Bengaluru man reveals why he always tries to ‘look poor’: ‘People don't just judge you…’

Living in Bengaluru can be rather expensive. A marketing professional revealed a startling strategy he employed to save money - appear poorer than he really was. Instead of displaying his financial success through premium gadgets, luxury vehicles, or expensive accessories, he intentionally chooses to maintain a simple appearance. According to him, this strategy helps him negotiate better prices and avoid paying extra simply because people assume he has more money.

In a LinkedIn post, Meenak Minnu explained that he deliberately replaced his iPhone with a Vivo smartphone and exchanged his MacBook for an ASUS laptop. He also continues to drive a decade-old hatchback that is still running despite its age. He clarified that these decisions are not driven by financial limitations, as he can comfortably afford newer and more expensive alternatives. Rather, they are part of a conscious effort to avoid being perceived as wealthy.

Minnu argued that people often change the prices they quote based on a customer's appearance or the products they own. In his experience, everyday purchases, repairs, and even fines can become more expensive when someone looks affluent. He also pointed out that displaying expensive possessions can encourage unnecessary borrowing requests from acquaintances who may never repay the money. His central message was that people are frequently valued not only for who they are but also for what they appear to own.


Adding an unexpected twist, Minnu revealed that his current Vivo smartphone actually costs more than the iPhone he sold, while his ASUS laptop is priced higher than the MacBook he replaced. He stressed that his intention was never to pretend to be poor, but to avoid what he described as the hidden cost of looking wealthy. According to him, true financial wisdom lies in keeping a low profile rather than constantly seeking attention through visible displays of success.

He also observed that many genuinely wealthy individuals prefer conducting high-value business in modest settings instead of fashionable cafés, emphasizing that privacy and anonymity are often underestimated advantages.

The post resonated with many LinkedIn users. One commenter said the conclusion was particularly meaningful, noting that attracting less attention often leads to more genuine experiences. Another user remarked that accumulating real wealth is far more valuable than merely creating the impression of being rich, adding that simplicity remains the most refined form of elegance.