Millionaire Says He Has More Money Than He Can Use, Still Shops Thrift Stores

A self-described single millionaire with no heirs says they have more money than they know what to do with, dislike spending, and shop thrift stores.

The interview matters because it highlights a counter‑intuitive pattern among the ultra‑wealthy: abundant cash coupled with spending aversion, a mix that can affect luxury markets, charitable giving and broader economic confidence – a rare glimpse into the mindset of a demographic that usually drives consumption.

MarketWatch said the individual’s net worth exceeds $1,000,000, the threshold that defines a millionaire ^[1]. The subject chose to remain anonymous, describing themselves simply as a single person with no heirs and an uneasy relationship with their own wealth.

“I buy clothes at thrift stores,” the interviewee said, adding that second‑hand finds allow them to acquire items without feeling the weight of a large price tag.

“Even when I do make a purchase, I often don’t like it once it arrives,” they said.

Psychologists label this behavior as “affluence anxiety,” a condition where excess resources trigger discomfort rather than freedom. While research on this exact group is limited, the phenomenon aligns with studies showing that sudden wealth can create emotional distance from material goods, prompting some high‑net‑worth individuals to adopt minimalist or frugal habits despite their financial capacity.