Stop Pretending to Be Rich When You Are Broke – A Simple Guide to Real Financial Freedom

I wrote this eBook called “Stop Pretending to Be Rich When You Are Broke” because of what I witnessed during my 20+ years working in the banking industry. I have seen thousands of financial reports, income statements, and bank accounts. What I discovered shocked me. Many people act rich, talk rich, and try to look rich, but their bank accounts tell a very different story.

In today’s world, it is easy to feel pressured to look successful. Social media shows us luxury cars, expensive vacations, and designer bags. People want to fit in or look like they have everything together. But many of those same people are secretly struggling. Their savings are empty, their credit cards are maxed out, and they live paycheck to paycheck.

During my years in banking, I met people who walked into the branch wearing fancy clothes and carrying high-end handbags, yet they didn’t even have $100 in their checking account. I also met quiet, humble customers who dressed simply but had strong savings, investments, and no debt. That experience taught me an important lesson: true wealth is quiet, and pretending is loud.

It is better to be humble and financially wise than to spend money you do not have just to impress others. When you try to look rich while being broke, you only hurt yourself. You create stress, debt, and financial insecurity. Pretending becomes a trap, and eventually the truth shows through your finances.

Real financial peace comes from discipline, honesty, and learning how to manage money with wisdom. You don’t need to prove anything to the world. You don’t need to compete with people who might also be struggling behind the scenes. Many people who look rich are drowning in debt. Many people who look simple are actually stable and prepared for the future.

The Bible gives us strong guidance on this topic. One of my favorite verses is Proverbs 13:7 (NIV): “One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.” This verse speaks directly to what I saw in the banking world. Outward appearance means nothing when your finances are broken. True wisdom is choosing stability over showmanship.

Another powerful verse is Proverbs 22:7: “The borrower is slave to the lender.” When you spend money you don’t have, you become trapped by debt. You lose freedom. But when you save, budget, and live within your means, you gain peace.

My eBook teaches simple lessons on how to stop pretending, start being honest with yourself, and rebuild your financial life with confidence. You don’t need to impress anyone. Your only goal should be to build a life that honors God, supports your future, and brings peace—not pressure.

Remember: Real wealth is not what you show. Real wealth is what you grow.