant generational wealth i.e. 9 figures or more. Over the years it feels like the press redefines things to make the middle class feel more included and less left out.

[@ilivace]

So agree. Middle class is not rich lol

[@Flowergirl222]

I am so grateful for you. This is soooo good. I am beyond tired of all this stupid shit on social media, even though I am not on it.😂 It is so embarrassing and pathetic to see people trying this hard when they have absolutely no character or depth.

[@for833]

I agree! I just deactivated my Instagram account at the beginning of the year. I am so tired of people creating "perfect" life scenarios and trying to outpace each other more and more with ridiculous posts just for likes and follows.

[@Flowergirl222]

@@for833 Proud of you! It feels amazing to take your energy back and focus on your own life 🦋You are made for soooo much more than scrolling.🩵

[@Valkyrtzia]

I a 100% agree with you, I'm not on social media either but you can find those people in real life :S and they are cringey. I met someone who wanted to go to Dubai just to "feel rich" those were the exact words said. I was shocked at the response because how can someone be so shallow D:

[@cocolove9916]

same its really cringe lol

[@cocolove9916]

@@Valkyrtzia lmao thats so sad and stupid 🤣

[@milliondollarbaby6421]

I’m friends with some wealthy individuals. The ones I know are older, 40 years plus. They post on Instagram casually, but not on an “I’m Bragging” way. They donate a lot to charity, are very philanthropic, well-traveled. As for dressing, they always look polished wether male or female. They wear logo sometimes or have their clothing monogramed. A lot of men wear watches costing $100k plus, some own yachts, and have no problem spending thousands on dinner out with friends/family. They generally are very kind hearted and generous.

[@mille5913]

Awwwwww how sweet 😍 not like all those peasants around, right? It's pretty weird to portrait rich ppl like this. They are not all the same. Also your username hints you're obsessed about being rich and I guess it affects your perception of those ppl 😂

[@Tagehano]

I believe that wealthy or rich people in the west have different life styles than those in the Middle East or Asia and they behave differently and have different interests so we can’t have a stereotype about what wealthy or rich look like

[@pinksocks115]

loved this discussion! are you able to share more about your upbringing and how you came to purchasing luxury items at such a young age? because your point about these lux influencers having to come from a certain background in order to share these items does make a lot of sense. and if you did come from a wealthy background, how has your views changed over the years + seeing this explosion of wealth bragging online

[@tshidilengoasa3833]

Your channel rebrand is everything. Loving this content

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou so much ❤️☺️

[@anjalianthony1656]

For me the concept of rich or wealthy are fairly interchangeable. The main point is that truly rich or wealthy have a high net worth - your assets are significantly higher than your debts and you have sufficient financial freedom to make choices without fear. The concept that the really wealthy don’t display their wealth is a falsehood. There are lots of rich/wealthy people who prefer to be low-key and others who love to display their wealth. I mean look at Bezos - he’s always on his yachts in the Mediterranean with his trashy looking girlfriend. He’s not hiding his filthy level of wealth.

[@sara3sparkles]

I actually find it very impressive when someone who can definitely afford these luxury brands choose not to. That willpower is so cool to me. Like they don’t care at all what others think. That’s wealthy!

[@strawberry_punch_art]

I don't think it's willpower. I wouldn't want to wear something that screams "you can steal from me, it wouldn't make a difference to my life". Also those logos all over are ugly, who wants to pay to be and ad.

[@sara3sparkles]

@@strawberry_punch_art that’s fair to say. I think some rich people like it but they don’t wanna look like they are “new money” that’s such a funny concept being old money 😂

[@haute03]

Idk if it's about willpower. They may just not care about fashion and/or designer brands. I think someone said this in another comment, but different people like different things. Someone may spend millions building an art collection, while another chooses to spend that money on bags and shoes. It's all a matter of one's preferences and interests.

[@sara3sparkles]

@@haute03 that’s so true! So interesting

[@GildedFashion]

Incredibly well put Sara! I've never ever thought of it that way. You've really made a great point, one of life's truths! Thank you. Something to teach my niece and nephew!

[@rachelhatchet]

Rich is loud and wealthis silent!

