In a world obsessed with material wealth and opulence, it’s refreshing to take a moment to consider the wealth that cannot be measured in dollars and cents. Contrary to popular belief, there are aspects of life where the poor seem to have an abundance that the rich might envy.
One Redditor asked, “What do poor people have more of than the rich?” Now, this thread has received thousands of comments, and we have listed the most interesting ones for you!
1. Sauce Packets
Have you ever noticed how fast food joints are a goldmine for sauce packets? For someone struggling financially, these little packets of ketchup, mustard, or soy sauce can be like culinary treasures. A discerning Reddit user commented, “Fast food sauce packets.”
Another replied, “I squeeze out my soy sauce packages into a bottle lol.”
2. Small Houses
One said, “People per square foot living in their home.”
Someone else added, “One of my clients (for reno work) has 30 mansions that are 10 000+ sq. ft and has 3 kids. ”
Another person agreed to it and said, “When I was about 16, I worked for a landscaping company doing fall cleanup in an affluent area. One of our customers told our boss one day that he was going to be selling his house because he was living there with his wife and his elderly mother.
They had just found out that his wife was pregnant with twins, and he didn’t see how 5 people could live comfortably in a 5,000sf house, so they were looking for something in the 8,000-9,000sf range.”
Plus, less cleaning space means more time for real, meaningful connections.
3. Dental Problems
Dental care isn’t exactly affordable for everyone. The struggle with dental problems might be more common among those with limited means.
A Reddit user wrote, “Dental problems. That depends on which country you are poor in…”
Another replied, “For real. I need a root canal, and it costs $200 + filling, which is about $40, so $240-$250 in total. I can barely make that kind of money monthly to eat (if I have a job). How am I supposed to get a root canal? Can’t even go into debt because credit cards are only for the rich in my country.”
4. Plastic Bags
Have you ever seen someone from a low-income neighborhood? They might be carrying their groceries in reused plastic bags. It’s a small thing, but it’s a sign of resourcefulness.
One said, “Plastic bags. Ah, a bag of bags; I was sad when our bag bag ended. No more plastic bags for ‘free’ rubbish bags.”
Someone else added, “Lol, true. We hoard them when we get groceries and reuse them for trash bags for food trash that can’t sit in the can overnight.”
5. Empathy
When life is a constant battle, empathy becomes second nature. Poor people often understand the struggles of others because they’ve been there. They’re more likely to lend a helping hand, share a meal, or just listen.
A discerning Reddit user commented, “They’ve done multiple studies, and it’s legitimately empathy.”
Another person agreed to it and said, “So true, my friend. Those who are down and out, such as the homeless, are the first ones to offer some of what they have to someone else in need.”
6. Nothing
The poor have mastered the art of making something out of nothing. A Reddit user wrote, “Nothing. Bank account full of nothing, stomach full of nothing, house full of nothing…”
Another replied, “A guy at my work used to say “I started with nothing, and I still have most of it.””
7. Problems
Life isn’t a walk in the park for anyone, but let’s face it: the poor often juggle more problems than they should.
Someone commented, “I’d rather have rich people problems than money problems. Money can’t solve everything, but it can nearly solve almost everything.”
Someone else added, “I have always argued money fixes all problems. The money would fix 90% of most people’s problems. Do you know what fixes the rest? Time. If you don’t have to work, or you can pay someone to do the house cleaning, to take your kids to school, whatever it may be. You can buy time with money that others cannot.”
8. Children
Ever noticed how families with limited means often have more kids? It might seem like a struggle (and it is, let’s not sugarcoat it), but it also means love and laughter are abundant. One said, “Statistically, they have more kids.”
Another person agreed to it and said, “I grew up in a predominantly poor country, and my understanding is that people treat their kids like lottery tickets. The more you have, the higher the chances you’ll get someone who will eventually be successful or be a fashion model or a singer, and if all else fails, you can just marry them off to the first foreigner who shows even the tiniest bit of interest.”
9. Appreciation
When you don’t have much, you learn to appreciate the little things. A warm meal, a safe place to sleep, a kind word – these things mean the world to someone who has struggled. The rich might take these things for granted, but the poor? They savor every moment of comfort and happiness like it’s the rarest delicacy.
A Reddit user wrote, “I tend to think poor people have much more gratitude just being able to stay alive for another day.”
Another replied, “I was on a trip with billionaires. Staying at the best hotels in the world, with the most spectacular locations and food. No one was impressed by anything. There was always some other place, some other event, some other food they’ve had that was better.”
10. Being Generous
It might seem counterintuitive, but those who have the least often give the most.
A discerning Reddit user commented, “typically more generosity. People who know what it’s like to have nothing tend to give the most.”
