Clinging to “poor-people” habits?

“And we was too broke to even pay heed/But that’s how it is when you’re po’ folks.” – Bill Anderson.

I was intrigued by a recent USA Today article about “poor-people” habits (i.e. vestiges of frugality that persist even when a person becomes financially comfortable).

My family has finally clawed its way into (lower) middle class status, but I found myself nodding at most of the article’s examples (including turning off unneeded lights, stooping to pick up a penny and comparing unit prices at grocery stores, especially unit prices on pain-killer for relief from stooping to pick up a penny).