[@_Kittensworth]

It's so cringe listening to the first woman talking about how "real" wealthy people aren't ostentatious, that's so corny and not true. It's impossible to generalize like that, some are ostentatious, some aren't, and there's everything in between. There's a great video about this called "Why billionaires try so hard to look poor"

[@sams3015]

I love this video, what the podcast lady said about experiences and being well travelled giving off a vibe is so true. I’m no means wealthy but I was raised with travel and I prioritise it. I have random favourite this and that in different world cities and I’ve found not only do I connect with locals from said cities very easily but also very wealthy people as well often been to same obscure niche bar & suddenly barriers just collapsed with them. I think part of that is you’re talking to them about something that isn’t “braggy” but just bonding really. Anyway, unfortunately load of background things keep happening so I can’t sit and enjoy. I’m going to come back tomorrow or Sunday morning with a coffee & take it in.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thanks for sharing your two cents I hope you have a nice weekend x

[@jedrzejowskia]

Haha thanks for that great example.of low key flexing. You are very wealthy. Majority of people in the world dont ever travel. Ever.

[@PoSHEmediaglobal]

3. Minute snippet is so true The part about how truely wealthy people walk into a restaurant I am an executive assistant that have worked for rich business men. They like anonymity

[@elamilo745]

I was able to control myself awhile back before my period came, I felt the urge to spend on bags because I saw how it looked so good on the seller in social media. I felt like wanting to imitate her style. But if I imitate her, it would mean spending money on something I dont need. So glad I was able to resist. Now after my period all my urge is gone. 😅 Now I want to hate my hormones.

[@y.preyer]

For me to be rich means when a person owns a car and a flat. No mortgage, no debts.

[@leapingdeer7880]

This is the only time I'll say this Someone who is actually wealthy and comes from generational wealth in the fullest, would not be caught dead on youtube, so all these little tiny youtube stars and celebrities all bragging and flexing are actually nowhere close to being wealthy 🤷‍♀️ wealthy people don't need social media to make money nor fame.

[@Jeanne.Watier]

Idk think about Lara Cosima, princesses Chiara and Carolina de Bourbon... these girls are all on social media just like everyone our age, even if they have generational wealth

[@haute03]

It's funny reading this because Caitlin is definitely generationally wealthy LOL. However, she was more about sharing her excitement around fashion buys and has since pivoted to providing really great social commentary. The fact that she was never big on flexing to boost her ego and foregos mentioning her economic status in this video really supports your point.

[@transitionsnc]

I would agree. Truly wealthy people avoid publicity.

[@heysaras]

Is Paris Hilton on social media? The Kardashians?

[@nikkismith2858]

Paris Hilton has a KZbin channel and was one of the first influencers. She came from generational wealth but wanted to prove herself and be a businesswoman The Kardashian are wealthy but are all over social media

[@sarahjames1143]

I dont watch any of the Real Housewives shows but Im pretty sure there was either one or a few house wives that were found to own counterfit designer goods. So I think thats something to consider.... Also I recently came to the conclusiont that I dont care about high end designers or owning their stuff. I've sent a bunch of my bags off for consignment and sold a few things late last year too + a bit of selling myself for the things the consigners wont take. I want to be well off enough that were I to randomly stumble upon a designer item and love it,take time to consider the purchase that I can just buy it. Which means I need to buy less frequently in general to position myself there financially.

[@ShopSRJ]

Loving the new longer videos! 🥰 yess! i’m not sure why I always hear the sound bites on Instagram that wealthy people don’t dress in designer 😂 I’m sorry but who is buying all the ready to wear then? Bc it’s not the average salary folks

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou for watching ❤️

[@morganstubie]

I think wealth means: truly flexible with time and resources.

[@missshananicole]

I genuinely don’t care what other people have (as far as finances) and hope folks are living their best life. I am comfortable. My parents provided a comfortable and stable life for us. We also traveled. I work hard and have achieved more than I expected and I buy myself nice things and indulge occasionally in experiences. I just want us to stop shaming folks who live a comfortable lifestyle and make decent money. Not everyone can be rich or wealthy. That’s just reality. It’s cool to aspire to live a certain way - it’s awesome that folks have elevated their lives with SM. But not all of us will.

