7 things people say when they’re trying to sound wealthy (but aren’t fooling anyone)

We’ve all met someone who peppers their conversation with phrases that are meant to show off a luxurious lifestyle—yet something about the performance feels forced. It can be a little cringe-worthy when you catch those subtle cues that they’re trying just a bit too hard.

So, let’s jump right into seven things people say when they want to give the impression of big money—except they’re not really convincing anyone.

By the time we’re done, you’ll have a sharper eye for those telltale statements and, maybe, some insight into why people resort to them in the first place.

1. “Money is no object.”

When someone casually proclaims that “money is no object,” my ears perk up. There’s a difference between having enough financial security to not stress over everyday expenses and bragging about it at every opportunity.

I had a former client who used this phrase constantly. She’d say, “I just told the real estate agent, ‘Money is no object. Show me your finest properties!’”

But in truth, she was stretched thin financially. She was making a point of demanding the “finest properties” because she believed that’s what wealthy folks do.

Interestingly, all it did was raise people’s eyebrows. In an effort to appear well-heeled, she instead highlighted her anxiety around money.

Let’s be real: If money truly “was no object,” why keep repeating it? It usually reveals an undercurrent of insecurity, more than genuine financial comfort.

When you don’t have to prove yourself, you’re content to quietly live your life—without all the sound bites and theatrics.

2. “I only buy from [insert fancy brand/store].”

A sure sign that someone wants to look the part is name-dropping high-end retailers, designers, or brands. Yes, we all appreciate quality, but there’s a difference between loving a quality item and touting your brand loyalty to everyone within earshot.

Time and again, I’ve witnessed people throw in lines like, “I only get my coffee beans from that gourmet boutique in Manhattan.” Or, “I only buy clothes from that super-exclusive brand.”

What’s the psychological payoff here?

The folks at Verywell Mind stand behind this, noting that an overemphasis on possessions can sometimes be a defense mechanism that protects fragile self-esteem.

It’s a way of saying, “Notice me. I have enough disposable income to buy the best of the best.” But if you’re truly confident (and wealthy), it’s just an ordinary transaction—no need to broadcast it at the dinner table.

3. “I’m personal friends with [celebrity or industry titan].”

Have you ever heard someone boast a connection to a famous athlete, Hollywood star, or business mogul—only to later discover they once stood in the same Starbucks line?

Don’t get me wrong, genuine friendships with famous people can happen. But the glaring sign that someone wants to sound wealthier or more “important” than they are is when they constantly claim these “close ties.”

Why the obsession with name-dropping? It’s often a misguided attempt to borrow prestige.

The pros over at Psychology Today have pointed out that tying one’s identity to influential or well-known people can be a quick fix to boost self-worth—at least on the surface.

At some point, though, folks see through it. Relationships—real or forged—don’t define your worth.

Constantly announcing them can do more harm than good, especially when others suspect you’re exaggerating. A truly wealthy or prominent person may have well-connected friends, sure, but they rarely go around talking about them nonstop.

4. “I have people who handle that.”

This line always makes me chuckle. Some individuals say this to avoid revealing what they do (or don’t do) themselves.

“I have people who handle that” might refer to personal shoppers, accountants, attorneys, cleaning staff, or even a social media management team. Yes, truly affluent individuals often delegate tasks, but the difference is they don’t use it as a bullet point on their “Look how wealthy I am” resume.

You might have read my post on career boundaries where I talk about setting realistic goals. The reason I bring it up here is because claiming you have a fleet of professionals on speed dial can backfire when you’re pressed for details.

Nothing crushes this façade like being unable to name your accountant or the legal firm “handling your affairs.”

If you genuinely have a team, you’re likely so accustomed to it that you don’t feel the need to bring it up in every conversation. If you bring it up repeatedly, it begins to sound more like you’re playing a role than living a life.

5. “I vacation in [exotic place] every year.”

Some people love to let the world know they’re jet-setting off to an exclusive island or a far-flung destination, usually accompanied by phrases like, “We go every year.”

I enjoy traveling myself, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with sharing your excitement about it. The question is: Are you sharing because it’s a wonderful experience, or are you doing it to showcase some imaginary wealth status?

A close friend once told me about her neighbor who’d mention things like, “I’m due for my annual ski trip in the Alps,” spoken in a way that left no room to discuss anything else.

She discovered later that the same neighbor actually got a promotional discount package through a friend’s membership—and the annual trip turned out to be a one-time freebie. It reminded me that if you truly go to a particular place every year, odds are you’re not constantly advertising it as proof of your extravagance.

Brene Brown famously said, “Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.” When it comes to travel (or anything else), it’s far more fulfilling to do it for yourself, not because you want the label of “fancy traveler.”

6. “I have an exclusive membership at …”

Country clubs, luxury gyms, high-end hotel loyalty programs—there’s always that one person who boasts about their “exclusive membership.” It’s not a problem to join these communities if that’s genuinely what you enjoy. But watch out for the folks who slip it into every conversation.

I recall a colleague who kept reminding everyone about her “elite health club membership.” She’d always name-drop it and describe the imported tiles in the steam room.

At one point, we realized that she rarely actually worked out there; she basically only visited to lounge and, ironically, to gather stories to tell us. Those details about the spa’s marble floors or the 24-karat gold fixtures seemed more important to her than the actual experience.

Michelle Obama once said, “Success isn’t about how much money you make; it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.” When you focus solely on flaunting memberships, you miss out on the bigger picture. It’s not about belonging to an exclusive circle; it’s about how you show up for others and for yourself.

7. “I always fly first-class.”

I’ve saved a big one until last, friends. This one might top all the others in terms of that clichéd “I’m fancy” vibe. Someone who tries to assert their status will often declare, “I only fly first-class,” or, “I can’t even imagine being in coach.”

Sure, some people genuinely prefer paying for extra legroom because they can comfortably afford it or they need it for long flights. But when you keep emphasizing it as a status symbol, something else is at play.

This brings up another layer: If you’re flying first-class simply because you can use mileage points, you wouldn’t feel the need to brag about it. But for those trying to look rich, it’s a conversation staple.

They’ll casually mention the champagne, the plush seats, and the priority check-in… every time. Yet, dig deeper, and you might find they rarely go on these flights, or they saved up points for that one-time splurge.

Again, no judgment if that’s your thing—just pointing out that flaunting it repeatedly usually indicates an attempt to impress.

Final thoughts

Our culture sometimes rewards bragging, with social media amplifying our best and most curated moments. But there’s a fine line between confidently sharing your life and desperately seeking affirmation from others.

In my work as a counselor, I’ve noticed that people who genuinely have financial security often keep it relatively low-key. They don’t need to talk about it because their lives naturally reflect those realities.

The need to constantly prove one’s worth often points to deeper insecurities. Like the people at Verywell Mind said, displays of wealth can sometimes mask feelings of inadequacy or a need to fit in.

This can create a vicious cycle—someone keeps trying to impress, but then feels anxious about being “caught,” so they double down again.

The real antidote is self-acceptance. Spending time building healthier self-esteem and authentic connections might mean you don’t have to rely on brand names, fancy memberships, or exotic getaways to demonstrate your value.

Your worth will shine through in how you treat people, how true you are to yourself, and how you show up in everyday life.

Signing off.