In many people's impressions, the consumption habits of the wealthy are characterized by extravagant spending and a carefree attitude towards money. However, in the United States, many wealthy individuals, especially those who have built their fortunes from scratch, maintain habits of frugality. Even after achieving great wealth, these habits of thriftiness are preserved and are often passed down as an "heirloom" to the next generation. What exactly are these valuable "heirlooms"?
Housing: Comfort over Luxury
According to statistics, the proportion of wealthy individuals in the U.S. who own mansions worth over ten million dollars is not high; instead, many wealthy individuals have homes priced between one million and five million dollars. Among the millionaire population in the U.S., the average value of their homes is over three hundred thousand dollars.
Warren Buffett has assets totaling 47 billion dollars, yet his residence is still the 6,000-square-foot house he purchased in 1958 for 31,500 dollars.
Shopping: Planned and Not Brand-Obsessed
Statistics show that among those in the U.S. who purchase luxury cars, jewelry, or electronics with cash, 86% do not belong to the wealthy class. When wealthy Americans go grocery shopping, they always prepare a list and only bring the amount of cash necessary for their purchases. To avoid randomness in shopping, many wealthy individuals do not carry large amounts of cash in their wallets.
Additionally, statistics indicate that among the wealthy and affluent in the U.S., 74% shop at general retail stores, while only 5% shop at high-end brands like Tiffany. Generally, wealthy Americans do not excessively pursue brand names. Some wealthy individuals, like ordinary citizens, collect discount coupons for shopping or shop online, specifically looking for discounted clothing.
Driving: Individuality over Luxury
Americans often say not to define one's image and status by the price or brand of a car, as most people do not care what car someone drives; they focus more on the individual's personality.
Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, has a net worth of 16.8 billion dollars, yet he drives a Honda Acura sedan that costs just over 30,000 dollars in the U.S. Bill Gates, the retired world’s richest man, now drives a Porsche 911 convertible worth no more than 100,000 dollars.
Diet: Not Extravagant or Wasteful
Americans place great importance on nutrition and food safety. Overindulgence is rare among the general public and is also not popular among the wealthy. Barack Obama often buys hamburgers from fast-food restaurants, even treating his staff to fast food.
David, a professor at Stanford University with a net worth of 1.3 billion dollars, always saves half of his gourmet meal for the next day, a practice he calls "two meals in one." His frugal habits stem from his parents, as not being wasteful is considered a virtue.
Editor: WorldWay Immigration
