While many of the differentiators between wealthy people in the upper class and the shrinking middle demographic are almost entirely institutional, there are still several individual-level things wealthy people refuse to do that the middle class keeps saying yes to. Despite only being the difference between having extra money and being strapped for cash in many cases, many of these middle class decisions can keep people stuck in a cycle of money stress that the wealthy largely avoid.

Of course, it’s nearly impossible to compare financial decisions between these two groups — especially considering the U.S. wealth gap and rising economic inequality is creating an inequitable situation for the middle class, according to studies from Pew Research Center, where households have less economic opportunities, mobility, and security than those at the top. So, while the financial choices and literacy of the wealthy can be interesting for middle class families to experiment with, it’s not the sole difference between their current status and financial mobility.

Here are 11 things wealthy people refuse to do that the middle class keeps saying yes to

1. Going out when they can’t afford it

Considering wealthy people have the money to go out to eat, swipe without checking their bank account, or buy new clothes for every event, it’s not necessarily accurate to say that middle class people say “yes” to these expenses, while wealthy people say “no.” However, there’s an element of financial literacy knowledge that applies to this sentiment — if you don’t have the money, don’t spend it.

While it seems relatively intuitive, a 2025 LendingTree study found that Americans harbor over 1 trillion dollars in credit card debt from spending money they don’t have. Another 47% of these credit card holders carried over a balance year-to-year, continuing to fall under the weight of high interest rates and a compounded balance.

Of course, wealthy people aren’t spending on credit cards, unless it’s to build credit, make investments, and pay off their balances. The difference is, debt can become a crushing, all-encompassing experience for middle class families. It not only makes it more risky for them to say “yes” to, it’s accepted when they’re struggling to simply get by.

2. Financially helping others, when they’re struggling

One of the things wealthy people refuse to do that the middle class keeps saying yes to is helping other people financially when they’re going through a tough time personally. You can’t truly give back to people and help them when it’s a disservice to yourself.

While it’s relatively controversial and short-sighted for wealthy people with the means to help others to say “no” to provide support, middle class families who are already struggling shouldn’t have to carry that burden themselves.

Of course, there are still ways to volunteer, give back to people and your community, and embody this kind of fundamental empathy in your daily lives, even if you’re not spending money. From donating time, to scaling back your financial contributions, and getting creative with gift-giving and support, there are many ways to help others without hurting yourself.

3. Working overtime for no reward

Considering wealthy people tend to have access to more opportunities, resources, and compensation than their middle class counterparts in the workplace, it’s not surprising that they tend to have a greater work-life balance and better prioritization of their time.

Not only are they not latching onto misguided loyalty with their employers for a sense of stability and security, they can rely on their assets and other incomes for that by leveraging connections and knowledge that others may not have. According to a survey from Indeed, nearly 53% of workers feel burnt out — largely from being overworked, underpaid, and less flexible with their personal lives and free-time.

From side hustles, to other investments and hobbies to fill their time, wealthy people don’t just feel less inclined to overwork themselves and work endlessly with little reward, they leverage the time that others spend working to craft more financial stability and security for themselves.

4. Buying into trends

According to data from Empower, Americans’ monthly spending on clothes has increased by over 72% in recent years, with Gen Xers — the biggest spenders — dishing out an average of $705 monthly on clothing and footwear. It’s not just the evolving trend cycle influencing people to spend more money and buy the “next best thing,” it’s also the consumerist mindset that tends to fuel less financially fortunate people.

Even if they don’t have the financial stability to afford it, spending money on clothes and feeding into the trend cycle is one of the things wealthy people refuse to do that the middle class keeps saying yes to.

Especially considering these trends — like the Stanley water bottle or Lululemon leggings — have transformed into “status symbols” where the lower and middle class households can feign a sense of financial belonging, it’s not surprising they’re more motivated to make purchases, even at the expense of their economic stability

5. Saying yes to every social event

One of the things wealthy people refuse to do that the middle class keeps saying yes to is constant social events. Of course, finding community, connecting with new people, and seeing your inner circle of friends is important for a sense of belonging and your mental health, but it’s not always necessary to spend money you don’t have to do so. Sometimes, the art of saying “no” can help you to build better financial stability, especially for middle class people yearning for a sense of comfort.

So, how do you combat friends inviting you to dinner or pressures to go out on the weekends?

Firstly, talk about your goals to your friends — help them to help you and hold you accountable. You can also make plans — figuring out what kind of money you want to spend or time you have to spare — and set boundaries with your friends and family. If they care about you and help you find financial stability, they’ll find ways to see you.