[@daisy6323]

I think it’s so weird we are still comparing people old vs new money. I personally like buying designer bags because it’s something I want for myself. I enjoy driving my Benz it’s something I value. Not everyone is trying to impress others. As long as you’re happy that’s all that matters. This is getting old.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Would love to hear your thoughts on why the old money vs new money discussion has been so prevalent in recent years

[@daisy6323]

@@CaitlinPawlowski Good question. I think it’s just style and fads change with time. I think just as certain brands like Supreme were super popular a few years ago, I think this is a fad itself. If even MatPat from the Game Theorist made a video about this on his Style Theory channel, this concept of how “actually“ rich people hide their wealth is so popularly known now that it’s no longer hidden and now meaningless. I honestly think people should just live their lives and get things that make them feel happy. If it’s something filled with logos, good. If it looks super plain, great too. The woman in the beginning of the video seems so silly.

[@amandainman6733]

Love this (and all your videos) I am one who doesn’t do social media minus KZbin for these reasons. I also think maybe a lot of these people are not keeping and or buying fake designer stuff to flex. People with true money are all different in how they spend but I am one who believes it’s the how you treat others and your own mindset is what really matters. We need to go back to the times where we didn’t compare ourselves to people around the world who could be frauds and focus on our own lives and what makes you wealthy:)

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou for watching ❤️

[@IrinaVanRonkel]

RICH rich people are very careful and selective about their friends and acquaintances. Even if this speaker girl knows how to “spot” them, she would have very little chance of becoming part of their circle. So her skill is very questionable and practically useless.

[@amazedworld2521]

Another giveaway is that most people who built their wealth don't just "throw it away' with large tips.

[@IrinaVanRonkel]

@@amazedworld2521 100%

[@gitchygitchyyaya]

She’s a millionaire?

[@seabreeze4559]

Would they let their children date her? No. "Not our class dear" especially if there are racial or religious expectations. They wouldn't tell her THAT. Spending the money is meaningless, preserving it is HUGE. Look at the Rockerfeller family photos, not a non-white face among them. They never mention THAT part so her acting like she gets it is frankly hilarious. I know these people but I also know it's about what they don't say. Actions > words.

[@seabreeze4559]

pittance to actual UHNW - ultra high net worth @@gitchygitchyyaya

[@sentimentaltrash]

Soooo, I’m also from Adelaide (assume your Adelaide based from the PO Box haha in your description) and watched my next door neighbours get rich over the course of about 10 years; we’re talking about from 1 lamberginni (which I remember his wife calling it “her little beach house” as it was the same price) to him acquiring about 10 super cars in rotation at any given time and him saying “oh I like having the 1A seat on an airplane”. But I remember when my dad and I were going to go to Patagonia- our neighbour had recommended a hotel and my mum (who wasn’t even going on the trip) wanted so badly for us to have that experience so she could tell our neighbor about it. So dad and I are staying in this wanky retreat hotel in Patagonia surrounded by the Uber rich folks, but were stunned cause it doesn’t have a bathroom door. And we’re like “this hotel is stupid”. So my dad and I took great fun in pointing out all the silly things that most normal hotels had but this one didn’t because it was “an experience”. And I really think that’s the case with everyone who stayed there. Yes you’d have people dress up around the hotel but for hikes etc it’d be like dressed up in like $500 hiking pants etc that were practical but generally matched an outfit vs me wearing completely mismatched gear 😂. And I think it’s the same when you have like burnside mums- who’s actually wealthy vs stretching yourself for the experience just to chat with the other mums. / Adelaide club and all that 😂😂😂

[@AlessiaVH]

if you ordered natural water and they brought you sparkling water, of course you will complain. and even if you have an infinite amount of money, this does not mean that you will leave a 50% tip to the waiter who was rude 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@rao8559]

exactly. that woman has never spent any time around rich people. She is just making stuff up

[@AlessiaVH]

@@rao8559 100%

[@rachelesmith3342]

What’s up with the obsession of discerning “real” vs. “fake” wealth? All these people writing books or centering content on how real rich people really are and yada yada.

