{"id":38820,"date":"2025-07-04T19:19:11","date_gmt":"2025-07-04T19:19:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/38820\/"},"modified":"2025-07-04T19:19:11","modified_gmt":"2025-07-04T19:19:11","slug":"11-unfortunate-things-working-class-people-waste-money-on-while-thinking-theyre-leveling-up","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/38820\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Unfortunate Things Working Class People Waste Money On While Thinking They’re Leveling Up"},"content":{"rendered":"

Working class people make up nearly two-thirds of the American workforce, according to\u00a0a report from the Center for American Progress<\/a>, yet they’re consistently left out of data and research about spending, financial literacy, and socioeconomic standing. The financial habits of working class people often tell us more about the economy than the wealthy, considering many are forced into precarious situations where they have to sacrifice, save money, and make financial choices that others aren’t always in their best interest.<\/p>\n

Many of the unfortunate things working class people waste money on while thinking they’re leveling up are poor financial decisions, but without the financial literacy, support, or security to know otherwise, they find themselves stuck in a cycle of debt. By unlearning toxic beliefs and habits about money \u2014 largely due to lacking research and support \u2014 working class people can set themselves up for success.<\/p>\n

Here are 11 unfortunate things working class people waste money on while thinking they’re leveling up1. Brand new cars<\/p>\n

\"man ShotPrime Studio | Shutterstock<\/p>\n

According to\u00a0multiple Bankrate studies<\/a>, new cars can lose up to 45% of their value within the first year, which is why they tend to be one of the unfortunate things working class people waste money on while thinking they’re leveling up. While it’s certainly a\u00a0modern status symbol to drive the nicest newest car<\/a> off the lot, it’s actually a much less responsible financial investment for working class people than buying a used car.<\/p>\n

For other large purchases, like buying a home, it’s far more likely for an investment to pay off in the long-term, but for new cars, it’s much more common for consumers to lose money.<\/p>\n

RELATED:\u00a0<\/strong>To Save A Ton More Money, Avoid These 5 Common Financial Mistakes<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

2. New technology<\/p>\n

\"women Monkey Business Images | Shutterstock<\/p>\n

In an effort to keep up with trends and\u00a0acquire status symbols to “level up,”<\/a> many working class people actually end up overspending and losing a sense of financial security. From new clothes to the newest technology device, these are some of the unfortunate things working class people waste money on while thinking they’re leveling up.<\/p>\n

Especially if they’re surrounded by people from higher economic classes, the\u00a0financial peer pressure they experience<\/a> could drive them further into debt and toxic financial routines.<\/p>\n

RELATED:\u00a0<\/strong>11 Brilliant Ways To Glow Up Financially Without Having To Change Your Lifestyle At All<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

3. A house<\/p>\n

\"working Krakenimages.com | Shutterstock<\/p>\n

According to\u00a0financial educator Ellyce Fulmore<\/a>, despite popular opinions, renting instead of purchasing a living space can actually save working class people money in the long run.<\/p>\n

From navigating emergency maintenance costs, to dealing with general upkeep, and affording utilities, purchasing a home too early \u2014 without the financial security to handle all of those things \u2014 can actually put people in a more financially precarious situation.<\/p>\n

However, it’s often one of the unfortunate things working class people waste money on while thinking they’re leveling up, especially in our current culture that places such a strong emphasis on large investments like homeownership.<\/p>\n

RELATED:\u00a0<\/strong>11 Things In Your Home That Block Your Financial Blessings, According To Feng Shui<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

4. Expensive degrees<\/p>\n

\"woman PeopleImages.com – Yuri A | Shutterstock<\/p>\n

Expensive degrees and overwhelming student loans can\u00a0actually sabotage working class people’s economic mobility<\/a> \u2014 keeping them stuck in a cycle of high interest, debt, and monthly payments that feel impossible to tackle with a stagnant salary.<\/p>\n

Despite being\u00a0marketed as a ticket to the upper-class<\/a>, traditional university and educational routes aren’t always as profitable for low-income people today, especially without the connections, money, and security to experiment and save.<\/p>\n

RELATED:\u00a0<\/strong>11 Little Habits That Make Someone Look Way Richer Than They Actually Are<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

5. Unnecessary courses and programs<\/p>\n

\"woman Prostock-studio | Shutterstock<\/p>\n

Whether it’s a multi-level marketing scheme to make money, a “get rich quick” scheme, or a business course with a big ticket price, these are some of the unfortunate things working class people waste money on while thinking they’re leveling up.<\/p>\n

Even if they’re being marketed with specific skills or certifications, many of these programs and courses aren’t worth the money \u2014 and oftentimes, debt \u2014 working class people take on to fund them. In fact, they often\u00a0push working class people to lose money<\/a> in the long run, investing on items, products, and services that they don’t really need.<\/p>\n

RELATED:\u00a0<\/strong>Your Parents Raised You Right If You Can\u2019t Stand These 11 Money-Wasting Habits<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

6. Designer items<\/p>\n

\"woman fizkes | Shutterstock<\/p>\n

Considering\u00a0price rarely tells you about the actual quality<\/a> of clothes today, it’s not surprising that designer clothing and expensive handbags are some of the unfortunate things working class people waste money on while thinking they’re leveling up. Especially if they’ve saved for a designer item or even taken on debt to purchase one, it could be a less secure and smart investment than they believe.<\/p>\n

