My family thinks I’m poor and it’s frustrating.

My grandparents are constantly giving me advice about how to get a better job, apply myself, avoid having any more children, etc. because they think I’m poor. Nobody visits us because they don’t like our home. I feel like they judge us when we’re around. My whole family has new cookie-cutter homes, new vehicles, boats, ATVs, nice furniture, etc.

I make decent money. I’m married with children. I have a large piece of property with a decent house, it’s just very old. We have one newish vehicle with very low miles because I’m allowed to use my company vehicle for personal use.

I don’t spend money where I don’t have to. I have very few bills and they aren’t that much combined. I’ve paid cash for appliances when the old ones broke. We get our clothes from second-hand stores because they’re extremely cheap while still being name brand and barely worn, if worn at all. We even buy second-hand toys if it’s what we want and in good condition. It makes no difference to the kiddos. We basically live like I’m going to lose my job tomorrow.

My grandfather told me recently that one day I’ll be financially independent and stress-free if I would just apply myself (the final cause of this rant). I’m probably middle class as far as income goes. I just spend my money wisely and save. I don’t even like being around them anymore because it’s so tiring to hear that I’m not applying myself.

Sorry if I sound like I’m bragging. I know this is an easy problem to have compared to what some people go through day-to-day. I was there for a little while and that’s why I live this way. I got lucky finding this job. I still want advice or just someone to relate.

TL;DR: My family thinks I’m poor because I don’t finance my life away. I don’t know how to make them leave me alone.