That's how people view how wealthy and successful a person is, through material possessions. Owning a house, a car, and being able to travel the world. I understand your point OP, that wealth doesn't really come from material things. And if you happen to accept that you're wealthy, it's actually how you view the world. If you economically think that not owning a car is fine, then that's fine. You don't need any validation from these people who happen to pay mortgage and car payments, which makes them cringe when the due date is near. At the end of the day, it's how you live your life. If you happen to enjoy it with or without those things, as long as you're not drowning in debt, I guess that's one of the definitions of the real financial freedom and success.
Financial wealth is mostly gaining misconceptions. Some just see it as merely buying house and lot, cars and different assets, and they find theirselves already wealthy and successful, even if they know they are drown in debt. However for me, the real wealthy and successful are those who stay silent behind their achievements and success in life. No need for validations, because we don’t live for others but we live for our own selves.
Don’t let others define you. If you know you are wealthy and successful on your own, then continue doing it and moving forward. Focus on positive and constructive motivations, do not dwell on people who have opposite views from yours.
Financial wealth does not always create false perceptions. How you use your wealth depends on how realistic and visible it is to you. Most rich people have debts to banks but at the same time have a lot of wealth. This tendency is common among most rich people because after they have one asset, they try to create another asset by putting that asset as collateral and financial institutions trust such people more and give them loans. As they get into the debt trap they start owning a lot of wealth.
I think the real rich are the ones who are debt free and have been building wealth through earnings. Yes, if someone wants to build wealth through this process, he has to spend a lot of time but I think this is the ideal strategy. Trying to get rich in a short time can make you greedy and more likely to make bad decisions. And more likely to become poorer instead of financially secure.