If you’ve managed to accumulate some wealth, showing it off can often be tempting. After all, what’s the point of success if you can’t indulge in it?
However, a growing cohort of ultra-wealthy Americans are trying to conceal their wealth rather than flaunt it openly. Here are five reasons why stealth wealth or quiet luxury lifestyles are gaining traction and why you should consider concealing the true extent of your fortune.
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Privacy and security
Being publicly wealthy could make you a prime target for thieves, fraudsters and criminal gangs. According to Silicone Valley Bank’s coverage of a study by Experian and the Department of Justice, identity theft is 43% more prevalent among the affluent.
Organized criminal gangs have targeted celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton, while high-profile athletes in major leagues such as the NFL and NBA are at risk of targeted home invasions, according to an the FBI report obtained by ABC News.
Business Insider even reported that Warren Buffett evaded a kidnapping in the 1980s.
With this in mind, downplaying your fortune could be the best way to safeguard your privacy and protect your family.
Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it
Broken relationships
Money has an undeniable impact on your personal relationships, especially if your loved ones are not on the same page as you when it comes to finances.
While it’s not a good idea to hide your financial standing from a legal spouse, new friendships and certain family members may be another story. Roughly 57% of Americans admit to feeling envious of someone else’s financial situation, according to a 2023 finance survey.
Put simply, hiding your income and wealth could be a great way to sustain your relationships.
Avoid lifestyle creep
One of the pitfalls of flaunting your wealth is that it’s difficult to stop. Once you’ve bought a fancy house or luxury vehicle, downgrading could be embarrassing which puts pressure on you to sustain that lifestyle.
In other words, you’ve placed yourself in golden handcuffs and must keep up appearances forever. Instead, you could live below your means and avoid lifestyle creep to eliminate the social pressure.
Social isolation
Wealth can be isolating, according to therapists surveyed by CNBC.
“They live in such a rarified place of the top 1% where there are very few people who share the realities of their world,” said Paul Hokemeyer, the founding principal of Drayson Mews clinic.
Living a modest lifestyle could help you nurture and sustain your existing social network and ensure you maintain a sense of relatability and humility. Instead of constantly splurging on tangible items, you may choose to indulge in quiet luxuries that make your daily routine more efficient.
Better negotiating power
Whether you’re hiring a contractor, shopping for luxury goods or making a major real estate purchase, appearing wealthy can actually work against you. Sellers often assume you can afford to pay more, reducing your chances of scoring a deal or meaningful discount.
In fact, the practice of adjusting prices based on a buyer’s perceived ability to pay — known as price discrimination — is a well-studied phenomenon in economics.
For that reason, keeping your financial status under wraps may offer a strategic advantage, helping you negotiate more effectively and secure fairer, more competitive pricing.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
