You know someone's just faking wealth when these 8 micro-behaviors scream "new money trying too hard"

Ever notice how the guy who won't stop talking about his Rolex at dinner is the same one who carefully angles his wrist for every Instagram story?

I've been around enough genuinely wealthy people to spot the difference between old money confidence and new money anxiety. And trust me, once you see these patterns, you can't unsee them.

The truly wealthy? They're usually the ones you'd never suspect. They drive reliable cars, wear clothes without logos, and rarely feel the need to prove anything to anyone.

Meanwhile, those desperately trying to project wealth often give themselves away through tiny behaviors that scream insecurity louder than any designer label ever could.

Here are eight micro-behaviors that instantly reveal when someone's faking their wealth status.

1. They name-drop brands in casual conversation

You know the type. They can't mention their car without saying it's a BMW. Their watch isn't just a watch, it's a "Tag Heuer." Even their morning coffee becomes a performance: "I only drink Blue Mountain coffee from Jamaica, it's $50 a pound."

Real wealth whispers. Fake wealth shouts.

I once knew someone who would literally work brand names into every conversation. "Sorry I'm late, the valet at the Ritz took forever with my Mercedes." Meanwhile, my genuinely wealthy friends? They'll show up in a ten-year-old Toyota and apologize for traffic.

The constant brand-dropping reveals a deep need for validation. They're not sharing information; they're seeking approval. And ironically, the people they're trying to impress can see right through it.

2. They photograph every expensive meal and purchase

Nothing says "I'm uncomfortable with my financial status" quite like documenting every remotely expensive experience for social media validation.

You've seen these posts. The steering wheel shot with the luxury car logo prominently displayed. The champagne bottle with the price tag accidentally visible. The first-class boarding pass strategically placed next to their designer sunglasses.

True contentment comes from within, not from external validation. When you're constantly seeking approval through material displays, you're essentially admitting that the things themselves aren't bringing you joy.

The wealthiest people I know rarely post about their possessions. Why? Because they're too busy actually enjoying them.

3. They overdress for every occasion

Show up to a casual backyard barbecue, and there's always that one person in designer everything, looking like they're headed to a yacht party in Monaco.

This isn't about having nice clothes. It's about the inability to read the room and the desperate need to be seen as "above" everyone else. They're so focused on projecting wealth that they've lost touch with basic social awareness.

I learned this lesson the hard way during my warehouse days in Melbourne. I'd sometimes overdress for casual gatherings, thinking it made me look successful. In reality, it just made me look insecure and out of place.

Truly wealthy people understand that confidence comes from within, not from wearing a $3,000 outfit to grab coffee.

4. They constantly mention how much things cost

"This wine? $300 a bottle."
"Just dropped $2K on these shoes."
"My personal trainer charges $150 an hour."

If someone's constantly attaching price tags to their stories, they're not actually comfortable with their spending. They're seeking validation for their choices.

Growing up with two brothers in Melbourne, we learned early that talking about money was considered crass. The neighbors who constantly bragged about their expensive renovations? They were the first to have a "For Sale" sign up when the market dipped.

People with real wealth understand that value isn't always about price. They'll rave about a hole-in-the-wall restaurant or a $20 vintage find with the same enthusiasm as a Michelin-starred experience.

5. They're obsessed with VIP everything

VIP sections. VIP experiences. VIP memberships. If it doesn't have "exclusive" or "VIP" attached to it, they're not interested.

But here's the thing: truly wealthy people often avoid these "VIP" traps. They know that the best experiences aren't always the most exclusive ones. Sometimes the general admission concert tickets give you a better view than the VIP box.

I've noticed this especially living between Saigon and Singapore. The expats desperately clinging to VIP status at every club are rarely the ones with real money. The actual wealthy expats are at the local street food stalls, enjoying authentic experiences without needing a velvet rope to feel special.

6. They give unsolicited financial advice

Nothing screams "new money trying too hard" like constantly offering investment tips and financial advice to anyone within earshot.

They'll corner you at parties to talk about their "portfolio" or their "investment strategy." They drop terms like "diversification" and "ROI" into casual conversation, usually incorrectly.

True wisdom often comes from knowing when to stay quiet. The wealthiest people I know rarely discuss their finances unless specifically asked, and even then, they're modest about it.

Real financial success doesn't need an audience.

7. They treat service staff poorly

Want to know if someone's faking their wealth? Watch how they treat the waiter, the valet, the barista.

People desperately projecting wealth often treat service staff as beneath them, using these interactions to reinforce their fragile sense of superiority. They'll make excessive demands, complain loudly about minor issues, and generally act like entitled jerks.

Meanwhile, old money and genuinely successful people? They're usually the ones saying please and thank you, tipping generously, and treating everyone with respect. They understand that wealth doesn't make you better than anyone else.

8. They're always "between deals"

Ask them about work, and they're perpetually "working on something big" or "closing a major deal" that never seems to materialize.

They speak in vague terms about their "businesses" and "investments" but can never give you a straight answer about what they actually do. Every conversation includes mentions of mysterious meetings with "investors" or "partners."

Starting Brown Brothers Media with my brothers taught me that real business success is usually pretty boring to talk about. It's spreadsheets, customer service emails, and incremental improvements. The people constantly talking about their big deals? They're usually not closing any.

Final words

Here's what I've learned after years of observing both genuinely wealthy people and those desperately trying to appear so: real wealth has nothing to do with logos, price tags, or VIP sections.

The truly wealthy are comfortable in their own skin. They don't need external validation because they're not trying to prove anything to anyone. They understand that the best things in life, like time with family, good health, and meaningful work, can't be bought or flaunted on Instagram.

Since becoming a father to my daughter, I've thought a lot about what real success looks like. It's not about impressing strangers with expensive toys. It's about building something meaningful, treating people well, and being comfortable enough with yourself that you don't need anyone else's approval.

The next time you encounter someone exhibiting these behaviors, remember: they're not really trying to fool you. They're trying to convince themselves. And that's perhaps the saddest part of all.