[@loyalallies]

I find it weird when viewing these quiet luxury videos...I'm not rich and do not come from a rich background but I dress like that and hv been since I was young with zero media influence...Could it b that I was born to b wealthy🤣🤣🤣

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

😂 yes maybe or maybe in a past life you were a tech billionaire hehe

[@tiptoethroughtheturnips9276]

I don't know if one can truly "smell" the wealth, LOL! However, I do believe that I've developed an 'eye' for it. One example... A few years ago, I was at my local bank one Saturday morning. I stood behind a gentleman wearing a 'simple' chilly Autumn morning outfit that consisted of a raincoat, a tweed flat cap, and what I immediately assumed to be a very 'good' walking shoe. There was definitely Something about him in this non-descript, casual, yet impeccable attire that had well-to-do written all over it (not to mention his poise). As he turned to leave I immediately recognized him; it was former U.S. Senator, John Warner (also known to some as Liz Taylor's ex-).😉

[@melocoton7]

I really dislike this flex porn on social media. It's so tacky IMO Honestly, the more money I have the less logo I wear. When I first got a well paying job, I was so excited to be able to afford certain things I could never buy myself before that I went batshit for it. Since then I have sold almost all my logo bags (ähem LV) and mostly wear unrecognizable items. I am rather frugal in my life as a whole, so once I got over that adrenalin rush, I calmed down considerably. Now I am more focused on building wealth for my retirement. We are also very frugal travelers. We prefer to spend on experiences and don't need an expensive hotel for example. We just sleep there anyway so it feels like a waste of money.

[@zrcendeavors]

In my opinion, the main reason that this "trend" is happening is the fact that we are now in the late stages of capitalism. We are currently in the throes of experience in the peak of what the system that we live within was meant to do. At least in America, Nixon tested neoliberal capitalism in Chile by convincing dictator Augusto Pinochet to test this form of capitalism in his country in the '70s and then Reagan implemented it in the '80s once they realized that it worked as it was meant to. Therefore, our government's systems are embedded with laws that are intended to make the rich / powerful only more rich and powerful entirely off of the backs and at the expense of the lives of the working class. The way that this form of capitalism has been successful is by corporate and government (which is basically the same thing at this point) use of manipulation tactics channeled through ideological state apparatuses like education and religion and media that convince the rest of society that they can also achieve wealth and success in that sense if they just work harder or buy this, or believe in this, or do this thing, or do that thing, etc. This "trend" is just a symptom of time plus the continuity of this manipulation set forth by the corporations and the governments that run the world. I'm sure it is the same for other neoliberal nations, such as the UK. When you really think about it, it's honestly just sad because most people who follow this trend will never achieve it and they are just simply cosplaying because in their subconscious they do recognize that. But they are so blinded by ideology that they allow themselves to not fight against the iniquities and injustices that are embedded in this system. This trend is merely the purest example of the fact that people are so convinced they can also be wealthy when they more than likely never will be due to the system that has convinced them that they have the chance to. To finish, I think that monetary wealth is a manmade construct that ruins the beauty of humanity. It's all fake. It's killing the Earth. Literally this fake thing that now dictates our lives is killing us and only benefits 1% of us. I think that trends like this which fetishize monetary wealth are sad and can even be harmful to those who are spending their lives trying to help everyone to understand their purpose as humans with conscious minds, which is to care for each other and the Earth. We have become so detached from the natural world that we have completely forgotten this essential fact and we are currently facing the detriment of that through the climate crisis and we will soon see extremely terrible terrible things happening all over the world because of our ignorance. It's that simple in my opinion, and I'm not going to say that anybody who follows this trend is wrong or like bad, as it is their life and I cannot control anybody. But this is just what I think, as I think about it a lot and have made it my life and career.

[@DallasLongIsMySon]

I grew up w parents who made less than minimum wage. Everyday was a struggle growing up. When I met my husband, I was given the opportunity to move to another country. I was very lucky. My first year in this new country, I worked as a housekeeper. I was only 20 and had no work experience. I did some odd jobs in my early 20s and I studied again to get qualifications. Anyway, the difference between me then and me now is that the things that interest me now are appropriate for my age. When I was in my 20s, I was all about designer handbags, shoes, clothes... things that are quite superficial when I think about it now. Now that I am in my 30s, I already have accumulated so much of that "superficial" stuff that I focus more on bigger things like a brand new car, investment properties, business class tickets... This is because my income also has increased over the years and also because as I got older, I stopped caring about what other people think of me. I think this definitely has something to do with my basic needs being met. I don't need to pretend I am rich because I feel rich. I am secured, mature, and more confident as I age.

