The trope goes something like this: While the world hunches over their desks grinding away for a steady paycheck, people with trust funds are jetting off to Bali in the middle of the week on a private plane or dropping their parents’ money on a quilted Chanel bag — basically acting like any of the Rich Kids of Instagram. The cliché of someone with a trust fund as an entitled, lazy, and stuck-up adult-child is an old, yet persisting one. When people talk about “rich kids,” the images that often come to mind are luxury vacations, designer clothes, and fancy cars.
While that can be part of the picture, the reality is more nuanced. Wealth gives young people access to opportunities, experiences, and environments that can shape their habits and worldview in unique ways. Here’s a look at what many affluent kids typically do — both the glamorous parts and the often overlooked aspects. Many wealthy families prioritize travel. Their kids grow up visiting multiple countries, staying in high-end resorts, and experiencing diverse cultures early in life.
