The difference between the rich and middle class can be confusing, but the two couldn’t be further from each other in reality. In this article, we look at 18 signs that someone is middle class but not at all rich or wealthy.
Your Car Is Practical, Not Luxurious
Driving a car that gets you from point A to point B without breaking the bank is a classic middle-class move. When you don’t have money to waste, you prioritize vehicles known for their reliability and low maintenance costs over flashy models. The car you drive is more likely to be from a mainstream brand than a luxury high-performance manufacturer like Ferrari or Porsche.
You Prefer Budget-Friendly Vacations
For middle-class people, vacations are a time for relaxation, focusing on making memories rather than living in luxury. Middle-class people might also opt to explore local attractions or even stay home instead of traveling to exotic locations.
Home Ownership Over High-End Real Estate
According to Realtor.com, the average selling price for a home on the Upper East Side was $1,895,000 in 2021. That is a normal price for rich people, not middle-class people who tend to live in comfortable yet not overly large or extravagant homes.
Shopping at Mid-Range Retailers
Hunting for the best deals, using coupons, and waiting for sales to make purchases are not things rich people do. That is for regular people, for whom finding a good bargain brings more joy than flaunting designer labels like Gucci and Chanel.
Cooking at Home Beats Fine Dining
“A homemade meal shared with loved ones is worth more than the fanciest dinner reservation,” is what a middle-class person would say after organizing meals for the week to save on groceries and reduce waste. The rich will go out and spend, so they don’t have to cook or clean.
You Invest in Experiences, Not Things
If your bank account is not bottomless, activities like community theater, local sports games, or free events in the park are enough to excite you. If you spend, you will likely choose things like classes or workshops that enrich personal skills or hobbies. For you, it’s the moments spent with family and friends that are cherished, not the material possessions.
Second-Hand and Thrift Shopping
According to Vogue Business, Gen Z is making second-hand shopping cool again. Even though this is true, the rich will only shop second-hand for fun, not necessity. They might do it just because they enjoy the hunt for unique finds and bargains in second-hand stores, but not because they need to.
Prioritizing Savings Over Splurging
Financial advice institutions recommend building and maintaining an emergency savings account for unforeseen expenses. However, habits like being mindful of purchases and avoiding impulsive buying often don’t matter to the rich.
Public and Community Education
Choosing reputable public schools over expensive private institutions for children’s education is a choice many parents have to make despite wanting the latter. Those who are middle-class might even consider community colleges for their affordability and transfer programs.
DIY Over Professional Services
Fixing things around the house, taking care of your own beauty needs, and keeping your car running smoothly by yourself can save you a lot of money. It’s pretty satisfying to solve problems with your own hands and know you’ve cut costs. However, the rich still prefer to have someone take care of all that.
You’re Not Chasing the Latest Gadgets
Another sign you’re middle class is that instead of always wanting the newest tech gadgets, you only consider upgrading when it’s really necessary. Before buying, you look at reviews and even check out different prices. Sometimes, you may be able to find great deals on gadgets that are slightly used but still work perfectly.
Casual Fashion Over Designer Wear
If you’re middle class, you don’t need expensive clothes to look good. You pick outfits that are comfy and can be worn in different ways. It is not only affordable, but it also teaches you to be creative with what you already have. Also, you can find great deals at places that sell brand-name clothing for less.
Practical Financial Management
According to Dezerv, some of the effects of poor financial management are legal troubles and poor mental health. What most people don’t know is that rich people are protected from these consequences. They can often spend their money on things they want and still be fine at the end of the day.
Entertainment Is Streamed, Not Premium
Entertainment doesn’t have to cost a lot. You can share streaming accounts, use the library, and go outside instead of spending on big entertainment. Enjoying simple things can be just as fun as expensive stuff.
Traveling Smart, Not Lavish
Traveling is about enjoying yourself, not spending a lot. Travel when it’s cheaper, use points for flights and hotels, and stay in places that let you live like a local. This way, travel is about fun experiences, not how much you spend.
Your Health Plan Is Essential, Not Premium
Middle-class people can only afford to focus on regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle to avoid expensive medical bills. They tend to opt for generic prescriptions to cut down on healthcare costs. If you’re in this boat, try using an HSA for tax advantages and to save for future medical expenses.
Socializing Doesn’t Mean Spending
Hanging out with friends doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money. You can have a game night where everyone comes over to play board games. It’s fun, and it doesn’t cost much. Another idea is to have a potluck dinner. This is when everyone brings a dish, and you all share. It’s a great way to enjoy good food without anyone spending too much.
Investing in Quality, Not Quantity
When you, as a middle-class person, buy things, you think about getting stuff that lasts a long time, even if it might cost a bit more at first. This is better than buying lots of cheap things that break easily. Living simply means you only keep things that are really important or make you happy. This way, you don’t end up with a lot of stuff you don’t need.
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