[@radicalaccounting]

The richest couple I ever knew owned entire blocks of real estate on Van Ness in San Francisco. (This was in the 80’s). They were Billionaires back then. They really liked my husband so took us out to dinner. It was a buffet fried chicken restaurant where I told my husband privately “there is nothing here I can eat” (because I have a sensitive stomach). I ended up eating mashed potatoes. They weren’t being cheap, that’s what they liked. We had many experiences with them and that was their taste. My husband told me that once someone gave the husband money thinking he was a bum. You can’t tell rich unless you are psychic.

[@fourlittlebirds6166]

I agree with your “rich or wealthy to you” take on this. My family moved from Southern California to a southern state during 2020. (For various reasons) When we moved, we sold our tiny three bed house (barely over 1,400 sq feet with six people) it sold for almost $700k. -due to the neighborhood, the city etc. and that’s about “average” for there. We were a middle class family. My husband was making well over six figures a year- but for there we were barely getting by. Paycheck to paycheck living as expenses and taxes there are insane. Moved out of state into a home three times the size on acreage for less than half what we sold our previous house for. We still have a mortgage. But in our area, there are mostly farms and factory workers here. So our home is not the “normal” for here. Any time someone local sees where we live, they think that we are “rich”. We’re still middle class. But when most homes are trailers, small two bedrooms, or hundred year old cottages, our home stands out from the “normal” for here. If you picked our house up and put it back In California, it would be going for well Over three million. We moved out of state because we have four kids and wanted more space. There’s no way we could have ever afforded this house if it had been back there. We still dress average, drive average cars, I’ve never been to Europe. I don’t wear high end designer labels. We don’t have a cleaning person that comes in. It’s all In perspective.

[@giocondakisses]

Wealthy is not having all the brands in your closet/garage, it's knowing that you can and decide if you want it or not

[@johnnydes87]

I worked in luxury retail for a while and I honestly think a lot of wealthy individuals still want “things,” but not just anything that can be bought with lots of money, rather things you aren’t normally allowed to just purchase, but have to be offered, either becuase of history with that brand or store, or with a connection. Also, when brands start gifting free stuff or experiences that can’t be purchased, THEN it’s a flex.

[@Greatdanewrangler]

I was born in 1970(genx), so I didn't grow up with the internet or social media. There were magazines and a couple of tv shows showing wealth and celebrities, but I feel it was almost like a zoo. You would watch them and then go home but you didn't really obsess over them. I think it was because it wasn't in your face constantly they way it is now. I look back, and it feels like most aspired to be solidly middle class vs "rich" I think social media is 100% responsible for that difference. Younger Mellinals, gen Z and alpha often spend their time comparing their lives to the "wealthy" and coming up short in their minds. My generation literally had no ability to do that.

[@erika.vieira]

omg my sister literally got me a few sporty and rich pieces yesterday, Ive never heard of it before!

[@anikajoy5739]

I know lots of wealthy people that tip VERY LOW. They are very frugal. They dress "normal," drive a "normal" car, have a "normal" home. One of my wealthiest friends, you could mistake him for a homeless person, judging on just his looks.

[@nataliao8868]

Tip very low.. doesn’t mean that they are frugal… sometimes it means that they are cheap and ungrateful…🤢

[@donnaamos3766]

I'm wondering if this is a "Prince and the Pauper syndrome" to coin a phrase. Each idealizing the others' life but never actually knowing that it's harder than it looks. This results in middle class cosplaying the rich and the rich cosplaying "the simple life". But much like the prince and the pauper both are betrayed by their behavior and people figure them out pretty quickly.

[@maxdminimalist715]

Hi again. To add to my earlier comment, I just watched the rest of your video and you're not wrong about the different esthetics. This is not new however except for the addition of social media. I was at uni in the early 80s which was a full on preppy era. I was almost always in Ralph Lauren polo and penny loafers 😂 though not wealthy. I did work with a guy who quietly oozed old money, right down to the very unassuming, ribbon strap Rolex passed down from his grandfather. 😊✌🏽

[@GildedFashion]

It's all about where your interest lies. Just because you're really rich doesn't mean you have interest in the best of everything. Warren buffet doesn't go to a world class tailor and get a customised wardrobe, but a middle class person who is fanatical about craftmanship will pay a tonne for silks, goose down, cashmeres that last a lifetime, without the logos. Some are into the product's aesthetic, some are into performance, and others are all about comfort. Money are spent in many different ways.

