Why Is the Middle Class Called the Middle Class? The Harsh Reality Behind Today’s Middle-Class Struggle

Have you ever wondered why people are called “middle class"? Because they are stuck in the middle.

• The poor have clarity about their life and needs.

• The rich have clarity about their goals and lifestyle.

• But the middle class? They often live in confusion — unsure where they stand, uncertain about their future, and constantly struggling to balance both worlds.

And today, India’s middle class is walking on a dangerous financial path, often without even realising it.

The Middle Class Is Trying to Look Rich — and Paying the Price

There was a time when middle-class life was goal-oriented and straightforward:

• Work hard

• Have a stable job

• Move from a bike to a car.

• Take one family trip a year.

• Save to buy a home

This was the classic middle-class dream.

But things have changed drastically.

Today, many middle-class families are trying to look wealthy, even if it means drowning in debt.

Instead of building wealth, they are building EMIs.

What do we see now?

• EMI phones

• EMI cars

• EMI appliances

• EMI lifestyle

• Branded clothes bought on credit

• Weekends are filled with unnecessary expenses.

People earning modest incomes are trying to maintain a lifestyle that belongs to the rich, not to them.

This isn’t enjoyment. This is a financial disaster disguised as status.

A Realistic Example: The ₹40,000 Income Trap

Let’s take a typical example:

A person earning ₹40,000 per month:

• ₹20,000 → Rent

• ₹10,000 → Loan EMIs (TV, fridge, car, gadgets)

• ₹5,000 → Weekend outings

• Remaining → Barely enough for essentials

At the end of the month? Not even ₹1,000 left for savings.

Experts call this lifestyle a financial suicide — the illusion of “enjoying life” while slowly destroying long-term stability.

The Judged, The Misunderstood, and The Victorious

There are two types of middle-class individuals:

1. The reckless spenders

They want to show the world they are rich. They buy everything on EMI. They live for validation.

2. The disciplined planners

They calculate before spending. They think about long-term goals. They build life step-by-step.

Unfortunately, society mocks disciplined people:

• “They don’t know how to enjoy life.”

• “They’re too stingy.”

• “They save every rupee.”

But after 10 years?

• These “stingy” people own homes.

• Those who mocked them still pay rent and juggle EMIs.

Time exposes the truth — not opinions.

Stop Pretending to Be Rich. Start Becoming Rich.

Don’t try to show wealth you don’t have.

Don’t join social circles you cannot afford to maintain.

Choosing peace over pressure is the most intelligent financial decision the middle class can make.

Especially now, when:

• inflation is rising

• job security is declining

• AI is replacing many roles.

• layoffs are becoming common

The middle class must rethink its financial habits more seriously than ever.

A Simple Rule to Escape the Middle-Class Trap

If you want a secure future:

👉 Save and invest 20–30% of your income before spending anything.

This single habit can change everything:

• You build wealth

• You gain confidence

• You reduce financial stress.

• You secure your family’s future.

Money will take care of you — if you first learn to take care of it.

Your Future Depends on Today’s Decision

Ask yourself:

❌ Will you try to live like the rich today and become poor tomorrow? Or

✔ Will you think wisely today and become wealthy tomorrow?

Your salary does not shape your future —your choices, habits, and discipline shape it.

You decide whether to remain stuck in the middle…or rise above it.