8 things broke people say in conversation that instantly gives away their financial status

When someone constantly talks about their budget constraints, you know they’re broke; when someone always has a new ‘get rich quick’ scheme, you know they’re not in the best financial shape.

These are the basics of understanding people’s financial status through conversation.

However, it’s not always this straightforward. The art of reading between the lines to discern someone’s financial situation takes a bit more finesse and attention to detail.

Fear not as I’ve cracked the code for you! By tuning in to these eight key phrases often used by broke individuals, you’ll be able to get an instant read on their financial status.

Navigating conversations with this newfound understanding can be a game changer, whether you’re an aspiring author trying to create more nuanced characters or a business professional looking to better understand your clients:

1) “I can’t afford that.”

We all have moments when we’re strapped for cash and need to be a bit frugal. But for some, this is a recurring theme in their conversations.

“I can’t afford that” is more than just a statement of the present financial situation as it’s a peek into their mindset about money.

Repeatedly hearing this phrase could mean that the person you’re talking with is perpetually living paycheck to paycheck, or worse, swimming in debt.

It’s not just about not having enough money for a particular item or experience. It’s about feeling stuck in a financial rut and not seeing a way out.

However, it’s not our place to judge. Rather, understanding someone’s financial status can help us better relate to them and their experiences.

Whether you’re writing a book and want your characters to be relatable, or running a business and want to understand your clients better, keeping an ear out for this phrase can give you valuable insights.

2) “Let me check my budget first.”

When this phrase becomes a regular part of someone’s vocabulary, it can be a telltale sign of their financial standing.

I remember a friend of mine who would always utter this phrase whenever we planned a trip or even a simple dinner out. It was as if her life revolved around her budget.

As I got to know her better, I realized it did.

She was always in some sort of financial crisis. Whether it was paying off student loans, unexpected car repairs, or simply making ends meet, she was constantly battling financial difficulties.

The phrase “Let me check my budget first” was her way of saying she needed to be careful with her spending because money was tight.

This isn’t just a phrase for the financially strained though. It’s also common among those who are meticulously planning their finances or trying to save for something big.

In my friend’s case, though, it was an echo of her constant struggle with money.

Understanding these nuances in conversation can help us empathize with others and perhaps offer support or advice when it’s needed and appreciated.

3) “I’m waiting for payday.”

When someone constantly refers to payday, it’s a strong signal that they’re living from one paycheck to another.

Payday, for many, is a day of relief. It’s when bills get paid, groceries get bought, and life’s necessities get replenished.

Yet, when someone’s life revolves around this day, it suggests a lack of financial stability.

In Australia, a survey revealed that about 2 million people were using payday loans to cover living expenses.

That’s a significant number of people relying on their next paycheck to get by.

This phrase indicates a lack of savings or emergency funds, making them vulnerable to unexpected expenses.

It reflects a financial life that’s reactive rather than proactive.

By recognising these signs in conversation, we become better equipped to understand the financial struggles others may be going through.

It also underscores the importance of financial literacy and planning, something that we should all strive for.

4) “I’ll put it on my credit card.”

Credit cards can be a great financial tool when used wisely, but when someone frequently mentions putting purchases on their credit card, it might indicate they’re relying on borrowed money to get by.

“I’ll put it on my credit card” often suggests more than just a preference for plastic over cash.

It could imply that they’re struggling to cover their expenses with their income alone.

When this phrase pops up more often than not, it might be a sign of mounting credit card debt.

It’s a subtle way of saying, “I can’t afford this right now, but I need or want it enough to go into debt for it.”

The next time you hear this in conversation, it might provide a glimpse into someone’s financial situation. And as always, it’s an opportunity for us to extend understanding and empathy.

5) “Money doesn’t buy happiness.”

Now, this is a phrase we’ve all heard and maybe even said ourselves but, when someone frequently references it, it might suggest they’re trying to justify their lack of financial stability.

I’ve noticed that those who often use this phrase are usually facing financial struggles.

It’s as if they’re attempting to downplay the importance of money by focusing on its inability to buy happiness.

I once had a conversation with an old schoolmate who would frequently say this.

As we caught up on life, it came out that he had been facing financial troubles for quite some time. His use of the phrase wasn’t just a casual remark; it was a coping mechanism for his situation.

While money indeed can’t buy happiness, it does provide security and options.

Understanding when this phrase is used as a mask for financial struggles can help us better empathize with others in similar situations.

6) “I don’t care about money.”

At first glance, someone saying they don’t care about money might seem like they’re financially well off, living a life where money isn’t a concern.

But, often, the opposite is true.

“I don’t care about money” can be a defense mechanism used by those facing financial hardships.

It’s a way to dismiss their financial troubles by appearing unbothered or indifferent about money matters.

This phrase can also suggest a lack of financial literacy or planning. After all, you tend to care about things you understand and can control.

If someone repeatedly claims they don’t care about money, they might be struggling to manage their finances effectively.

In the end, recognizing these phrases helps us understand the complex relationship people have with money and the different ways financial stress can manifest in conversations.

7) “I’ll start saving next month.”

Procrastination is a common enemy of many, especially when it comes to financial management.

When you regularly hear someone say, “I’ll start saving next month,” it’s a clear indication that they’re struggling with their finances.

It shows a lack of financial discipline and an ongoing struggle to get their financial act together.

This phrase reveals a cycle of postponing good financial habits, which can lead to mounting financial stress.

It’s a sign they’re aware of the need to save but are having trouble making it happen.

Understanding these patterns can help us extend compassion and patience to those grappling with their finances.

We all have our own battles, and financial struggles are more common than you might think.

8) “It’s only money.”

This phrase often pops up in conversations when someone is trying to downplay the importance of money or their lack thereof.

“It’s only money” can be a red flag indicating that someone is in financial distress.

It’s a way for them to make light of their situation, almost as if they’re trying to convince themselves that their financial struggles aren’t a big deal.

While it’s true that money isn’t everything, it does play a crucial role in our lives.

Dismissing it as insignificant can be a coping mechanism for those facing financial struggles.

The next time you hear this phrase, remember it’s not “only” about money.

It’s about the hidden struggles and stories behind these words, and understanding them can bring us a step closer to being more empathetic and supportive in our conversations.

Wrapping up

If you’ve made it this far, hopefully you’ve come to appreciate the nuances of conversation and the insight they can provide into someone’s financial situation.

Recognising these phrases isn’t about judging others or making assumptions about their life.

Instead, it’s about understanding the financial struggles that many people face and developing empathy for their situations.

The phrases “I can’t afford that” or “I’m waiting for payday” aren’t just about money.

They’re about the realities of financial stress and the impact it can have on a person’s life.

The next time you’re in a conversation and hear one of these phrases, remember that it’s about the person behind those words, their struggles, hopes, and realities.

With that understanding, may we all strive to be more patient, kinder listeners in our conversations.