I’ve always believed that your childhood leaves fingerprints on your habits—the kind you don’t notice until you catch yourself rinsing out an old jar to use as storage or hesitating over splurging on something “too fancy.”
For me, those fingerprints tell a story of growing up in a lower middle class family.
It’s not the kind of upbringing you wear on your sleeve, but it shows up in how you see the world, how you spend, and what you value.
It’s in the way you make things stretch, how you find joy in thrift store treasure hunts, or that automatic “Do I really need this?” filter that kicks in without permission.
These aren’t just quirks—they’re habits, shaped by necessity, that still stick around even when life gets a little more comfortable.
So, here are 10 habits that, to this day, remind me of my roots. They’re part resilience, part ingenuity, and all heart—habits that have shaped me into the person I am now.
1) Making do
Growing up in a lower middle class family often means learning to make do with what you have.
The concept of frugality is not just a trend or a lifestyle choice, it is often a necessity.
Those of us who grew up in lower middle class families are no strangers to the art of stretching a dollar. From reusing items to finding multiple uses for a single thing, making do was an essential part of our childhood.
This ingrained habit isn’t just about financial prudence, it’s also about creativity, resourcefulness, and resilience. And even when circumstances change and one climbs the socioeconomic ladder, this habit often remains.
For instance, we might still find ourselves reusing old jars for storage or mending clothes instead of tossing them out.
2) Value in thrift stores
Thrift store shopping was a normal part of my upbringing. It wasn’t just a trendy thing to do but rather a necessity to stretch the family budget. And I learned to appreciate it.
I distinctly remember my mom taking me on trips to our local thrift store. We’d spend hours sifting through racks of clothing, searching for the best deals.
It was like a treasure hunt, and the satisfaction of finding something beautiful and affordable was immense.
Even now, despite having the means to shop at high-end stores, I still find myself drawn to thrift stores. I love the thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of finding value in something that others have overlooked.
This habit, without a doubt, reveals my lower middle class upbringing.
3) Home-cooked meals
In lower middle class families, eating out is often a luxury saved for special occasions.
The norm is home-cooked meals, prepared with time, effort, and a lot of love.
Growing up in such an environment, the value of a home-cooked meal becomes deeply ingrained. It’s not just the food that was great, but also the connection and bonding it fostered within the family.
This habit continues to be a significant part of my life, revealing my lower middle class roots.
4) DIY mentality
Another habit deeply rooted in my lower middle class upbringing is the “do it yourself” mentality.
When you don’t have the means to hire someone to fix every little thing that breaks, you learn to do it yourself.
From fixing a leaky faucet to mending a torn dress, these tasks were handled within the family. This doesn’t just save money; it also teaches valuable practical skills and fosters a sense of self-reliance.
The DIY mentality extends beyond just fixing things. It’s about taking initiative, problem-solving, and making the most of what you have.
Even today, this approach influences my decisions and actions, a constant reminder of my humble beginnings.
5) Respect for hard work
Growing up in a lower middle class family, I was taught early on to respect hard work.
This wasn’t just about acknowledging the physical labor, but also understanding the effort that goes into making ends meet.
I saw my parents juggle jobs, chores, and parenting with unwavering dedication. This instilled in me a profound respect for those who work hard, regardless of their job title or social status.
This respect for hard work has shaped my approach to my own career and interactions with others.
It’s a habit that subtly reveals my lower middle class upbringing and continues to guide my values and actions.
6) Cherishing simple pleasures
One habit that undoubtedly reveals my lower middle class upbringing is cherishing simple pleasures.
When extravagant holidays or expensive toys are not the norm, you learn to appreciate the smaller things in life.
A family game night, a walk in the park, or a homemade meal – these simple moments become occasions of joy and togetherness.
This habit has been a gift in disguise. As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized that these simple pleasures are often the most meaningful.
They’ve taught me to slow down, savor the moment, and appreciate the beauty in everyday life.
Even now, amid the hustle and bustle of adulthood, I find myself cherishing these simple pleasures. They bring a sense of contentment that money can’t buy – a clear indication of my lower middle class roots.
7) Dreaming big
Growing up in a lower middle class family, resources were often limited, but the size of our dreams was not.
I remember spending countless hours imagining a brighter future, a better life.
I would dream about going to college, traveling the world, and making a difference. These dreams were my escape, my motivation to strive for more.
And while those dreams often seemed far-fetched in the face of our financial reality, they were never dismissed. My parents encouraged them, fueling my belief that I could achieve anything I set my mind to.
These dreams played a significant role in shaping who I am today. They pushed me to work harder, to persevere, and to never settle.
Today, as I live some of those dreams, they serve as a constant reminder of where I come from and how far I’ve come.
8) Embracing frugality, not poverty
An interesting habit derived from my lower middle class upbringing is the understanding that being frugal is not synonymous with being poor.
It simply means making conscious decisions on where to spend and where to save.
This mindset was not born out of deprivation, but rather from the necessity to manage resources wisely. We learned to differentiate between needs and wants, a skill that’s valuable for anyone, regardless of their financial status.
Even today, with a more comfortable life, I still find myself practicing this frugality. It’s not because I have to, but because it makes sense.
It’s a testament to my lower middle class roots and one that often surprises those who equate frugality with scarcity.
9) Valuing education
Growing up in a lower middle class family, education was always emphasized as the key to upward mobility.
It was viewed as an investment, a path to a better future.
The importance of doing well in school, pursuing higher education, and continuously learning was ingrained in me from an early age.
This focus on education wasn’t just because we wanted to secure a good job or earn a decent income. We wanted to broaden horizons, understand the world, and empower ourselves.
Even today, this deep-seated belief in the power of education influences my decisions and attitudes.
10) Gratitude and resilience
The greatest habit I’ve carried from my lower middle class upbringing is a blend of gratitude and resilience.
It means appreciating what you have, while also having the strength to overcome challenges.
Growing up, we didn’t have everything we wanted, but we learned to appreciate what we had. This instilled a sense of gratitude that remains with me to this day.
At the same time, facing financial constraints and setbacks taught me resilience. It taught me to bounce back, to keep going despite the odds.
This combination of gratitude for what I have and resilience in the face of adversity is arguably the most defining habit from my lower middle class upbringing.
It’s shaped my character, my approach to life, and continues to guide me on my journey.
Final thoughts
You know, I used to think habits like reusing old jars or hunting for bargains were just survival tactics from my past.
But the truth is, they’re more than that. They’re a roadmap of where I’ve been and the values I carry forward—resourcefulness, gratitude, and an appreciation for the simple things.
Growing up lower middle class didn’t define me, but it taught me lessons I’ll never forget. It showed me how to dream bigger than my circumstances, find beauty in the everyday, and hold on tight to the people and experiences that matter most.
Sure, there were challenges, but those challenges built a kind of resilience you can’t buy.
And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: the habits you grow up with don’t just shape your past—they keep showing up to remind you of everything you’ve overcome.