Ever wondered how the wealthy flaunt their fortunes? From luxury yachts to over-the-top parties, the ways rich people show off their wealth are as diverse as they are extravagant. Whether it’s acquiring rare exotic pets or dining at exclusive restaurants where gold leaf decorates the dishes, the actions of the affluent often serve as markers of their status in society. But beyond mere spectacle, these displays can reveal insights into financial strategies and cultural trends.
Imagine being able to decode these behaviors to enhance your own financial literacy or social standing. Today, we’ll explore 15 actionable strategies that rich people use to showcase their wealth. From celebrity coaches to personalized license plates, each example not only illustrates the extremes of affluence but also offers lessons on ambition and aspiration. Let’s dive right in to uncover the secrets of wealth presentation and its broader implications.
1. Complaining About the High Costs of Their Reality
The first way wealthy individuals flex is through an odd paradox: complaining about the cost of their extravagant lifestyle. Imagine an executive in Silicon Valley, who, despite being part of the elite class, laments the $40,000 tuition fee for their child’s kindergarten. The very act of expressing frustration about such sums is a form of subtle boasting. To an outsider, this might seem like a genuine complaint about the steep price of education. However, it’s less about the burden of the fee and more about showing just how much money they have. Complaints like these serve as a humblebrag—a way of saying, “I have so much money that spending this amount doesn’t even faze me.”
This type of flex becomes more prominent when the wealthy talk about things most people cannot even dream of affording. While the average person may go into debt for a basic education, the ultra-wealthy face the situation where even their complaints about prices are almost laughable. It’s a way to reinforce their social position, reminding others that their reality is so far removed from the average person’s that even financial stress looks completely different.
Additionally, this behavior can sometimes serve as a form of social comparison. The wealthy may be subtly measuring their prosperity against others, testing the waters to see if their financial struggles can elicit sympathy or admiration. But in the end, the reality is clear—this “complaining” is not about finding solutions to problems. It’s about showcasing the fact that they are surrounded by problems that are trivial compared to the challenges faced by most.
2. Obsessing Over Property Taxes
Property taxes, particularly in affluent areas, become another form of flex. For the ultra-wealthy, paying substantial property taxes is a strange badge of honor, signaling just how much wealth they control. Take, for example, the mansion tax in New York, which starts at 3.25% for homes valued between $10 million and $15 million. If the property is valued higher, as is often the case with luxury estates, this tax can climb to as much as 3.9% for properties over $25 million. For someone purchasing a $250 million penthouse, that means paying almost $10 million annually just in property taxes.
Discussing these exorbitant taxes doesn’t just reflect an awareness of wealth—it’s an indirect way of saying, “Look how much money I have to spend on things like taxes.” Wealthy individuals casually bring up these figures to signal their place in the upper echelons of society. For many, paying such high taxes is a non-issue because their wealth makes it possible. But this tax discussion is also a flex to reinforce the sense of having it all—property taxes that exceed the average person’s lifetime earnings, coupled with the sheer ease with which they pay it. These taxes highlight an unspoken fact: the wealthy’s financial footprint is so large, it can reshape entire economies, even in the most expensive areas of the world.
3. Bragging About Lost Money
While the average person might keep their financial losses quiet, the ultra-wealthy go a step further by bragging about how much money they’ve lost. This might seem like an odd flex, but it carries an important message. For one, it shows just how much money they had to begin with. A tech mogul who loses $50 billion in a year isn’t losing sleep over it because, for them, it’s a drop in the ocean. But by talking about these losses, they’re not just airing grievances—they’re signaling that they were wealthy enough to afford those losses in the first place. It’s as if to say, “I had so much, I could afford to lose a fortune, and it didn’t faze me.”
The act of publicly discussing financial loss also functions as a social cue to others. It provides a layer of sympathy, making the wealthy seem relatable—everyone loses money, after all. However, it doesn’t quite work that way. Most people can’t help but feel envious when they hear someone lost millions, but they can’t relate to the enormity of the situation. These tales of loss become a backhanded way to boast about their original financial prowess. Whether it’s Elon Musk losing $200 billion, venture capitalists hemorrhaging millions in a matter of days, or even Hollywood figures like Steven Tyler overspending on luxuries, the public recounting of these losses reveals how deeply ingrained wealth has become in their identity.
