General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: DU is not representative of America any more [View all]CoffeeCat
(24,411 posts)...about upper-mid class problems, because it sounds like whining when so many others have it worse. The thing is, we are upper middle class and we are in hell. I was a stay at home mom and dh had a six-figure salary. Then dh was laid off and couldn't find work for six months. New job was a 20 percent pay cut with a worse healthcare plan that we pay a chunk for--when we paid zero before. 401k match is minimal.
Yes, I appreciate what we have. No I'm not whining. However, the new normal has affected us greatly. We burned through a good chunk of savings when we had no income for six months. We are trying to build savings again, but it is tough with the
Income decrease, healthcare expenses,soaring food prices and high gas prices--not to mention the $1,300 monthly student loan payment.
I think most people--regardless of where the fall on the income strata--are not doing as well and have had to make changes. I think most people are terrified.
We are talking about downsizing, moving into a condominium and chucking the suburban nonsense. The pressure to have a frickin lush green lawn so you don't destroy the neighborhood beauty--seems like a ridiculous joke. I'm sick of it all. I'm sick if worrying.
People can smirk all they want, but the truth us that the American dream is crumbling for the majority if people who aren't in the top 10 percent. I saw on the news tonight a national story about food banks and how they are seeing more people who were once upper-middle class. It's a big trend.
I believe it. I really believe it. We survived the first punch, but we could not weather another six months of unemployment. I think there are many who survived the first hit, but they're hanging on by a thread. They'll be knocked out cold in a second hit.