6. Neglecting their physical health for work

It’s not surprising that money impacts health — the more money you have, the healthier you are.

According to a study from Health Psychology, that’s a trend that’s applicable across the board. From fending off physical ailments caused by chronic stress, not having access to preventative care, obtaining the knowledge about health, nutrition and wellness, and even having time and money for healthy diets and workout classes, having money, access, and influence can truly make a difference for your mental and physical well-being.

Another small reason why wealthy people tend to be healthier is they don’t neglect their well-being for the sake of loyalty to a single company, overworking themselves, or setting poor boundaries. Not only do they typically have multiple income streams — making it easier to set boundaries with work and protect their own well-being, rather than their job security — they also have the knowledge and support to advocate for their health.

7. Making financial decisions based on fear

Studies, like one from the Journal of Economic Psychology, argue that fear-based financial decisions and investments can lead to adverse money outcomes, especially in middle- and low-income households that operate in a state of constant money stress and anxiety.

Arguably not by choice, these decisions are some of the things wealthy people refuse to do that the middle class keeps saying yes to. Wealthy individuals, with the security and stability of a comfortable financial situation, can confidently make decisions — fueled by knowledge, financial literacy, and disposable incomes — made from a clear-headed position, while middle class individuals operate from fear.

It’s not a choice they’re making intentionally, it’s simply a product of their environment, but it can put these demographics at a disadvantage in planning for the future, paying off debt, and pursuing financial freedom in a tumultuous economic climate.

8. Saving without investing

According to “self-made millionaire” and entrepreneur Barbara Corcoran, constantly saving money won’t bring you wealth — it’s intentional investments that allow wealthy people to develop new streams of income and disposable incomes.

Of course, simply saving money is one of the things wealthy people refuse to do that the middle class keeps saying yes to, not just because they don’t have the money to invest in real estate or stocks, but because they don’t have the financial literacy, support, or knowledge to do it well.

According to experts from American Express, middle class individuals can maximize their savings in a number of ways, if they don’t have the luxury of saying “yes” to other investments. For example, choosing a high-interest savings account that grows without a lot of extra work can be the perfect way to save money that works for you, rather than against you.

9. Staying loyal to one company or employer

A study from the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology suggests that highly loyal employees — who sacrifice their health and well-being for an employer — are often exploited and taken advantage of for the benefit of their companies.

Rather than invest in multiple streams of income and protect their well-being against symptoms of burnout — behaviors that wealthy people tend to prioritize in their lives — middle class workers feel pressured to stay overly loyal to one company, protecting their misguided job stability.

By investing in personal growth, skill specialization, and making connections over undying loyalty to an employer, middle class workers can ensure they’re set up for success in the event that they’re forced to leave their job, whether it’s mediating burnout or a lay-off.

10. Taking out loans for non-essentials

Many low- and middle-class households are going into debt to fund vacations, according to a 2024 study, trying to mediate the chronic stress they’re experiencing in their routines. While it’s impossible to avoid credit card debt and necessary loans in certain situations, saying “yes” to non-essentials, when you don’t have the money to fund them, can put you in a worse off situation in the long-term.

Like many of the other things wealthy people refuse to do that the middle class keeps saying yes to, these “decisions” aren’t always “a choice.” Wealthy people have the freedom to pay for non-essentials from their bank accounts without reservation — they don’t have to grapple with the benefits of a needed vacation and taking out loans, they just pay for it out of pocket.

There’s a lot of nuance to these financial decisions, but the more time people spend saving and investing, budgeting for necessities, making little sacrifices from time-to-time, and investing in their financial knowledge, the better off they’ll be down the road.

11. Staying at a job where they’re underpaid

Employees who make the choice to stay at their companies for more than 2 years, despite being underpaid, can experience a 50% lifetime loss of income compared to those who make a change.

Of course, sacrificing job stability, a stable income, and time for a new job hunt can be scary for people already living paycheck-to-paycheck, and in many cases, completely unfeasible, which is why so many middle class households are continuing to say “yes” to mistreatment and stagnant wages in their jobs.

Even if it means interviewing in your free time, making connections online, or building skills in a low-paying job to bolster a resume, any small change towards growth is beneficial for these individuals. Staying at a low-paying job where you’re sacrificing not just financial wellness, but personal health and well-being, is a disservice in the long run.