4. Buying Immortality Through Donations
Philanthropy among the ultra-wealthy often takes the form of seeking immortality through public recognition. When a billionaire donates vast sums to causes, it’s not just about generosity—it’s about ensuring their legacy. Many rich people donate enormous amounts of money to have buildings, roads, or even menu items named after them. This is not just a charitable act but a strategic decision to have their name carved into history. Whether it’s the wing of a hospital, a road in a major city, or an airport lounge, these names serve as permanent reminders of the donor’s existence.
For the wealthy, this isn’t about altruism alone. It’s a way to create a tangible, immortal reminder of their success and benevolence. Charities know how to play into this desire, often suggesting opportunities for donations in exchange for public acknowledgment. The wealthy are driven by a need to feel that their impact will outlast their lives, and naming rights are one of the most powerful ways to achieve this. By ensuring that their names will be etched in stone or forever linked to a charitable cause, the wealthy can cement their place in history, giving them a sense of legacy and meaning that extends beyond their mortal years.
It’s a peculiar paradox—philanthropy becomes less about helping others and more about ensuring one’s place in the social stratosphere, but at least it does have the added benefit of funding meaningful causes.
5. Complaining About Waiting for Luxury Goods
Waiting for luxury goods, such as a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or even a rare watch, might seem like a frustrating experience to the average consumer. For the ultra-wealthy, however, the wait becomes a flex. These high-end items often come with long waiting lists, sometimes stretching up to 18 months or more. Instead of simply waiting like everyone else, the wealthy have the means to bypass the typical delivery times by purchasing second-hand models at inflated prices from resellers. This process doesn’t diminish the value of the product; if anything, it makes it more exclusive.
The complaint about waiting for luxury items is another form of signaling. It’s not just about receiving the item—it’s about showing that you have enough clout to buy items that are in such high demand that waiting for them is an inconvenience. In the world of luxury goods, delayed gratification becomes a sign of privilege. Luxury watches and designer bags, which immediately accrue value the moment they leave the showroom floor, are prime examples. The rich use these items as not just possessions but as statements of wealth, signaling their ability to access what others cannot. These items become part of the spectacle, and the longer the wait, the more exclusive and elite the possession becomes.
In this world, the complaint is part of the narrative of exclusivity—the idea that the wealthy are so connected and influential that they don’t need to follow the same rules as the rest of the world. Their impatience for luxury goods becomes another facet of their privileged existence.
6. Investing in Outrageous Art
Art has long been a symbol of wealth and sophistication, but for the ultra-rich, it transcends mere decoration. The wealthy don’t just buy art for its beauty—they purchase it as a status symbol, a vehicle for investment, and a way to showcase their wealth. Often, these purchases are not motivated by the emotional resonance of a piece, but by its rarity and potential to appreciate in value. The ultra-wealthy are well aware that certain works of art can outperform traditional investments like gold, real estate, and even the stock market. This makes art an attractive asset for diversifying their portfolios.
For example, it’s not unusual for the wealthiest to purchase pieces of art that may not be particularly accessible to the general public. They might invest millions in abstract works or pieces that defy conventional interpretation—pieces that, frankly, most people wouldn’t understand or even consider beautiful. But the wealthy see beyond the surface. The art world, with its complex networks of galleries, collectors, and dealers, often operates on an exclusive, almost insular level. As such, buying art becomes not just about the financial return, but about entering a realm where only the elite operate. Owning pieces by famous artists like Basquiat or Warhol signals that you’re part of an exclusive club that understands and appreciates the finer things in life.
For the super-rich, art becomes a tool for both financial growth and social signaling. Artworks aren’t just visually admired—they become assets that demonstrate a rarefied taste and position in society. The investment potential is clear: buying art from prestigious galleries or renowned artists offers the opportunity to see immense returns over time. As a result, wealthy individuals often allocate a significant portion of their portfolios to art, understanding that its value will only increase as it becomes more coveted. The exclusivity of high-end art is, ultimately, another way for the ultra-wealthy to flex their power and sophistication.
