Have you ever noticed how some things just seem standard for some people but are totally out of reach for others? It turns out there’s quite a bit that separates the middle class from those struggling to get by — beyond just income. It’s the everyday stuff that can make life a bit sweeter—or a lot easier. So, let’s look at 13 of these things and see just how varied our experiences can be based on what we earn.
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Reliable Transportation
Middle-class people often have a reliable car sitting in the driveway – meaning they can pick up & go wherever they want, whenever they want. But for those scraping by, a car that starts every morning without a fuss is something they can only dream of. Beyond convenience, middle-class people have the freedom to pursue jobs and activities that are beyond walking distance. They don’t have to wait for the bus.
Home Ownership
Having a place of your own gives you a spot to plant roots & a chance to build up some wealth over time. While many middle-class families see buying a house as a natural step – for many under the poverty line, they have no chance of doing so. After all, sky-high prices & upkeep costs just aren’t doable on a tight budget.
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Health Insurance
Nothing beats the peace of mind that comes with good health insurance. Got a weird ache? No problem, just visit the doctor. It’s a perk that often comes standard with middle-class jobs but it’s a different story for those earning less. Without decent health coverage, even a minor illness can become a major worry. Essentially, everyday health is a luxury—but it really shouldn’t be.
Quality Education
Education can be a ticket to a better life. The middle class has access to top schools & colleges that can really set up a kid for success. Unfortunately, for families living paycheck to paycheck, the choice might be between rent and reading. As you might expect, quality education usually takes a back seat in these scenarios.
Healthy Food Options
We all know eating well is key to good health but those organic & whole food options can really hurt your wallet. For middle-class families, splurging on food that’s good for you is a regular part of the week—they think nothing of it. However, for many struggling financially, the cost of healthier options is too much so they’ll choose cheaper, less nutritious alternatives instead.
Vacations
Everyone loves a good getaway, right? After all, it’s a chance to recharge & have a break away from the daily grind. The middle class can afford to jet off to new places and vacations are just another part of life. But if you’re counting every penny, taking time off for a trip can seem like a fantasy. Even if you can afford a vacation, it’s usually a staycation—far different from the international holidays that the middle class enjoys.
Retirement Savings
Being able to kick back & enjoy your golden years without financial worries is a common goal for many in the middle class. They usually put away some money in retirement accounts like 401(k)s to prepare. Sadly, many people can barely cover today’s bills. Saving for an unseen future is often out of the question.
Leisure Activities
Dinner and a movie sound like a perfect Saturday night, right? And for those in the middle class, spending on entertainment is no big deal. Yet if you’re not sure if you can cover next week’s groceries, paying for a movie ticket isn’t even a possibility. Instead of having fun, you’re worried about what you can sacrifice.
Technology and Gadgets
Keeping up with the latest tech can make life & work easier—and more fun. That’s why the middle class is happy with buying the newest smartphone or laptop. It’s nothing to them! But for families on a tight budget, these gadgets are luxuries they can’t justify buying—especially when the essentials are at stake.
Emergency Savings
Most people know the importance of having a stash of cash just in case something goes wrong and that’s exactly what the middle class does. They always set aside money for unexpected expenses, whether that’s a medical emergency or something else. Unfortunately, anyone living day-to-day can’t do this. An emergency can mean disaster—with no safety net to fall back on.
Professional Development
Climbing the career ladder involves investing in yourself through extra courses or networking events. As such, if you’ve got the cash, you can sign up for the next seminar because you know it’ll pay off. However, poor people don’t have this luxury. Spending money on professional growth, which they think isn’t essential, feels like a risk they can’t afford.
Cultural Events
From art exhibits to live music, soaking in some culture can be a real treat. If you’re doing alright financially, buying tickets to these events might seem like nothing special. But not everyone has this luxury. Those who are watching every dollar watch from the sidelines because they think these cultural experiences are too extravagant.
Personal Health and Wellness
Joining a gym or attending yoga classes is certainly great for your health and part of routine life for financially comfortable people. For others, the monthly membership fees are just too much. They have bills to pay & mouths to feed—where will they find the cash or time to workout on top of that?
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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