My cousin and I had an interesting conversation the other day. She asked me what wage I considered to be the starting point for the middle class. Off the top of my head, I said $50,000. She disagreed, and insisted that it started around $30,000. I guess it all depends on what part of the country you live in. And I think personal perspective plays a part in the idea of the middle class too.
When we bought our first house in KY, John only made $20,000 annually. At the time, I thought we were living the good life (Which is laughable now. How did we even survive?). If you would have asked me back then, I probably would have said we were middle class.
I think all Americans like to consider themselves middle class. No one wants to be poor and no one ever thinks they have too much money. So instead, we are all middle class people just trying to get ahead.
8 comments:
Totally agree around 50,000. But I also like your saying, we are all just middle class trying to get ahead!
I think 50,000 is probably about right but I would say that would be lower-middle for a family. 30,000 would probably be middle class for a single person. Depends on how many people you're supporting!
I think 50.000 is not what is was 10 years ago. Combined we are middle class but I tend to think we are just one paycheck away from dipping into trailor park and stray cats.
i agree - it totally depends on where you live!
ie: before we moved to nyc we were paying like $1000 a month for our brand new 2500 sq ft 4 bedroom house. in nyc we paid $2500 a month for a one bedroom 500 sq ft apartment.
it's all about location!!
Christy-I like that..I am not sure but I think 40,000 to 50,000 is a good number for my input.
One thing is for sure ~ money can't buy you happiness or health. But it would be nice to have lots of money!!
Yeah that is a good number AFTER Taxes of course! We make a lot more before taxes than after.
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