[@parris145]

First off I love your channel…it is refreshing. I saw this podcast you are talking about. So here are the facts…she does not know what she is talking about. She is talking about how she thinks really really rich people act and how fake rich people act. The reality is they are not an homogenous group of people. I know a rich guy ,net worth of 300M , that wears designer clothes and basically always needs to ask how much should he tip at a restaurant. By the way I don't know a lot of rich folks that tip 50% on a bill, that is usually the fake rich people or people that used to work in hospitality who are upper middle class. Woman watched too many seasons of succession, that is how con artists fool people. By using these stereotypes and generalizations. Some rich people you would never know and some rich people you know immediately. Some are the same person. If you met Jeff Bezos 15 years ago and then met him today both versions are billionaires. However under what she said , which Bezos would you pick as the fake rich guy and the real rich guy?

[@rosemahinay7634]

wealthy is someone or a family who never really has to wory about money, or recession. being rich is just having a nice income like from a job

[@Z369.]

Unbelievable how people make money. I worked for a literary billionaire for 4 years, I never thought about writing a book about their lives or my experience. My last Boss of 3 years was half a billion man. Both of them own mega yachts. Definitely, I need to do something with my experience.

[@notnoaintno5134]

Literal or literary?

[@thenesslife]

I don't know the difference between truly rich people and those faking it. I don't care coz I judge people through their character. And yes I see a lot of expensive stuff being posted online, I just enjoy them and move on. I've learned to separate myself from SM. I view everything as entertainment.

[@rao8559]

That woman has no idea what she is talking about. Genuinely rich people are not garishly comically generous to leave a 50% tip. That is more noveau riche behavior. They will without fail leave atleast 20% to 30% . Not much more. They didnt become rich and remain rich by squandering their money. And yes they will correct the waiter if they dont get sparkling water. So she is just pulling stuff out of her posterior. You know a person is accustomed to that lifestyle when he is on good terms with the waiter , knows the other diners and can order without looking at the menu which the waiter would know anyway.

[@Cut_tape-x9j]

the thing I struggle with is that I seemed to have spent more money in my 20s trying to get the ''experience'' without having to spend the amount of money required. then once I started earning more, I was able to spend more on better things. and I'm talking about basics like clothes. ie shopping at Kmart vs buy stuff on The Iconic, or buying some higher end stuff like shoes and perfume etc, bags. these items don't make me wealthier but ive learned that richer people (who can manage money) will spend their money in better ways. it's like giving a homeless person a sandwich vs a few dollars. they can't do anything with the sandwich. purchasing power is the core of this issue.

[@Daria-bg3ds]

Interesting topic. That said, she is not who I would look to for that kind of assessment. Have seen enough of her contents to consider it shallow, at best. "Your Rich BFF" i...that kind of in you're face bragging goes against what she is suggesting here.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

That’s a good point

[@junebug9224]

I think that the new old and money social circles are still very much alive in the US. That one fella described by Rich BFF is very much old money and true old money is silent luxury-they don’t need to throw their status around because it’s not part of their mindset that the new money set has. As for the RH franchise, I’m your girl! IMO, they’re not part of the old money-they’re self-made (or with their partner worked to build their wealth) and status is hella big for these women to be part of their social circles. As a full on middle class American, I’ll never be part of old or new money. And I’m cool with that. I have a good life that I’ve built along with my hubs and we’re happy. I work freaking hard to have what I have and buy what I buy and travel when I can. My health is pretty good too. To me, that is my wealth and I’m happy. Do I want more money? Oh yes that’d be nice. But I don’t need to flex my handbag collection. I wear what I want when I want. Love all the sub topics you brought up here too. 💖 June

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Love your take on this Thankyou June ❤️

[@kingjsmooth]

I know that when I want something and I love it I brag... Because sometimes it's not about the money.

[@Valkyrtzia]

Everyone who watched this video is rich because they have a roof over their head and internet which is a privilege to have. Not everyone can afford those things.

[@foxycinquantuno3361]

I think people who create "rich person content" on social media are kind of appalling, honestly. The Real Housewives sorts of people seem classless to me. There's no doubt that they have money, but they're mostly so tacky. Polish isn't equivalent to flashiness, and there's a place that isn't celebrity rich and not farm rich that's just...different. It's like, you reference people who made their money in a traditional sense, but there's a delineation, too, between even actors who are on social media versus those who choose not to be and where they are in the hierarchy.