7. Owning Rare Animal Breeds
The ultra-wealthy have long used rare and exotic animals to assert their social status. Animals, in this context, are more than just pets—they are a means of showcasing wealth, exclusivity, and power. Rare animal breeds, whether they be rare dogs, exotic birds, or even large, wild animals, serve as a powerful flex because they are highly difficult to obtain. In some cases, these animals are selectively bred or imported from other countries at astronomical costs. Take Michael Jackson’s famous pet monkey, Bubbles, or the tigers owned by Mike Tyson—these are not just animals but symbols of wealth and excess.
This desire to own rare creatures isn’t just about personal enjoyment—it’s about making a statement. Owning an animal that is rare, expensive, and difficult to maintain signals to others that you have the resources to afford such luxury. It’s an extension of the ultra-wealthy’s obsession with scarcity. The rarer the animal, the greater the sense of exclusivity it conveys. From exotic cats like the Savannah cat to designer dog breeds with specific colorations, these animals become coveted status symbols. The fact that most people cannot afford to purchase, house, or care for such animals only makes them more desirable to the wealthy.
Interestingly, this trend also extends to more unusual examples, like rare bird species or even bespoke animal breeds that have been created through extensive breeding programs. The more unique and difficult to obtain the creature, the more powerful the flex. In a way, these rare animals embody the wealth and privilege of their owners—they become extensions of the owner’s lifestyle, reinforcing the idea that only a select few can afford to live in such an extraordinary way.
8. Gigantic Doors and High Ceilings
In the realm of architecture, size is often seen as a reflection of power, wealth, and importance. For the ultra-wealthy, homes are not merely places to live—they are statements. Gigantic doors and towering ceilings are deliberately designed to impress. These architectural elements go beyond practicality, serving as visual cues to those who enter a home that they are in the presence of someone who can afford to live in a space that defies conventional logic. High ceilings are notoriously difficult to regulate in terms of climate control. It’s a design choice that’s ultimately inefficient, as heating and cooling such large spaces becomes a costly endeavor.
But for the ultra-wealthy, practicality takes a back seat to aesthetics and social signaling. The more grandiose the design, the more it communicates about the owner’s wealth. When visitors walk into an expansive foyer with a grand, oversized door, they are immediately confronted with a message: “This is someone with so much wealth, they don’t have to concern themselves with energy efficiency or the ordinary challenges of life.” These architectural choices go hand in hand with other signs of luxury, such as expansive windows that frame scenic views or opulent materials like marble and gold. The sheer size and scale of these features are meant to overwhelm and impress, signaling to others that the owner occupies a space far removed from the everyday.
Additionally, these design elements also reinforce a sense of exclusivity. A door that is so large it requires a workout to open is a flex in and of itself. It’s a way to show that the owner has moved beyond the realm of normalcy, and their world is one where even basic functions—like opening a door—are done on a grand scale.
9. Lavish Weddings and Extravagant Parties
For the ultra-wealthy, weddings and parties are not just social gatherings—they are opportunities to show off. Whether it’s a wedding that costs millions or a party that features a guest list of celebrities and dignitaries, these events are carefully crafted spectacles that broadcast wealth and influence to the world. A prime example of this is Lakshmi Mittal’s daughter’s wedding, which cost an eye-watering $66 million. Such celebrations are about much more than the couple’s union—they’re a demonstration of just how much wealth the family has at its disposal. These events are opportunities for the rich to remind everyone that they exist on a different plane entirely.
This trend is often observed in countries where the ultra-wealthy want to demonstrate their status through public displays of opulence. Weddings, particularly, become an arena for showcasing financial prowess. The more extravagant the event, the greater the public attention it draws. And it’s not just about the price tag—it’s about the spectacle, the exclusivity of the guest list, and the overarching message that only the richest can afford such a lavish celebration.
These weddings are often highly curated to reflect the family’s status and wealth. From gold-plated everything to designer dresses, the ultra-wealthy will spend lavishly to ensure that every detail exudes opulence. For them, these events are not just about personal happiness; they are public showcases of their success and influence, further cementing their position at the top of the social hierarchy.
