Aug 3, 2024
You may have heard that the American middle class is shrinking — there's data to back it up.
In 1971, 61% of Americans lived in middle-class households, according to a recent Pew Research Center analysis of government data. By 2023, only 51% were considered middle class.
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During the first quarter of 2024, median weekly U.S. earnings were $1,139, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. And, as Pew states, the median income of middle-class households was $106,100 in 2022.
Although that might seem like a decent amount, factors such as inflation, the fluctuating housing market, and the rising cost of living are eroding even the six-figure incomes.
Even if you technically fall into the category of middle-class, you may not feel comfortably middle-class. Here’s how to stretch your income.
Live below your means
As personal finance celebrity Suze Orman says, “buy what you need versus what you can afford when you can afford more than what you need.”
However, living below one’s means is easier said than done — especially in the current economic climate.
A middle-class income may not leave you with all that much wiggle room to save and invest these days. Therefore, it’s important to keep your expenses as low as reasonably possible so you can focus on attaining some financial stability.
Living below your means could translate to a lot of things, but one area you may want to focus on is anything involving housing.
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, in 2022, housing accounted for just over 33% of consumer expenditures — far outpacing the next closest category: transportation, which accounted for roughly 17% of spending.
A widely accepted standard in financial planning is to keep your housing costs to 30% (or less) of your gross monthly income.
Adhering to the 30% rule helps maintain a balanced budget, which in turn allows families to live within their means and avoid excessive debt.
It can also provide a cushion for any emergency expenses — from home repairs to medical bills — that may suddenly crop up.
Another viable option is to boost your income through side hustles The income this avenue creates may help create a buffer for your savings.
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Move to an area where your income goes further
For some, curtailing housing expenditures may come down to location, location, location. Consider moving to one of the country’s more cost-effective states, or leave bustling urban centers behind.
Forbes, for example, ranks South Bend, Indiana, as the most affordable U.S. city, followed by Brownsville, Texas.
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Different sources use different methodologies for calculating affordability, however, so it’s good to do plenty of research to help narrow your choices down.
That said, some sources use formulas to calculate salaries based on local living costs. Moving from one part of the country to another could mean taking a pay cut. So that’s something you’ll want to consider, as it may not help you financially in the long run.
To get you started, consider some of the states where it’s easiest (and hardest) to save money.
Consider tax-friendly states
There are eight states that don't have a state income tax:
- Alaska
- Florida
- Nevada
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Washington
- Wyoming
In addition, New Hampshire has a state income tax that applies to interest and dividend income, but not wages from a job.
Moving to a more tax-friendly state could mean getting to hang onto more of your earnings. However, even within states that do have an income tax, there’s a spectrum — with some imposing higher taxes than others.
It could be a good idea to sit down with an accountant to review your options. Similarly, a financial adviser can help you come up with a strategy to maximize your income and work toward your personal goals.
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Maurie Backman has been writing professionally for well over a decade. Since becoming a full-time writer, she's produced thousands of articles on topics ranging from Social Security to investing to real estate.
