My uncle Dave loves giving financial advice. He made his millions in real estate during the 90s boom and now spends his time lecturing everyone about money. Recently, over an overpriced brunch he insisted on paying for (to prove a point), he shared his “wisdom” about what poor people need to stop buying.
I took notes. Not because I agreed, but because… well, you’ll see.
1. Smartphones
“They all need the latest iPhone,” he scoffed into his $7 latte.
Reality Check: In 2024, a smartphone is basically a necessity. It’s your job search tool, your bank, your email, your emergency contact. Try applying for jobs with a flip phone — I’ll wait.
2. Coffee
“Make it at home!” (Says the man who just spent $7 on a latte)
Reality Check: Sometimes that $2 coffee is the only thing keeping someone awake during their second job. Also, coffee shops with WiFi are lifelines for people without home internet.
3. Fast Food
“It’s expensive and unhealthy,” he declared, while ordering his third mimosa.
Reality Check: When you’re working multiple jobs, living in a food desert, or don’t have a working kitchen, sometimes fast food is the only accessible option.
4. Netflix/Streaming Services
“Back in my day, we read books!”
Reality Check: A $15 monthly subscription that provides endless entertainment for an entire family? That’s actually incredible value for money. Also, libraries aren’t open at 3 AM when you’re back from your night shift.
5. Name Brand Clothes
“They’re wasting money on appearances!”
Reality Check: Quality clothes last longer. Plus, try getting certain jobs wearing visibly worn-out clothing. The “poor tax” is real — buy cheap, buy twice.
6. Cars
“Public transport exists!”
Reality Check: Not everywhere it doesn’t. Try working a suburban job from an urban area with unreliable bus service. Also, time is money — a 20-minute drive vs. a 2-hour bus ride makes a huge difference.
7. Bottled Water
“Tap water is free!”
Reality Check: Tell that to Flint, Michigan. Or any number of communities with unsafe drinking water. Also, many service workers need portable water during shifts.
8. “Expensive” Groceries
“They should buy rice and beans in bulk!”
Reality Check: Fresh food is “expensive” because our system is broken. Also, not everyone has storage space for bulk buying or time to cook from scratch.
9. Birthday Presents
“They can’t afford celebrations!”
Reality Check: Mental health and family connections matter. Celebrating milestones isn’t a luxury — it’s part of being human.
10. Gym Memberships
“Go run outside!”
Reality Check: In many areas, gyms provide safe spaces for exercise, especially for women. They also offer showers, which can be crucial for workers between shifts.
The Hidden Truth
Here’s what my uncle doesn’t understand (and what took me years to realize): Being poor is expensive. The less money you have, the more everything costs.
No credit? Higher deposits. Can’t bulk buy? Pay more per unit. Can’t afford quality? Replace items more often. No insurance? Pay more for healthcare.
The funny thing? After listing all these things “poor people shouldn’t buy,” my uncle pulled out his phone (latest iPhone), ordered another coffee (his fourth), scheduled a Uber (because public transport is “inconvenient”), and checked his multiple streaming services for something to watch later.
It’s not about what people buy. It’s about who gets to decide what’s “necessary” versus “luxury.” And usually, the people doing the deciding have never had to choose between a phone bill and a grocery bill.
The next time someone tells you what poor people shouldn’t buy, ask them what they spent on their last lunch out. The answer might surprise you.
P.S. Uncle Dave, if you’re reading this — yes, that brunch was delicious. No, it didn’t change my mind about systemic inequality.
Follow for more stories about wealth, privilege, and why your rich relatives’ financial advice probably sucks.