Someone else added, “This is actually proven science. Poor people go into careers to help their community improve; hence, their careers pay less, teachers, school psychologists, social workers, etc., whereas rich people or richer people tend to go into careers that HELP THEM get ahead: law, medicine, engineering, hard sciences, etc.”
11. Tips
Ever been to a diner in a less affluent neighborhood? You’ll notice something cool – people there tend to be more generous with their tips. Maybe it’s because they understand the value of a little extra cash. They know the struggle, so they’re quick to share the love when they see someone working hard.
One said, “I worked for tips at one point in my life. The working class always tipped better than the wealthy.”
Another person agreed to it and said, “When I was studying photography at art school, wedding photos were a big cow for a lot of people. There was a consensus that rich people probably wouldn’t pay you, but the poor people would feed you and give you a tip.”
12. Coupons
Do you know what’s like gold for someone counting every penny? Coupons!
A Reddit user wrote, “Grew up poor, wouldn’t say I am rich now but more than comfortable enough. I still cut coupons and plan my grocery trips. Maybe that’s the difference between growing up rich vs not?”
Someone commented, “The stories about billionaires clipping coupons are pure PR propaganda. It’s literally not worth their time. They would lose money if they spent the time required to physically clip coupons. They pay for stories like that to be put in newspapers so that the little people can imagine being rich one day if they just clip enough coupons.”
13. Anxiety
Poor people often deal with more anxiety. Will there be enough money for rent? How about groceries? It’s a constant battle. One said, “Anxiety as in general day-to-day worries? Sure, rich people probably have less.”
Another replied, “Ugggh I once heard a billionaire who managed to get his company public and doing quite well. He gave a speech, saying immediately after his company went public, his life lost meaning. And he went to depression, and he was suicidal. In my mind, I was screaming for him to give me the money.”
14. Imprisonment
It might sound harsh, but it’s a reality. Studies show that people from poorer backgrounds are more likely to end up in prison. A Reddit user wrote, “Per capita incarceration rate.”
Another person agreed to it and said, “If you’re rich, why risk stealing something you can just buy? Poverty is one of the best predictors of crime.”
15. Real Friends
When you’re not rolling in money, you learn who your true friends are. Poor people might not have a posse of fake friends for the show. Instead, they have a handful of real, genuine friendships.
A discerning Reddit user commented, “Real friends. Real friends. Rich people don’t have friends. They have connections, other people of equal monetary status for clout, people they buy, and hangers-on. Once the money is gone – so are all these people. They will argue otherwise – they just haven’t lost the money yet. Poor people understand friendship cannot be bought. And they understand friendship is priceless. “
Someone else added, “Came looking for this. Or friends who want nothing from them.”
16. Debt
Let’s face it: being broke often means swimming in a sea of debt. Loans, bills, you name it. One said, “Debt. They definitely have way more of that than anyone needs.”
Another replied, “Hahahah, I have a privileged friend with whom I was discussing the situation in Canada regarding food prices, housing, the economy, etc. I said people live paycheck to paycheck now, and when people renew mortgages, the new interest rates are going to totally sink some people (myself included). He said something to the tune of, what will people do, put things on credit? 🤣
He’s never had to use credit in his entire life, so he genuinely didn’t understand. He lives rent-free in one of his parents’ condos, his car was paid for by his uncle, and he has no student loans; of course, he doesn’t understand what debt is. He’s never had to be in it!”
17. Unhealthy Weight
Have you ever noticed how junk food is often cheaper than healthy options? It’s a sad truth that poor people sometimes battle with unhealthy weight.
A Reddit user wrote, “Hunger. And yet, at the same time, obesity is a bigger problem among the poor than the rich.”
Another person agreed to it and said, “…Because unhealthy food is cheaper than healthy food. Not because they’re eating more. Also, richer people have more time and energy for personal enrichment, aka exercising or keeping active.”
18. Adaptability
Someone commented, “It’s interesting to consider the adaptability of people based on their financial circumstances.”
Someone else added, “You become creative in finding solutions, resilient in the face of adversity, and quick to adapt to new situations.”
When life throws a curveball, they don’t just stand there staring. They adapt. They learn to survive on the bare minimum, finding joy in simplicity.
19. Compassion
One said, “Compassion. There’s a reason why none of the top 1% are actually doing anything to address the issues in the world.”
Another replied, “People facing poverty often understand the difficulties and struggles that others in similar situations are going through. This shared experience leads to greater compassion towards others facing similar challenges.”
Compassion becomes their currency, enriching their lives in ways that material wealth never could.
20. Creativity
When you can’t buy everything you want, you get creative.
A user commented, “Creativity. Survival skills often breed creativity.”
Another person agreed with it and said, “Financial limitations often lead to creative problem-solving. When resources are scarce, we are forced to think outside the box and find innovative solutions to their problems.”
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