5 Subtle Signs You’ve Quietly Moved Into the Upper Middle Class
Written by
J. Arky
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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Perhaps you have always dreamed of being rich, living in a mansion and flying off to exotic destinations for first-class vacations. Those are some obvious clues that you would be wealthy, but how do you know if you are upper middle class?
To recognize when you have leveled up takes some more investigation into the nuanced signals that you are hovering in the top tier of the middle class. Here are five subtle signs that you’ve quietly moved into the upper middle class.
1. Money Is No Longer a Major Concern
Those with substantial funds rarely need to make sure there is enough to cover what they need and most of what they want. They can earn and spend money without batting an eye or checking their bank account.
“You can make a major purchase, such as international trips, home renovations or buying a new car, without losing sleep over it, so long as it’s consistent with your budget and doesn’t cause financial stress,” said Echo Wang, founder of EpicBooks.
2. Homeownership and Property Value Goes Up
This layer of class ascension is characterized by the high number of people who have houses worth between $400,000 and $800,000, according to Nick Manfredi, CEO of As-Is Housebuyers.
“The fact that they own a house at that level demonstrates that they have made it financially and they are well placed in the housing market,” Manfredi said.
3. Multiple Sources of Income
Wang highlighted that those in the upper middle class have more than one source of income and maybe a handful of investments adding up in the background of their lives.
That extra income is likely devoted to savings, investments and purchases. “After covering all bills, savings and investments, there’s still leftover money for comfort or experiences,” Wang said.
4. Time Is a Precious Commodity
As you find yourself settling into the upper middle class, you might begin to regard time as more precious than material objects.
“You will pay for services that free up your time or make life smoother, because your time is worth more,” Wang said. “You can plan for private education or travel, and you can afford to choose convenience without it feeling like a financial stretch.”
5. Appreciating Quality Over Quantity
The misconception is that more money might mean more tangible acquisitions and, overall, just having more stuff. That may not be the case when you become upper middle class and your appreciation for the quality of one thing supersedes needing to have everything.
Wang pointed out that people in the upper middle class invest in quality rather than acquiring more. “You may purchase a nicer appliance or bag, but you’ll use it for years and until it’s done,” he said.
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