Growing up in a financially unstable household can shape the way you view and interact with the world as an adult.
This is because our early experiences with money, especially during times of scarcity, can profoundly impact our behaviors and attitudes later in life.
As you can see, adults who experience financial instability as children often exhibit certain unique behaviors. Now, these behaviors aren’t necessarily bad or good per se; they’re just different.
In the following sections, we’ll delve into the ten common behaviors that adults who grew up in financially unstable households typically exhibit. Let’s explore together.
1) Frugality
Growing up in a financially stressed household often instills a sense of frugality.
For those who experienced financial instability as children, every penny counts. This mindset stays with them into adulthood, and you’ll often find them being extremely careful with their spending.
They know the value of money and understand that it’s not something to waste. They are likely to budget meticulously, always look for the best deals, and avoid unnecessary expenses.
But it’s important to remember that this frugality isn’t about being stingy or saving; it’s about making the most of what you have and ensuring financial security.
This behavior is deeply rooted in their past experiences and is a direct reflection of the financial struggles they witnessed or endured during their formative years.
2) Resourcefulness
One behavior I’ve noticed in many of my friends who grew up in financially unstable families, and in myself as well, is a heightened sense of resourcefulness.
Take my own experience, for example. When I was a child, my family didn’t have a lot of money. We had to get creative to make ends meet. I remember using old newspapers as book covers, turning leftover dinners into creative meals for the next day, and mending torn clothes instead of buying new ones.
This early lesson in resourcefulness has stayed with me into adulthood. Now, I find myself applying it to different aspects of life. Whether it’s finding a way to fix a broken appliance instead of replacing it right away or coming up with cost-effective solutions at work, that sense of ingenuity is always there.
This behavior isn’t just about saving money; it’s about learning to adapt and make the most of what you have. It’s an incredibly valuable life skill that often stems from growing up in a financially unstable household.
3) Delayed Gratification
Adults who grow up in financially unstable households often develop a strong ability to delay gratification. This habit is born out of necessity, as immediate desires had to be put off in favor of more immediate needs.
In a study conducted at Stanford University, the ability to delay gratification was found to be one of the most effective traits of successful people. They can resist the temptation of immediate reward and wait for a later, often greater, benefit.
This behavior, while difficult to cultivate, can lead to significant long-term benefits such as better health, higher grades, and greater financial stability. It’s a trait that can be especially evident in those who have faced financial difficulties early in life.
4) Appreciating the Simple Things
Another common behavior that adults who grew up in financially unstable households exhibit is an ability to appreciate the simple things in life.
When money is tight, you quickly learn to find joy and satisfaction in non-material things. A quiet walk in the park, reading a good book, or spending quality time with loved ones is often more valuable than expensive outings or material possessions.
This mindset often continues into adulthood. You’ll find these adults deriving happiness from life’s simple pleasures and experiences, rather than chasing material possessions. This way of living can provide a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that money can’t buy.
5) Greater Empathy
Experiencing financial instability as a child can often lead to a greater sense of empathy in adulthood.
Having faced hardship themselves, these adults are often more understanding and compassionate toward others who are struggling. They know what it feels like to be lacking something, and this understanding can make them more inclined to offer a helping hand when they see others in need.
This heightened empathy is not something learned in school or from books, but rather a behavior nurtured by experience. It is a testament to the resilience and strength of those who have faced financial adversity early in life.
6) Resilience
There is a certain resilience that is often born out of financial instability. It is a deep-rooted courage that comes from having to persevere and endure, through thick and thin.
These individuals have grown up in financially unstable families, have weathered the storms, made do with little, and have faced many hardships firsthand. This shapes them into adults who are not easily discouraged by adversity. They have seen the worst and know that they can survive it.
This resilience is not just a survival mechanism; it is a testament to their strength and perseverance. It is a powerful trait that enables them to face life’s challenges with courage and determination, making them not just survivors, but fighters.
7) Fear of Debt
I have a confession. I have an almost irrational fear of debt. This fear stems from my childhood, when I grew up in a financially unstable household. The constant worry about money, the stress of not paying bills, and the fear of losing our home left a lasting impression on me.
As an adult, this fear has translated into a strong aversion to any form of debt. Credit cards? No, thank you. Loans? Only as a last resort. I always strive to live within my means, even if it means giving up certain luxuries or comforts.
While this fear can be limiting at times, it also acts as a safeguard against potential financial pitfalls. It’s a common behavior among those who grew up in financial instability and acts as a protective mechanism against repeating the cycle.
8) Struggle with Money Management
Interestingly, despite the frugality and resourcefulness that we often find in adults who grew up in financially unstable households, some may struggle with money management.
You might think that growing up with little money would make these individuals financial wizards, but that’s not always the case. Lack of exposure to sound financial management or lack of positive financial role models can leave them ill-equipped to handle financial matters as adults.
This doesn’t mean they can’t learn these skills. Quite the opposite. With the right guidance and resources, they can become excellent at managing their finances. It’s just that their starting point may be a little later.
9) High Value on Education
Many adults who grew up in financially unstable households place a high value on education. They recognize that knowledge and skills can greatly impact their financial future.
They often view education as the key to breaking out of the cycle of financial instability. As a result, they are more likely to prioritize and invest in their own or their children’s education.
This behavior is driven by the belief that through education, they can secure better job opportunities, increase their income, and improve their financial situation in the long run.
10) Determination to Break the Cycle
Perhaps the most painful behavior displayed by adults who grew up in financially unstable households is their determination to break the cycle. They have experienced struggles and hardships firsthand, and they are driven to build a different life for themselves and their future generations.
They work hard, save hard, and strive to make wise financial decisions. They are not only determined to survive; they are determined to thrive. And that determination is a powerful force that can propel them toward financial stability and success.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Resilience
The behaviors displayed by adults who grew up in financially unstable households are often a testament to their resilience and ability to adapt.
These individuals have had to overcome challenges and adversity from an early age, and these experiences have profoundly shaped their behaviors and perspectives into adulthood.
However, it is important to remember that these behaviors are not fixed. They are not an inevitable fate but rather a starting point and a foundation upon which one can build.
Financial guru Dave Ramsey once said, “You must gain control over your money or the lack of it will control you forever.” This quote eloquently sums up the journey many of these adults embark on as they strive to break the cycle of financial instability. Every struggle they face, every penny they save, every sacrifice they make—they all contribute to creating resilient, resourceful, and determined individuals. And that’s where the power of resilience lies. It’s the force that propels them forward, shapes their present, and forges their future.
