People who aren’t honest about money usually display these 9 subtle behaviors

Ever get the feeling someone isn’t being totally straight with you about their finances?

Maybe it’s the friend who always insists they’re broke, yet mysteriously shows up with the latest gadget, or the partner who dodges questions about their spending like it’s an Olympic sport.

When it comes to money, people who aren’t entirely honest often think they can keep their secrets hidden—but their behavior says otherwise.

If you’ve ever suspected someone might be fudging the truth when it comes to their cash, you’re probably right.

There are subtle signs that give them away, and once you know what to look for, they’re hard to miss.

Ready to uncover the clues? Let’s dive into the 9 sneaky behaviors people use to avoid being fully transparent about their money.

1) The vague details

Financial honesty is all about transparency. But those who are not quite as honest about money often skilfully dance around the specifics.

You’ve probably encountered it – a friend who’s always vague about how much they earn, or a colleague who never quite discloses the full costs of their new car or vacation.

It’s all about the elusive details.

This murkiness can be a subtle yet sure sign of financial dishonesty. If they’re reluctant to share, or if the numbers just don’t add up, your alarm bells should start ringing.

Financial deceit often hides in shadows of ambiguity. The clearer the picture, the more likely it is to be truthful. But when things get hazy, it’s time to tread carefully.

And like all these behaviors, it’s important to approach with empathy and understanding – financial matters are personal and complex. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t protect yourself from potential deceit.

2) Excessively extravagant

I’ve noticed another pattern when it comes to people who aren’t completely honest about their finances – a tendency towards extravagance that doesn’t seem to match up with their supposed financial situation.

Let me share a personal example.

I once had a friend, let’s call him Jake. Some things about Jake:

• He was always the first to suggest the most expensive restaurants for dinner
• He never hesitated to splurge on designer clothes
• He took numerous overseas trips each year

Yet, whenever we discussed finances, he would hint at a modest income and complain about being broke. It didn’t add up.

The constant show of wealth, despite his claims of a tight budget, raised eyebrows. It seemed like he was either living beyond his means or not being entirely honest about his financial status.

3) Cash or credit?

Another behavior that can signal financial dishonesty is an over-reliance on credit cards. It’s a common method to maintain appearances while concealing the actual financial situation.

Credit cards are a staple in our modern economy, and there’s nothing inherently wrong with using them. However, they can also be a tool to mask financial instability.

In 2019, the U.S. Federal Reserve reported that American households carry an average credit card debt of $8,398.

This suggests that a significant number of people are living off borrowed money.

If someone consistently insists on paying with credit, even for small purchases, it may be a subtle sign that they’re not being entirely upfront about their financial health.

4) Avoidance of financial discussions

Talking about money can be uncomfortable for many, but it becomes a red flag when someone consistently avoids these conversations.

If a person persistently changes the subject or provides vague answers when money matters arise, it could be a subtle sign of financial deceit.

This avoidance might stem from a fear of being exposed or caught in a lie.

5) Frequent borrowing

Frequent borrowing can be another subtle sign of someone who isn’t honest about their financial situation.

When someone constantly borrows money, especially for routine expenses like groceries or bills, it might indicate that they’re in a tighter financial spot than they’re admitting.

Of course, everyone needs a little help now and then. But if it becomes a pattern, it’s worth paying attention to.

This behavior could suggest that they’re struggling financially but aren’t willing to admit it for various reasons.

6) Over-promising and under-delivering

Promises are easy to make but can sometimes be challenging to keep, especially when it comes to financial commitments.

People who aren’t entirely honest about their financial situation often over-promise and under-deliver.

It’s heartbreaking to see someone you care about struggle to fulfill their financial obligations. They might promise to repay a loan by a certain date, only to fall short when the time comes.

This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re being deceitful with malintent.

Sometimes, people overestimate their ability to meet financial obligations due to denial or wishful thinking about their actual financial state.

7) Frequent job changes

Frequent job changes can sometimes be a sign of financial instability, which might not be openly admitted. I’ve learned this from experience.

A few years ago, I had a friend who seemed to switch jobs every few months. One day she’d be excited about a new opportunity, and the next, she would be frustrated and looking for something else.

At first, I thought she was just finding her path, but as time went on and the pattern continued, it became clear that something else was going on.

The constant job changes were actually a reflection of financial instability. She was always chasing the next paycheck but wasn’t open about her struggles.

This taught me that frequent job changes, especially without clear progression or reason, could be a subtle sign of financial dishonesty or instability.

8) Living beyond means

One of the most common signs of financial dishonesty is living beyond one’s means.

It’s a subtle yet powerful indicator that someone is not being entirely honest about their financial situation.

If someone is always sporting the latest gadgets, driving luxury cars, or living in posh neighborhoods, all while claiming to earn a modest income, the numbers might not add up.

Of course, everyone has the right to spend their money as they wish. But when the lifestyle doesn’t match the income, it might be a sign of hidden debts, credit reliance, or even fraud.

It’s also important to remember that appearances can be deceiving.

Luxury goods and lavish lifestyles don’t always equate to financial stability.

9) Defensiveness over money discussions

The most significant sign of financial dishonesty, perhaps, is defensiveness during money discussions.

If someone becomes excessively defensive or even aggressive when finances are mentioned, they might be hiding something.

It’s natural to feel a bit uncomfortable discussing money, but an extreme reaction could be a red flag. It could indicate that they’re uncomfortable with the truth of their financial situation and are trying to avoid facing it.

Honesty is key in any financial discussion. If someone can’t discuss their finances calmly and openly, they might not be as financially stable or honest as they appear.

Final thoughts: It’s about understanding, not judgment

Money secrets have a funny way of revealing themselves, even when someone tries to hide them.

As we’ve seen, these 9 subtle behaviors can speak volumes about a person’s financial honesty—or lack thereof.

Whether it’s dodging conversations, making suspicious excuses, or playing down their spending habits, the signs are there if you know where to look.

Open communication about money is key to any healthy relationship—personal or professional.

So, don’t be afraid to dig a little deeper, ask the tough questions, and bring everything into the light. Financial honesty might just be the foundation that keeps things steady!