10. Ridiculous Restaurant Bills
When it comes to dining out, the wealthy don’t just go for great food—they go for the experience, and that experience often comes with a staggering price tag. Luxury restaurants are known for offering dishes that are anything but ordinary, often including rare ingredients and extravagant presentations. One example of this is restaurants that serve gold-flaked steaks, where the plating alone can increase the price of a meal by thousands. The goal isn’t just to dine; it’s to make a statement about wealth and exclusivity. These dishes aren’t meant to be savored for their taste alone—they are crafted to show just how much money can be spent on something that is, at its core, quite unnecessary.
Take Salt Bae’s restaurant, for instance, where patrons may find themselves paying $250,000 for a meal that includes seven bottles of wine and a steak topped with edible gold. It’s not just the food—it’s the experience of consuming something so absurdly expensive that it becomes a spectacle. The thrill comes not from enjoying fine cuisine, but from the sheer extravagance of it. For the ultra-wealthy, dining out is about showcasing their ability to spend at the highest level, even on something as simple as a meal. The price tag becomes a flex, and the ridiculousness of it only enhances the message. After all, when you can spend hundreds of thousands on dinner, you’re clearly living in a world where money is no object.
11. Celebrity Coaches for Unnecessary Expertise
One of the more bizarre ways the ultra-wealthy flex their financial prowess is through the hiring of celebrity coaches or mentors. While most people would be satisfied with a qualified expert to improve a skill or craft, the rich go further, seeking guidance from individuals whose very names are synonymous with success. Whether it’s paying $210,000 for private golf lessons from Tiger Woods or shelling out millions to have dinner with Warren Buffett, this form of coaching serves two purposes: gaining access to top-tier expertise and signaling that they can afford the best.
For many wealthy individuals, these high-cost experiences aren’t about genuinely improving skills—they’re about the prestige that comes with being associated with the world’s most famous figures. Having access to Tiger Woods for golf lessons, for instance, provides a sense of exclusivity. The wealthy aren’t just learning to play better—they’re participating in an experience that solidifies their social status. It’s not about the actual skills or knowledge imparted; it’s about the networking opportunities, the access to untouchable figures, and the feeling of being in an elite circle that only a few can ever aspire to.
Moreover, there is often a gap between the challenges these wealthy individuals face and the ones that their celebrity coaches experience. The realities of a billionaire’s daily life are worlds apart from those of the average entrepreneur or small business owner. So, while the lessons might be valuable in theory, they’re often disconnected from the personal growth needs of the coach’s audience. This dynamic further emphasizes that for the ultra-wealthy, spending money for these types of experiences is less about practicality and more about maintaining an image of extreme affluence.
12. Low-Cost License Plates in Dubai
In Dubai, a license plate is far more than a simple identification number—it’s a direct symbol of social status and wealth. For the ultra-wealthy in the emirate, license plate numbers have become an object of fierce competition, with the richest individuals paying millions for the privilege of owning lower-numbered plates. The Sheikh of Dubai is known to own the coveted number one plate on his G-Wagon, and the closer you are to that number, the higher your social standing. In fact, a few months ago, a license plate number seven was sold for $15 million, while another person paid $9 million for number five.
These exorbitant prices for license plates are an extreme form of flexing. It’s a display of how the ultra-rich differentiate themselves in a city full of luxury vehicles. The notion of paying millions for something as mundane as a license plate seems almost absurd, yet it’s a highly coveted marker of prestige. Having a lower license plate than someone else is a clear indication that you’re among the top echelons of wealth. In a place like Dubai, where virtually everyone drives high-end cars, the license plate becomes the ultimate differentiator—the more unique, the more valuable, and the more indicative of your wealth.
Moreover, the act of paying millions for a license plate emphasizes a point: wealth is not just about the cars you drive or the homes you own—it’s about every minute detail in your life being marked with exclusivity. The idea is to live in a world where even the smallest aspects of life are a direct reflection of financial power and status.
13. Super Yachts: The Ultimate Flex
Among the many extravagant possessions that the ultra-wealthy use to flaunt their status, super yachts top the list. These floating palaces are not just vessels—they are symbols of immense wealth and the ability to control vast resources. While owning a yacht may seem like a luxury, the reality is that yachts have become the ultimate way to demonstrate financial dominance. There are different categories of yachts, ranging from million-dollar “millionaire yachts” to the truly opulent “mega yachts,” which can cost over $100 million.