[@kiterafrey]

I think Rich BFF also didn't take into consideration the difference between new money and old money. Nor age. New money tends to be flashy. Young people who are old money can also be very fleshy (look at rich kids of snapchat) but old money who are older tend to only care about what other people in their income bracket think of them. Think of that book Chelsea Fagan mentioned in a TFD Confessions episode where people were trying to buy more pricy Christmas trees imported for their building to move up to a higher penthouse than their neighbors. Edit: This idea I have come from just my experiences. I grew up poor but I now work in law and am surrounded by people who came from generational wealth and people who are just starting to come into the middle class (like me) and people who are new money as the first high paid person in their family. I also dated in the early 2010's someone who was very wealthy but he was rancher rich so he would've been modest in spending and fashions no matter what.

[@yenslifestyle]

What about people who don't like travelling but just buy things instead? 🤔

[@TheAkumaChan]

I went to school with a lot of people like that. They just spend a lot per item, if that makes sense. Normal people with more expensive clothes.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

I guess my question would be why don’t certain people not enjoy travelling, it is a financial reason or they genuinely don’t enjoy exploring and seeing new places and cultures and new experiences I think it’s a case by case basis Thanks for watching!

[@mrd736]

In my experience with wealthy friends, they don't brag or flash anything to impress anyone. They just buy more expensive things because they can. They also have more freedom in where they spend their time on holiday, etc. But they're not flashy. None of them.

[@mars6233]

I grew up in a home with a single income And my mom stayed home and homeschooled us. We were below the poverty line, I consider myself to be pretty well off now. I don't have a lot of money, I have a lot of debt. Mostly medical debt, but c'est la vie. But I have a roof over my head, I'm never wanting for food, and I can provide for my children. It's not a lot, but I'm not impoverished. I guess other people have a much higher earning potential, but I honestly didn't think I would live to be an adult, so I think I'm doing better than I was expecting.

[@winksoy]

Old money in general is simple! That’s something that people who have not grown up around money don’t understand. I have been around them my entire life. Where people have their own private island for their home. I can also smell fake, new money and old money. Like I said real money is simple, yes they live in big houses but in the driveway you will see a very inexpensive car. They don’t show off at all. Fake is all about showing off, it’s trashy it’s taky. What is happening now with people is that they are glamorizing ghetto culture. Usually ghetto is not associated with wealth it’s gross 🤢. You can put lipstick on a pig but it will always be a pig no matter what, no amount of money can fix it.

[@niyahuang5552]

People who show their money means they don’t know or not used to handle that amount of money. Generational wealth does not take it as a big deal and just own it.

[@juniorleslie4804]

Wealth is networth, while being rich os having liquid cash

[@lauravuko1581]

This video came up on my feed. I don’t care about influencers at all and am shocked at the people that follow them and build up their platform. Life is short so don’t even give them a second of it.

[@kendramiddletonwilliams]

27:03 - your reflexive application of the nasal-y voice when you describe the activities and hobbies of old, moneyed people is really funny. My opinion: I tend to agree with the young lady in the first segment of the video. People who are from real wealth tend to not brag about it, they try NOT to advertise it, in fact. There are a great number of risks that accompany being a person of great means. There are threats against your life, children being threatened or kidnapped for ransom, stalkers, the list is endless. The ostentatious labels, loud logo’d outfits, showy exotic cars… they’re generally frowned upon to show online and especially on your social media. Many of this class of wealth don’t even have social media accounts because they genuinely try to keep a low profile so that people can’t find personal details about you or your family.

[@anjalianthony1656]

The quiet luxury” trend has racist undertones because it suggests inherently that the only proper kind of rich/wealth is the white British aristocracy who wear boring outfits, have country estates, with horses and play polo, etc. If you go to other countries like India or Nigeria, they have their own wealthy people but there won’t be a boring beige outfit in sight and they are probably not particularly interested in those same hobbies.

[@maxdminimalist715]

The woman in the video you played seemed, imo, to be describing old money vs new money rather than the difference between real and fake wealth. The newly monied tend to want to show their wealth but it doesnt mean they aren't in fact wealthy. They also brag about experiences (esp via social media): first class flights, private planes, exotic destinations and luxury goods. Old generational money doesn't need to show off.

[@kellypickle]

Anyone can be insecure. Most of the rich people I know are very under the radar. But most where I live “have money”

[@SiliconValleyMommy]

8:40 it's not $540k/yr, it's net worth.