People used to invest in designer items for quality and longevity \u2014 getting the most from their money \u2014 but today,\u00a0standards and true quality are steadily decreasing<\/a>. They’re not only getting less for their money, many working class people are also putting themselves in a more financially unstable position by choosing to purchase big ticket items that don’t last.<\/p>\n

RELATED:\u00a0<\/strong>11 Things Frugal People Keep For Years But Probably Need To Replace<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

7. Cash advances<\/p>\n

\"serious fizkes | Shutterstock<\/p>\n

Oftentimes, the financial “solutions” and hacks that working class people follow are the same things keeping them in a toxic cycle of debt and financial insecurity. From paying minimum payments on credit cards, to\u00a0using “buy now, pay later” platforms<\/a>, and even getting cash advances from apps online, these short-term fixes often lead to a lot of money stress down the road.<\/p>\n

According to\u00a0a study from Howard University<\/a>, these apps and services lure people into debt \u2014 providing solutions to emergency situations and struggles with affording basic necessities at a high price tag. Especially for working class people who struggle to budget or plan financially for the future, it’s not hard to get stuck in a cycle of using and racking up debt out of convenience, even if they think they’re leveling up by getting access to more money faster.<\/p>\n

RELATED:\u00a0<\/strong>11 Behaviors Of People Who Grew Up Poor That Are Obvious No Matter How Much Money They Have Now<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

8. Fast food<\/p>\n

\"man Estrada Anton | Shutterstock<\/p>\n

Considering\u00a0fast food prices are rising dramatically<\/a> in recent years, it’s not surprising that they’re one of the unfortunate things working class people waste money on while thinking they’re leveling up. By\u00a0avoiding the trap of grocery prices<\/a> and leaning on convenience, these people may believe that traditionally “cheap” food alternatives are the perfect solution for saving money,\u00a0even when they’re not<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Of course, completely giving up small luxuries and treats like a trip to McDonald’s hardly ever makes a difference \u2014 promoting a toxic “sacrifice” mentality \u2014 but cutting back on these trips could save working class people a lot of money. Even if it forces them to plan out their groceries and meals a little bit more thoroughly, they’ll be saving money and protecting their health and wellbeing by putting in the effort.<\/p>\n

RELATED:\u00a0<\/strong>11 Things People From Wealthy Families Notice Instantly When They Enter A Working-Class Home<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

9. Overpriced extended warranties<\/p>\n

\"man fizkes | Shutterstock<\/p>\n

While they might seem like a smart and safe choice for working class people making large purchases,\u00a0financial experts like Dave Ramsey<\/a> argue that extended warranties are hardly ever worth the expense. According to\u00a0a report from Consumer Protections<\/a>, warranties for things like tech devices and cars are generally not worth it. They’re not only simply overpriced, they’re generally more expensive than purchasing a replacement when needed.<\/p>\n

It may give a consumer a false sense of security, which is why it’s one of the unfortunate things working class people waste money on while thinking they’re leveling up, but at the end of the day, it’s usually causing more financial insecurity than it’s worth.<\/p>\n

RELATED:\u00a0<\/strong>11 Things Smart People Never Waste Their Money On<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

10. Bottled water<\/p>\n

\"woman Mimagephotography | Shutterstock<\/p>\n

According to\u00a0a report from DigDeep<\/a>, the average person spends nearly $1,400 a year on single-use plastic water bottles, when there’s perfectly cost-effective options \u2014 like a stainless steel reusable bottle \u2014 that could save them money. While it might take more planning and effort to use a reusable alternative, at the end of the year, the money saved could be more useful for investments and necessities.<\/p>\n

Of course, this is one of the unfortunate things working class people waste money on while thinking they’re leveling up, because they construct their routine around saving time and convenience. But is it worth saving a couple of seconds every day grabbing a plastic water bottle before work, when there’s more than $1,000 on the line?<\/p>\n

RELATED:\u00a0<\/strong>11 Things Frugal People Buy Once And Use For The Rest Of Their Lives<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

11. Streaming services<\/p>\n

\"woman Ground Picture | Shutterstock<\/p>\n

According to\u00a0a Bango survey<\/a>, the average person spends nearly $1,000 annually on streaming services in their household, many of which they hardly ever use. While the convenience of having all the\u00a0streaming services may feel worth it<\/a> for a slim monthly cost, at the end of the day, the accumulation of these expenses are some of the unfortunate things working class people waste money on while thinking they’re leveling up and away from cable costs.<\/p>\n

While it’s true that working class people tend to\u00a0spend more of their leisure time indulging mindless entertainment<\/a> like streaming services than their wealthy counterparts, they also generally have less free time to spend watching.<\/p>\n

So, while they may be purchasing services that they’ll eventually use, they don’t realistically have the time to utilize all of them in a way that’s worth the expense.<\/p>\n

RELATED:\u00a0<\/strong>11 Things Working Class People Notice Instantly When They Talk To A Wealthy Person<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Zayda Slabbekoorn<\/a> is a staff writer with a bachelor\u2019s degree in social relations & policy and gender studies who focuses on psychology, relationships, self-help, and human interest stories.<\/p>\n

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