An iPad, convertible car, 50 inch TV – and a cleaner have been hailed as modern day status symbols. Researchers revealed the eclectic mix of items in a poll of 2,000 adults to find out how we judge success and wealth today.
The report found that as well as the car you drive and house you live in, modern day status symbols also include diamond jewellery, designer watches and a foreign holiday home.
Holidays to far-flung destinations such as the Maldives or the Caribbean also made the list, as well as doing your weekly food shop at the likes of Waitrose or Marks and Spencer.
It also emerged that more than one in ten have even bought a modern day status symbol simply to impress others or appear more well off than they really are.
Andy Oldham, Managing Director at cashback site Quidco, which commissioned the research, said:
”There was a time when people judged success solely on your home or job, but it seems like there are many more modern items that help give a certain impression of you.
”Technology has improved massively over the last few years and this is reflected in the list with items such as 3D TVs, iPads and smart phones all featuring.
”Even the supermarket you go to for your weekly shop can give others an idea of how successful you are.
”Material items go such a long way to showing you are successful that it seems many are buying these status symbols, even if they can’t really afford them.”
A home worth £578,000 is also among the list of modern day status symbols, as well as a car – complete with a personal number plate – with Aston Martin, Ferraris, Mercedes Benz and Porsches the most popular makes to display success.
A 50 inch smart or 3D TV, a home with electric gates and a cleaner, nanny or even gardener on the pay roll also emerged as signs of a high-achiever.
And when it comes to holidays, it needs to be a luxurious – on a remote Indian Ocean resort or in a private Caribbean villa costing around £5,000 per break.
Designer brands are also a must-have status symbol, with items including a top of the range watch such as a Rolex or Tag, as well as a Prada or Mulberry handbag, Louis Vuitton luggage and a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes.
Looking after your appearance is also important if you want to appear successful, with having a personal trainer featured in the list, alongside attending an exclusive gym and having regular manicures.
Other modern day status symbols include owning more than one home, flying or traveling in first class and being part of a member’s only club.
Drinking champagne, having a good knowledge of wine and traveling in taxies instead of taking public transport also featured as today’s signs of success.
It also emerged that 14% have bought a particular thing or brand just to appear more well off than they really are.
Most worryingly, one in four admitted they used a credit card to make the extravagant purchase, while more than one in twenty took out a loan.
Less than half used money they had diligently saved.
Almost one in ten of those polled have even ended up getting into debt (an average of £6,263) to buy something they consider to be a status symbol.
And another 15% would consider getting into debt of almost £5,000 if it meant they were able to keep up with the Jones’.
Quidco‘s spokesman Andy Oldham continued:
”As the country continues to struggle with recovery, money saving behaviours have never been more important.
”Those that are looking to buy any of the items in our new list should look to Quidco and the money we can save them.
”We currently offer around #100 cashback for those purchasing an iPhone 5 or ten per cent cashback on hotels booked in far flung places to name a few.
”The money we return to our member can be utilised to help save for their next purchase hopefully bringing a little cheer to households out there.”
MODERN DAY STATUS SYMBOLS
A house worth £577,921
A luxury holiday on a remote island or a private villa holiday
A holiday in the Caribbean, Maldives and Seychelles which costs £4,947
A TV screen size of at least 50 inches
A smart phone
An iPad or tablet
Shops at Waitrose or Marks and Spencer
Drive an Aston Martin, Ferrari, Mercedes or Porsche
Has a partner who earns £64,311
Earns £63,938 themselves
Have £15,008 in savings
Own a second home or more
Have a holiday home abroad
A designer watch (Rolex, Cartier, tag or Omega)
Children go to private or boarding school
Fly or travel in first or business class
A home with electric gates
A nanny
Part of a member’s only club or bar
A Prada handbag
A convertible car
A mulberry handbag
A cleaner
Two or more cars
Louis Vuitton luggage
A pair of Christian Louboutin shoes
Has a personal trainer
A gardener
Personal number plate
Wears diamond jewellery
Travels in taxies rather than tube or public transport
A hot tub/Jacuzzi
Attends an exclusive gym
Drinks champagne
Has a good knowledge of wine
A dog walker
Manicured nails
A weekly blow dry
A season ticket holder at a Premier League club
A smart or 3D TV
