Did you know that simply owning certain everyday items could mean you're wealthier than 90% of the world's population? It's a staggering thought, especially when you consider that many of us often feel like we're just getting by. But here's where it gets eye-opening: those seemingly ordinary possessions in your home might be a sign of global wealth, even if they feel average to you. Let’s explore this further and uncover the surprising truth about our place in the world.
I had a moment of clarity while reorganizing my apartment last weekend. As I moved from room to room, putting things away, it struck me: I own items that would have amazed my grandparents. These aren’t luxury goods—just everyday things in my Venice Beach home. My grandmother, who raised four kids on a teacher’s salary and volunteered at the food bank every Saturday, was careful with every dollar. Yet here I am, surrounded by possessions she could never have imagined, while I casually consider upgrading my camera gear.
The uncomfortable truth? If you own certain common items, you’re wealthier than most people on Earth. It’s not about being rich; it’s about the skewed global wealth distribution and our distorted sense of what’s “average.” Let’s dive into seven everyday items that reveal you’re doing better than you might think.
1) A Laptop or Personal Computer
That laptop you’re reading this on? It costs more than many people around the world earn in months or even years. According to the World Bank, nearly half the global population lives on less than $6.85 per day. A decent laptop ranges from $500 to $1500. For billions, buying one would mean saving every penny while still covering basic needs. When my MacBook started acting up, my first thought was, ‘I should upgrade,’ not ‘how will I work without it?’ That assumption? It’s a privilege rooted in wealth. Owning a computer outright opens doors to remote work, education, and digital skills—opportunities most can’t access.
2) A Reliable Vehicle
Whether it’s a car, motorcycle, or even a decent bicycle, personal transportation is a massive wealth indicator. I no longer own a car since moving to walkable Venice Beach, but I once took it for granted. The freedom to go where you want, when you want, without relying on public transit or ride shares, is a life-changing privilege. Globally, personal vehicle ownership is concentrated in wealthy nations. For many, a bicycle is a significant investment, and a car is an unattainable dream.
3) A Smartphone Less Than Three Years Old
If you own a relatively recent smartphone, not a decade-old hand-me-down, you’re holding serious wealth. A new iPhone costs over $1,000, and even budget phones run several hundred dollars. We replace them every few years, creating waste, while much of the world struggles to access their first device. When I upgraded my iPhone two years ago, I barely thought twice. The fact that I could afford a non-essential upgrade is a privilege that still astonishes me.
4) Kitchen Appliances Beyond the Basics
Take a look at your kitchen. Do you have a microwave, coffee maker, blender, or stand mixer? Each of these represents a purchase billions will never make. In many parts of the world, cooking happens over open fires or simple stoves. Owning multiple single-purpose appliances is a sign of abundance. My kitchen is filled with conveniences: a high-powered blender, a rice cooker, an electric kettle—items I bought because I could, not because I needed them.
5) Books, Streaming Services, or Entertainment Subscriptions
How much do you spend monthly on Netflix, Spotify, or Amazon Prime? Entertainment is a luxury by definition—something you buy after your basic needs are met. If you regularly pay for movies, music, or books for enjoyment, you’re wealthy enough to prioritize leisure. The global entertainment market is massive but concentrated in wealthy populations. Discretionary spending on entertainment is a clear marker of financial comfort.
6) Clothing Beyond Immediate Needs
How many pairs of shoes do you own? How full is your closet? If you have clothes for different occasions or seasonal wardrobes, you’re displaying wealth through consumption. I recently cleaned out my closet and found vintage t-shirts and jackets I haven’t worn in years. The global fashion industry thrives on overconsumption, but in many parts of the world, people own just a few outfits, repairing them until they fall apart. Buying clothes for fashion, not function, is a luxury.
7) Furniture and Home Goods You Chose
Look around your living space. Did you choose your couch, bed, or decorative items? Furniture ownership beyond the basics represents an investment in comfort and aesthetics. I have shelves for my photography equipment, plants in decorative pots, and a home office setup—none of which are strictly necessary. In many parts of the world, furniture is minimal and purely functional. Buying a couch for aesthetics or a bookshelf for display is a sign of significant wealth.
Conclusion
This inventory taught me that while I’m not rich by American standards, I’m absurdly wealthy by global standards. Understanding your position in the world changes how you view everything—spending, needs versus wants, and financial stress. The goal isn’t to feel guilty but to recalibrate your baseline for what’s normal. If you own most of these items, you’re not struggling to get by, even if it feels that way.
But here’s the controversial part: Does recognizing our global wealth obligate us to use our resources differently? Should we reevaluate how we consume and who we help? What do you think? Let’s start a conversation in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts.
