The middle-class lifestyle has seen significant changes over the years. Many things that were once considered standard are now viewed as luxuries to indulge in, not staples of middle-class living. Here are nine examples of things that have just become harder for the middle-class to justify in their budgets—be it because of time or money.
The Family Vacation
The family vacation was something you took every year—a staple of the middle class. Unfortunately, they’ve been priced out of taking consistent vacations, with many people not going anywhere for fear of financial ruin if they overspend. It’s certainly still doable with smart preparation but definitely seen as a luxury more than anything now.
Home-Cooked Meals (Sometimes)
It’s almost always cheaper to cook at home. But the rising cost of groceries and the impossible task of balancing busy schedules has made cheap, unhealthy fast food options even more of a norm than they have been. It feels like even a simple pot roast dinner is a rarity when the drive-thru is on the way home and doesn’t require as much time or money to put on the table.
A Reliable Car
There was a time when every middle-class family could afford a car. But now, between gas and general upkeep, cars are often set aside for public transportation or carpooling to get around. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing; it’s a frugal way to get where you need to go. Yet it’s still a good example of how common things have become luxuries over time.
Quality Time
Regular family activities, such as game nights or outings, have become less frequent due to busy schedules. Coordinating time together requires careful planning, and many families find themselves being ships in the night before they realize it’s been a week since they’ve done anything together.
Home Repairs
The cost of hiring a professional for home repairs is often too much for middle-class families now. And unfortunately, this can lead to some shoddy DIY jobs that force you into calling a professional anyway, usually at a much higher cost to undo whatever you did.
A Clean House
Maintaining a clean home also implies you have a lot of free time on your hands—something the modern middle-class family is missing dearly. Cleaning services are too much of a luxury, but so is time, so most families keep up with the essentials and hope for the best.
School Supplies
Back-to-school shopping has transformed from a simple task into a significant expense—and the lists from teachers seem to get longer every year. Families now face high costs for basic supplies, making it essential to budget carefully for the school year.
Healthcare
Accessing healthcare has never been more convoluted or expensive. With rising insurance premiums and out-of-pocket expenses, many families find themselves navigating a challenging system to receive some of the most basic medical care.
Birthday or Holiday Gifts
While most families would do what they can to get their kids the best gifts for the important holidays, they often now have to settle for second-best. Kids are also wanting increasingly expensive gadgets, like smartphones or tablets, which are just not feasible gifts for many middle-class families.
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