Technically you’re correct, as middle class is a loose definition, and at one point used to mean just owning “two cars”.
Times have changed though, and I think the OP’s definition is the more accepted one.
Middle class would be not struggling financially with basic necessities. You may struggle in other areas, but not in food, shelter, clothing sort of stuff.
Essentially, the OP is saying that if you’re struggling financially, you’re not middle class, in how middle class should be defined in the current economy.
Middle class to me is doing ok, but you still have to think about how your money is spent and utilized. Upper middle class is the threshold where money is not a concern anymore.
We really should use these metrics and not income bands, but we always fall into the trap that people are inconsistent and always measure up. I once read an interview where someone said they were “not doing great, but getting by,” and later mentioned they sold a home to buy a boat and take 6 months sailing.
They’re “getting by” living like our rich neighbors did when I was a kid. Compared to our “middle class” life 50 years ago, middle class now is a life style we could only dream about.
It’s intentionally vague. Just about anyone you ask will tell you they’re middle class.
The fact is, there’s no such thing. It’s made up. It can be whatever you want it to be. The point of having everyone believe they’re middle class is so they always believe there’s someone lower than them, that things can get worse.
Most people are one missed paycheck away from not being able to pay for the roof over their head.
If you have to work to live, you’re working class. Same as the rest of us. There is no middle class.
Technically you’re correct, as middle class is a loose definition, and at one point used to mean just owning “two cars”.
Times have changed though, and I think the OP’s definition is the more accepted one.
Middle class would be not struggling financially with basic necessities. You may struggle in other areas, but not in food, shelter, clothing sort of stuff.
Essentially, the OP is saying that if you’re struggling financially, you’re not middle class, in how middle class should be defined in the current economy.
Middle class to me is doing ok, but you still have to think about how your money is spent and utilized. Upper middle class is the threshold where money is not a concern anymore.
We really should use these metrics and not income bands, but we always fall into the trap that people are inconsistent and always measure up. I once read an interview where someone said they were “not doing great, but getting by,” and later mentioned they sold a home to buy a boat and take 6 months sailing.
They’re “getting by” living like our rich neighbors did when I was a kid. Compared to our “middle class” life 50 years ago, middle class now is a life style we could only dream about.
It’s intentionally vague. Just about anyone you ask will tell you they’re middle class.
The fact is, there’s no such thing. It’s made up. It can be whatever you want it to be. The point of having everyone believe they’re middle class is so they always believe there’s someone lower than them, that things can get worse.
Most people are one missed paycheck away from not being able to pay for the roof over their head.
If you have to work to live, you’re working class. Same as the rest of us. There is no middle class.