Are You a Member of the Middle Class? ...

Valencia Nov 28, 2014

Are you looking for signs you've achieved middle class status. After graduating college and getting a first job, your entry-level salary can make it hard to make ends meet or have a little fun. But as your income increases, you're able to set financial goals and eventually hit middle class without your parents' assistance. Here are seven signs you've achieved middle class status

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Please subscribe for your personalized newsletter:

1. You Own a Home or Rent the Ideal Place

Home ownership by itself isn't one of the signs you've achieved middle class status -- there are plenty of middle class people who don't own. But if you're thinking about owning, or you already own, or you're saving up to own, this can be a sign of middle class. If you make the decision not to buy, but you're living in a place that you're comfortable with and one that offers the amenities you desire, this is also a sign of middle class.

2. You Actually Drive a Car You like

Many lower income people have vehicles, but they don't always drive the car of their choice. If your eyes were set on buying a particular vehicle, and you were actually able to go into a dealership and purchase the car you wanted, this is one sign that you've achieved middle class status. And if you were able to purchase with a down payment, this is another indicating factor of middle class

Frequently asked questions

3. You're Saving for Retirement

Even though many people recognize the importance of saving for retirement, many low-wage earners aren't in a position to do so. If you were able to get a 401(k) through your employer and start saving for retirement, or if you're able to start an individual retirement account, this contributes to middle class status.

4. You Can Purchase Health Insurance

There's no denying the high cost of health insurance. And if you're not fortunate enough to get paid coverage through your job, you'll have to pay this expense out of pocket. Even though health insurance might take a chunk of your income, the fact that you're able to meet this expense is a sign of middle class

5. You're Able to Afford a Vacation

Do you take a vacation once or twice a year, or every other year? If so, this is a sign of middle class. Vacations are viewed as a luxury, so the fact that you can vacation on occasion – and actually afford it – shows that you have some type of disposable income.

6. You're Saving for Your Child's Education

Saving for a child's education isn't a reality for a lot of families. Granted, some middle class families don't have the disposable income to save for a child's future expenses. Consider yourself fortunate if you're able to save.

7. Your Income Meets the Criteria for Middle Class

Middle class is one of the hardest things to define. Income is a determining factor, but also relative to the cost of living in a location. Typically, if you're making at least $32,000/year as a single person with no children, you might fit the middle class description depending on where you live. According to the Pew Research Center, a typical middle class family has an annual income between $40,000 a year and $100,000 a year.

The cost of living constantly increases, and as a young adult, you might strive to reach middle class status. Continue to work, save your money, and eventually you'll achieve this. What are other signs of middle class?

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

Right on sheelagh!!

Lol me !

Money buys comfort and security. Having a comfort and security leads to happiness.

Well.... I think this particular article is meant to be about the financial class. Money is a tool for comfort, that's for sure! Happiness can be found in any class, it comes from within ourselves. It begins with gratitude and forgiveness. The ultimate would be to have both comfort and happiness at the same time!

Love this post 😀

Money is unfortunately a way of survival we need it whether we like it or not I personally think the more we have the more we want bc we are never satisfied so even those who are considered middle class always want more

Can money buy class?

Hmmmm...not too sure about this article. As Sarah wrote "can money buy class?" Can't buy love, happiness, class..............

Social class and financial class are two very different things. This article is talking about financial class, the "middle" being a place typically where there is financial comfort.

Powered by iniret

Powered by iniret

Related Topics

Are You in a Dating Rut loreal color riche stylo smoky glistening Does Your Boyfriend Secretly Want You to Dump Him What Would Your Favorite Social Network Look like as an Actual Person whats my real age why is valentines day overrated Are You a Coffee Addict ... head vs heart relationship Are You Wearing the Right Foundation Are You Making Any Massive Mistakes in the Shower ...