When we think of the lifestyles of the rich and famous, we think of big mansions, luxury cars, private planes, designer fashions – the whole shebang! For some celebrities, this is true, but for others, this way of life has never really been appealing. Here is a list of celebrities who have chosen to live more modestly, regardless of their bankroll.
Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio is arguably one of the most famous actors in Hollywood, making it no surprise that he has amassed a net worth of $300 million over his acting career. However, despite bringing in the big bucks, he prefers to live a more frugal lifestyle.
As an enthusiastic environmental activist, he refuses to ride on private jets, opting to fly commercial like the rest of us instead. Unsurprisingly, the man drives a Toyota Prius. However, he does spend his money in other ways that are certainly beyond our means, like purchasing a small island in Belize.
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Sarah Michelle Gellar was taught from a young age that it doesn’t matter how much or how little you have; it is important to give back however you can. That is why she and her husband, Freddie Prinze Jr., who have a combined net worth of around $50 million, live a modest life together with their two children.
Both Gellar and Prinze Jr. cook and clean for their family rather than hiring chefs and cleaners, and Gellar has been known to clip a coupon or two to save a couple of dollars on the grocery bill.
Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves is one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors thanks to his down-to-earth personality, and the modest lifestyle he lives despite his $380 million net worth just makes him even more loveable. Instead of getting around by car, Reeves likes to take out his bike or take the subway. He also prefers to live in more modest dwellings instead of moving into bigger and bigger homes like other celebrities tend to do.
Reeves doesn’t talk about money very often, but he did lay this piece of wisdom on us back in 2006: “Money doesn’t mean anything to me. I’ve made a lot of money but I want to enjoy life and not stress myself building my bank account… We all know that good health is much more important.”
Sarah Jessica Parker
Over the span of her career, Sarah Jessica Parker has established a net worth of $200 million. However, with her husband, Matthew Broderick, and their three children, SJP maintains a rather frugal way of living, something she credits to her upbringing.
Growing up in a large family that depended on the welfare system for food, clothing, and shelter, SJP has long known how to be financially responsible. For her, that means not spending that hard-earned money on large, frivolous spending.
Paul McCartney
It’s hard to believe that a former Beatle wouldn’t be living a lavish life, but Paul McCartney proves it is true. Even with a net worth of over $1 billion, McCartney has been one to pinch his pennies unless the purchase was worth it.
If McCartney does spend his money, it is on things like real estate, investing, and expanding his ever-growing instrument collection. He is also the first to help out friends and family when they need it and gives to charity on a regular basis.
We’re happy to see some celebrities have stayed financially humble despite their fame and fortune.