[@genier7829]

I only know about 5 really rich people (through jobs, not socially). They are security conscious and tend to keep a low profile to avoid trouble and keep away parasites. Two are self-made, the others inherited wealth, but even the latter worked and increased their net worth. All of these people tend to be quite charitable in direct, not terribly conspicuous ways and treat their employees generously with the tacit understanding that discretion is a condition of continuing employment. None of this behavior is seen in people who got rich via social media. Both are rich, but live quite differently.

[@jlconnors7872]

Im not rich no where near it, and I have designer goods (not flashy stuff), I live comfortably, have my bills paid, have money in the bank; but I also recognize where I live has a lower cost of living and my annual income is much higher than most in this area. If I were to move to a major city I'd barely be scraping by. It's really the everyone comparing themselves to everyone on the internet when we don't really know people's real struggle and how much is being faked. Just be grateful for what you are able to achieve and only compare yourself to the former you.

[@nbaxter5001]

To me there’s a big difference between new money and old money, maybe that’s what she actually means. New money tend to be more flashy and old money less so. But lately I’ve seen lots of influencers posting about how to „look like old money“ and it’s the less flashy clothing that it’s no logo showing etc

[@shizumaakiyama3129]

I dont agree with the Rich BFF! Real rich people stay rich because they never share their money. I know people like that with money and very quiet about it. They never tip they never share their money it stays in the family.

[@DarkPaleUnicorn]

do you want to know something funny about the "smell" of rich people? they use clean perfumes and NO deodorant. at least the ones I know who happen to be so filthy rich that they can make a vacation a month, use private jets, buy various cars, have multiple homes and eat out every night. they all have the "healthy sweat, clean perfume" smell which I just now realized

[@NM-xoxo]

Wealth to me is Financial Freedom. And financial freedom is doing what, you want, when you want with whoever you choose to include.

[@Artax-jv8zt]

My dad (who is no longer with us) was a multi millionaire, I said to him to retire but he never did as he said "you can never have enough money" he was never happy. Be happy with what you have because money will not make you happy. I am a guy, and sorry girls but my stepmum has the money until she also passes on.

[@Idcidcaawdccvbjjkvd]

So far I’ve watched 3 videos of you and I’m only 13 minutes into this one. Either you are like Paris Hilton, a beautiful woman who is pretending to not to be as smart as she really is; Or you just don’t know how smart you really are. Either way it’s very beautiful & interesting to me. You make very thought provoking statements & questions that create “lessons” (for lack of a better word) that can be applied in a lot of different aspects in life while equating it all back to one thing, fashion. Its very interesting.

[@seabreeze4559]

They don't brag in front of relatively poor people, they still say it when she isn't there.

[@LadyMontane]

8:57 Wait what? 50% of the US population have got $500k in net worth??

[@tinakuki2123]

Interestingly, I had a friend who was really wealthy and rich (generational wealth and high income). You would never know he was wealthy as he was always dressed in jeans and plaid shirts. But he left a $20, 000 tip for a Christmas dinner for his co-workers, amounting to a 50% tip.

[@Liv-ie4xl]

I saw a short about a girl having lavish parties and such but never mentioned that she is from wealth. Her account was not that that big, don’t remember the name cuz‘ not my thing. But who would have their birthday parties and other parties always themed and even have a human-sized paper thingy of themselves made. + in the entrance two kind of things given to the guest by a hired almost thong? wearing man whose sole job? is to stand at the entrance to hold a basket of syringes (and smth else?). Having in the party multiple stands as if that were a festival. What these rich kids do is truly not my thing, but hey they enjoy it. So no judgement to them.

[@elizabethwilliams2016]

I went to boarding school as a day student. The Asian lady had it 100%. It’s old money/ new money or Queen Elizabeth’s family vs Kris Jenner or rich vs AFFLUENT.

[@rolekul]

I don't think you can judge if a person is rich, or "truly rich" by just looking at them/their activities or possessions. You really need to have conversation(s) and ask probing questions; Especially, to break through some peoples' well-constructed personas and narratives.

[@Change_O]

If I tell anyone of my financial situation I have experienced people making assumptions I was given money by family. I have also had an ex tell me "I thought you were going to give me some of that money". Best to keep quiet about bank balances.