People who grew up with very little money usually develop these rare 9 strengths later in life

Growing up with very little money shapes you in ways that are hard to explain to those who’ve never experienced it.

I remember the constant worry, the need to stretch every dollar, and the creative ways my family made ends meet.

But as tough as those times were, they also instilled in me a set of strengths I didn’t fully appreciate until later in life.

If you grew up with financial struggles, you might not realize it, but those experiences likely equipped you with rare qualities that others spend a lifetime trying to develop.

In this article, I’m sharing 9 powerful strengths that often emerge from a childhood of scarcity—traits that, looking back, I now see as my greatest assets.

1) Resourcefulness

Growing up with very little money often means finding creative ways to make ends meet.

This can lead to an uncanny ability to be resourceful.

This skill isn’t just about stretching a dollar, it’s about maximizing resources in every aspect of life.

Whether it’s finding a way to fix a broken item instead of replacing it, or figuring out how to make a meal out of seemingly random pantry items, resourcefulness becomes second nature.

This strength often translates into adulthood.

Those who’ve had to be resourceful as children are often better at problem-solving, thinking outside the box, and making the most of what they have in their adult life.

Resourcefulness is a valuable strength that serves these individuals well in various aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional endeavors.

It’s a testament to their resilience and adaptability, both of which are qualities that are highly sought after in today’s fast-paced world.

2) Value of hard work

Growing up, my family didn’t have much money.

That meant that if I wanted something, I had to work for it.

Whether it was saving up my allowance to buy a new toy or taking on extra chores for a little extra cash, I quickly learned the value of hard work.

This wasn’t just about earning money.

It was about understanding that things don’t just land in your lap. You have to put in effort, time, and dedication to get what you want.

This lesson has carried over into my adult life.

When faced with challenges, I don’t shy away from putting in the necessary work to overcome them.

It’s made me a more determined and persistent individual, qualities that have served me well in both my personal and professional life.

Growing up with little money can be challenging, but it also teaches you the true value of hard work – a strength that is often underestimated but proves invaluable throughout life.

3) Money management

When money is tight, you learn to manage it wisely. Every penny counts, and budgeting becomes a crucial skill.

People who grew up in poorer families often have a better understanding of financial basics compared to their wealthier counterparts, because their parents budgeted.

These allowed them to learn about the value of money and how to manage it to ensure it covers all your basic needs.

Moreover, psychology shows that we mimic our parents behaviors, so we often adopt the financial habits you witnessed from your parents, such as budgeting.

So, while as children, you may have gone without, the lessons you learned during childhood became strengths that now serve you well into adulthood, leading to:

• Better financial decisions
• Less debt
• A more secure financial future

4) Empathy

Research shows that experiencing hardship can lead to a greater understanding and compassion for others who are struggling.

This empathy is a strength that can’t be underestimated.

Growing up with very little money tends to make individuals more aware of the struggles others may be facing.

They’re often more understanding, more willing to lend a hand, and more likely to show kindness to those in need.

This empathy extends beyond just understanding financial hardships.

It can make individuals more aware of other types of struggles as well, leading them to be more compassionate and understanding in various aspects of life.

Empathy is a powerful strength that:

• Creates deeper connections with others
• Fosters better relationships
• Leads to stronger leadership skills

5) Resilience

Life is full of ups and downs. Growing up with very little money often means facing more than your fair share of challenges.

But it also means learning how to bounce back from those challenges.

Resilience is about more than just getting back up when you’re knocked down. It’s about:

• Learning from your setbacks
• Adapting to new circumstances
• Moving forward with a sense of purpose and determination

Individuals who grow up in financially challenging circumstances often develop this resilience out of necessity.

This strength serves them well throughout their lives, enabling them to handle adversity with grace and fortitude.

Resilience is a strength that can’t be taught, but it can be developed.

And those who grow up with little money often develop this strength in abundance.

6) Appreciation for the simple things

When money is scarce, the finer things in life aren’t usually within reach.

But that doesn’t mean there’s a lack of joy or happiness.

In fact, growing up with very little money often leads to a deep appreciation for the simple things in life.

A beautiful sunset, a heartfelt conversation with a friend, a home-cooked meal – these simple pleasures can bring immense joy.

They remind us that happiness doesn’t always come with a price tag.

This heartfelt appreciation for the simple things can be a profound strength.

It allows individuals to find joy and contentment in everyday moments, creating a rich, fulfilling life that isn’t dependent on material wealth.

In a world that often equates success with material possessions, this strength is not only rare but also incredibly valuable.

It’s a humbling reminder of what truly matters in life.

7) Determination to succeed

I’ll admit, growing up with very little money was tough. There were times when I envied my friends who seemed to have everything.

But it also lit a fire in me. A burning determination to succeed and change my circumstances.

That determination has driven me throughout my life.

It pushed me to excel in school, work hard in my career, and strive for success in all aspects of life.

It’s a strength that has been a driving force behind many of my achievements, but it is not uncommon in those of us who grew up poor.

Tom Corley, author of “Rich Habits” studied both wealthy and poor individuals over a three-year period and found that many self-made millionaires grew up poor. He writes that “being poor actually endows you with certain advantages over the middle class and the wealthy.”

One of these advantages is determination.

Growing up with very little money can fuel your determination to succeed.

It’s a strength that can propel individuals towards success, regardless of their starting point.

8) Adaptability

When you grow up with very little money, you quickly learn that life doesn’t always go as planned.

Financial constraints often require quick thinking and the ability to adapt to changing situations.

This adaptability becomes a strength that serves individuals well into adulthood.

Whether it’s adjusting to a new job, a change in personal circumstances, or navigating the ever-changing global landscape, being able to adapt is a valuable skill.

Adaptability is about more than just surviving in the face of change.

It’s about thriving, seizing new opportunities, and rising to new challenges.

In a world that’s constantly evolving, adaptability is not just a strength, it’s a necessity.

And those who grow up with very little money often develop this skill out of necessity.

9) Humility

Growing up with very little money often instills a sense of humility.

This isn’t about seeing oneself as less than others, but rather understanding that we’re all equal, regardless of our financial status.

Humility is a strength that can greatly influence how we interact with others and navigate the world. It helps us to:

• Keep our successes in perspective
• Appreciate the contributions of others
• Remain open to new ideas and experiences

In a world that often celebrates ego and material success, humility is a rare and precious strength.

It encourages empathy, fosters respect, and cultivates a sense of community.

And it’s often those who’ve experienced financial hardship who truly understand its value.

In conclusion: Strength in adversity

Growing up with very little money definitely comes with its challenges, but those tough times can also shape some of the most important life skills and strengths.

Things like resourcefulness, resilience, empathy, and humility aren’t usually learned in comfortable situations—they’re forged through hardship.

These qualities might be hard to see when you’re in the middle of the struggle, but they can become your greatest assets.

People who’ve grown up with less often find themselves in situations where they have to adapt and push through.

The strengths they build from these experiences aren’t just rare; they’re incredibly valuable.

As we move through life, it’s important to recognize these strengths and appreciate how they’ve shaped who we are.