Yachts are more than just recreational vehicles; they are private, luxurious hotels on the water. The more extravagant the yacht, the more it signals that its owner has a virtually unlimited budget. These yachts often come with every imaginable luxury, from onboard spas to swimming pools, multiple decks, and even helipads. The wealthiest yacht owners will often showcase their boats in high-profile events, parading them through international waters where other members of the elite can see the grandeur.
But owning a yacht is not just about luxury—it’s about maintaining an air of exclusivity. Mega yachts are often equipped with lavish amenities that are rare to find anywhere else. For the ultra-rich, it’s not just about having a boat; it’s about having the biggest and most extravagant one. The size of the yacht, the luxury on board, and the fact that you can afford to maintain it serve as a public display of wealth. What makes these yachts even more ostentatious is the fact that the cost of maintaining and crewing them is astronomical—sometimes up to 10% of the yacht’s value annually. This is a flex in its purest form: spending millions not just on a vessel, but on the lifestyle it symbolizes.
14. VIP Restaurant Seating
When it comes to dining out, the ultra-wealthy don’t just settle for a good meal—they expect the best table, the finest service, and the utmost exclusivity. High-end restaurants are not just places to eat; they are environments designed to reflect status. Some of the most luxurious restaurants in the world have seating arrangements that reflect the social standing of their clientele. Millionaires may sit in the center of the room, but those who are executives in major firms, celebrities, or billionaires are often seated in the best spots—window seats, private booths, or elevated areas with panoramic views.
This dynamic further reflects how status and wealth permeate every aspect of life for the rich. At these elite establishments, where deals are often made, it’s not just about enjoying a meal; it’s about signaling your social position to everyone around you. The most prestigious tables aren’t just for anyone—they are reserved for those whose wealth and influence are beyond question. The way these tables are strategically placed in high-end venues demonstrates how social hierarchies play out even in the world of fine dining.
Moreover, this seating hierarchy also signifies the level of privacy one can afford. The wealthiest individuals often require private, secluded booths to discuss business or personal matters without being disturbed or observed. The very act of being given a prime table sends a message to everyone else in the restaurant: this person is someone of importance. It’s yet another way for the ultra-wealthy to broadcast their elite status to the world, using the seemingly mundane experience of dining out as a subtle yet powerful flex.
15. Terraforming Land for Personal Gain
Perhaps one of the most audacious ways the ultra-wealthy show off is through their ability to shape and manipulate the world around them. Many billionaires, including tech moguls like Larry Ellison and Mark Zuckerberg, have spent vast sums of money purchasing large tracts of land and altering the landscape to suit their desires. Larry Ellison, for example, purchased nearly 98% of the Hawaiian island of Lanai for $300 million, and Mark Zuckerberg has similarly acquired significant portions of land in Hawaii. But this goes beyond just purchasing real estate—these land acquisitions are followed by extensive renovations and terraforming projects.
For some, these land acquisitions are about exclusivity and control over vast areas of natural beauty. The idea of owning a private island or an enormous portion of land is itself a display of wealth. However, it’s not enough to just own the land—they must also shape it. Some billionaires have taken it upon themselves to create artificial islands, build beaches, or even manipulate mountains to make room for expansive estates. For others, it’s about uprooting massive trees to move them to more “convenient” locations—at astronomical costs. One particularly absurd example is someone paying $250,000 to uproot a tree for a wedding, only to pay another $50,000 to move it back to its original position.
These extreme examples of land manipulation underscore the immense power the wealthy hold. Not only can they buy up swaths of land, but they can also reshape the environment itself to suit their whims. This is the ultimate flex: having so much wealth that you can manipulate the natural world, transforming it into a space that’s entirely reflective of your desires and status. In doing so, they demonstrate just how far removed they are from the rest of society and how they are able to bend the world to their will.
Conclusion
In examining these 15 ways the rich flaunt their wealth, it becomes clear that for many, excess is not just a lifestyle but a statement. From monumental homes to ostentatious parties and exclusive coaches, each display serves not only as a testament to their financial success but also as a means of reinforcing social status and influence. However, amidst the extravagance lies a reminder that true wealth transcends material display, echoing the importance of personal fulfillment and meaningful contributions beyond the allure of opulence.