U.S. job openings fell in February as rising uncertainty over the economy due to tariffs on imports curbed demand for labor.

Job openings, a measure of labor demand, dropped 194,000 to 7.568 million by the last day of February, the Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics said in its Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, or JOLTS report, on Tuesday.

Data for January was revised slightly higher to 7.762 million vacancies instead of the previously reported 7.74 million. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast 7.61 million unfilled positions.

In a perfect world, the stock market would always work in your favor.

The reality, however, is that dips are bound to happen and can be particularly problematic in your early retirement years.

For this reason, saving for retirement and planning for market downturns is essential, especially if you’re a homeowner and wondering if you should put your home up for sale.

When the stock market dips, retirees could be in a ‘danger zone’

Factors such as inflation, the political climate, and fears of a recession can all lead to stock market dips. A recent CNBC article described the impact of these downturns on retirees.

“Your first five years of retirement are the ‘danger zone’ for tapping accounts during a downturn,” as you’ll have less money for future growth when the market rebounds, Amy Arnott, a portfolio strategist with Morningstar Research Service, explains.

Arnott’s primary advice for those who hope to avoid this issue is diversification.

“Typically, you’ll keep one to two years of living expenses in cash, which would be accessible during market dips,” Arnott says. The next five years, you may use short- to intermediate-term bonds or bond funds.

From there, you can prioritize growth through stocks. As long as you plan accordingly and don’t put all your eggs in one basket, you’re less likely to outlive your savings.

Why retirees need to watch the market—and why they don’t 

“Some retirees need to keep an eye on the market because pulling money out when it’s down can hurt their savings over time,” says Taylor Kovar, Certified Financial Planner and founder of 11 Financial. If these retirees were forced to sell investments at a lower value, they could lose more than if they had waited for the market to bounce back.

“For others, the market is not as big of a deal. If you have other income streams, like a pension, or if you don’t rely solely on your investments, you may not be as impacted by market dips,” explains Kovar.  At the end of the day, it all depends on how much of your income is coming from that nest egg.

Also, for those thinking about downsizing, the market is essential.

“If the market is strong, you could sell your home for a good price and find something more affordable. But if the market is down, you might not get as much for your house, and finding the perfect smaller place could be tricky,” adds Kovar.

Since it’s always good to have a backup plan, Kovar suggests renting for a while, as this could be a safer option while the market settles.

How to protect your nest egg if you’re a retiree

While you can’t control the stock market, these tips can help you safeguard your retirement savings:

• Diversify: “Having a mix helps protect you if one area takes a hit,” says Kovar. Look beyond stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, and consider alternative investments like real estate or even startups or precious metals. Annuities may also be worthwhile, especially if you like the idea of guaranteed returns. Get creative and think about the various retirement income sources at your disposal.

• Build an emergency fund: “Keep enough savings to cover several months of expenses,” says Kovar. You never know when the extra funds will come in handy. This strategy can prevent you from having to sell investments when the market is down.

• Cut your expenses: Take a close look at your expenses and figure out where you can cut back. Perhaps you have a gym membership you no longer use. Or maybe you can eat at home more often and save on dining out. “Less expenses will stretch your savings further and reduce the stress on your investments,” says Kovar.

• Delay Social Security benefits: You can begin to collect Social Security at age 62. However, depending on your situation, it might be in your best interest to put this off for a few years so that you can increase your monthly benefits and offset the impact of inflation.

• Consider a side gig or part-time work: Not only can an additional income stream give you some peace of mind during retirement, it may also provide opportunities for socialization and fun while improving your physical and mental health.

• Reassess your housing situation: If your house no longer suits your needs, downsizing may make sense. It can potentially save you money and boost your retirement savings. Plus, it may reduce the need for home maintenance and repairs, which can become particularly costly in retirement.

Members of the U.S. armed forces qualify for special tax breaks, which can offer unique financial planning opportunities, experts say.

Typically, earnings are higher after military service because there are two sources of income: your new career and your military retirement benefits, said certified financial planner Patrick Beagle, owner and president of WealthCrest Financial Services in Springfield, Va. The firm specializes in military and federal employees.

During service, it’s smart to make after-tax Roth contributions to a Thrift Savings Plan, or TSP, retirement accounts, he said. Roth deposits are after taxes, but the funds grow tax-free.

“You’re probably making a mistake” if you skip Roth TSP contributions while serving during your lower-income years, said Beagle, who is also a retired Marine aviator.

‘Tax-free’ combat zone income

Weigh Roth conversions