Money doesn’t always change people — at least not the ones who remember their humble beginnings. Many of today’s millionaires and successful people grew up with empty fridges, shared bedrooms, and hand-me-down clothes. Their childhood struggles taught them valuable lessons about money that stuck with them even after achieving great success.
In this blog, I share stories of 15 successful people who live simply despite their wealth.
Keanu Reeves – Lives Simply and Gives Back
Reeves faced poverty and moved several times as a child, sometimes living with different relatives. Despite earning millions from movies, he lives in regular apartments and takes public transportation. He has given away large portions of his Matrix earnings to film crews and hospital charities. Reeves enjoys simple pleasures like riding his motorcycle and reading in the park.
Warren Buffett – The Simple Life Billionaire
Born into a middle-class family during the Great Depression, Warren Buffett learned the value of every dollar from an early age. Despite being worth billions, he still lives in the same house he bought in 1958 for $31,500 in Omaha, Nebraska. He starts each day with a McDonald’s breakfast that never costs more than $3.17 and drives modest cars that he has kept for years. Buffett believes expensive things don’t make people happier and often tells others that the best investment is in themselves.
Sam Walton – The Frugal Founder of Walmart
Sam Walton grew up during the Great Depression, working on his family’s farm and helping them make ends meet. Even after building Walmart into a retail giant, he drove an old pickup truck and wore clothes from his own stores. He stayed in budget motels during business trips and shared hotel rooms with colleagues to save money. His belief in keeping costs low became a core part of Walmart’s business model, helping millions of families save money on everyday items.
Ingvar Kamprad – The IKEA King Who Kept It Simple
The founder of IKEA grew up selling matches and pencils on his bicycle in rural Sweden. Even with billions in his bank account, Kamprad flew economy class, drove an old Volvo for decades, and bought second-hand clothes. He always stayed in budget hotels and used public transport whenever possible. His commitment to frugal living matched IKEA’s mission of creating affordable furniture for everyone.
Mila Kunis – Hunts for Sales
Kunis came to America as a refugee and remembers using food stamps. Though she’s now a successful actor, she still uses couponing apps and gets excited about good deals. She and her husband taught their children early about budgeting and saving money. Kunis believes being careful with money shows respect for how hard people work to earn it.
Mark Zuckerberg – The T-Shirt Billionaire
Growing up in a middle-class household, Mark Zuckerberg learned to focus on what matters rather than appearances. Despite his massive wealth from creating Facebook, he wears the same style of gray t-shirt and jeans almost every day to avoid wasting time on unnecessary decisions. He and his wife still enjoy cooking at home and taking walks with their dogs instead of living a flashy lifestyle. His modest choices show that innovation and success don’t require expensive tastes.
Michelle Obama – From South Side to Smart Saver
Growing up in a one-bedroom apartment on Chicago’s South Side, Michelle Obama learned early about making the most of what you have. As First Lady, she often wore affordable brands and repeated outfits at public events. She teaches her children the same money lessons she learned growing up and still uses coupons when shopping at Target. Her down-to-earth approach shows that elegance doesn’t need a big price tag.
Jim Carrey – The Comedian Who Remembers His Roots
Before becoming famous, Jim Carrey lived in a van with his family and worked as a janitor to help make ends meet. Despite earning millions per movie, he keeps his life relatively simple and focuses on experiences rather than material things. He still drives practical cars and lives in a modest home compared to other Hollywood stars. His story reminds people that happiness comes from within, not from expensive possessions.
Sarah Jessica Parker – The Practical Fashion Icon
Growing up on welfare and in subsidized housing, Sarah Jessica Parker never forgot the value of a dollar. Although she played the designer-obsessed Carrie Bradshaw, in real life she saves her children’s hand-me-downs and buys them second-hand clothes. She teaches her kids to appreciate what they have and continues to live well below her means. Her practical approach to money shows that style and sensibility can go hand in hand.
Leonardo DiCaprio – The Eco-Conscious Saver
Despite his challenging childhood in a rough Los Angeles neighborhood, DiCaprio turned hardship into motivation. While he could afford any car, he chose to drive electric vehicles and lived in an eco-friendly home that cost less than he could afford. He spends more money on environmental causes than personal luxuries and often takes commercial flights instead of private jets. His lifestyle proves that being environmentally conscious often also means being financially conscious.
Jennifer Lawrence – The Down-to-Earth Star
Coming from a middle-class Kentucky family, Jennifer Lawrence maintains her modest roots despite her Hollywood success. She lives in a simple house that’s far from the most expensive in her neighborhood and still uses coupons when shopping. She keeps her old car instead of buying new ones and often talks about the importance of saving money. Her practical approach to wealth shows that staying grounded leads to lasting success.
Tory Burch – Takes the Subway
Tory Burch grew up on a Pennsylvania farm where her parents taught her the value of hard work. Though her fashion empire is worth billions, she still takes public transportation and shops at regular stores. She packs lunch for work most days and teaches her children to appreciate simple pleasures. Burch credits her modest upbringing for her business success and careful money habits.
Jeff Bezos – Kept His Old Desk
Bezos was raised by a teenage mother and later his Cuban immigrant stepfather. For years after starting Amazon, he used a desk made from an old wooden door to save money. Even as a billionaire, he drove a modest Honda Accord and focused on reinvesting in his company rather than luxury items. Bezos keeps his old desk as a reminder to stay humble and hungry.
Ed Sheeran – Uses a Regular Phone
Sheeran spent years sleeping on friends’ couches while trying to make it in music. Today, despite selling millions of albums, he uses a regular phone instead of the latest model. He shops at regular stores and often wears clothes until they wear out. Sheeran believes his best songs come from staying connected to regular life experiences.
Carlos Slim – Lives in His Old House
Growing up in Mexico, Slim learned about saving money from his father who ran a small store. Despite becoming one of the world’s richest people, he lives in the same house he’s had for 40 years. He teaches his children and grandchildren to live simply and focus on creating value. Slim believes luxury spending is a waste of resources that could be used for better purposes.
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