Most people I know that live the "wealthy" lifestyle are doing it for show. Gotta one up the Jones. They have the vehicles, homes and the arrogance to push the idea. You get the truth dropped in a hint when you make the right fishing statement to a banker. "He might not be as well off as you think". The truth is, if they settled their debts, they'd be luck to own their house. The two or three actually wealthiest people I've known have lived like they are on their last dime. One of them was a good friend, that I helped for 30 years. He wouldn't spend a dime until it was necessary. He wouldn't buy jelly until the peanut butter was gone. Didn't buy peanut butter until the bread was gone.  The equipment he farmed with should have long been in the scrapyard , or sitting in someones shop being restored. It was funny and frustrating at the same time. He used to tell me."People that spend money constantly don't have money, because their always spending it. They are so busy looking important. They don't realize they are actually nobodies like the rest of us."