The Middle-Class Dream: Is It Slipping Away?

A Widespread Concern Across Age Groups

A recent study reveals a growing unease about financial stability, with many people believing that achieving a middle-class lifestyle is becoming more challenging. This sentiment is not confined to the younger generation; it is shared by most age groups, except the oldest.

Basic Needs Covered, But Worries Persist

While most individuals can meet their fundamental needs such as food, gas, and rent, the cost of these essentials is a significant source of anxiety. Many feel that advancing financially is more difficult now than in the past.

Major Concerns: Housing, Retirement, and Healthcare

Housing, retirement, and healthcare are prominent worries. A substantial number of people feel insecure about their ability to afford these necessities. Over half of the respondents believe that housing and education have become prohibitively expensive.

Shifting Perceptions of the American Economy

This financial anxiety has altered how people view the American economy. The traditional notion of America as a land of opportunity, where anyone can succeed and live comfortably, is diminishing. Two-thirds of people think that a middle-class life is unattainable for most. Additionally, 77% believe that achieving this lifestyle is harder now than it was for their parents' generation.