Growing up in a middle-class Indian family was simple. We didn't have much, but we had enough. My father brought home a salary of ₹4000 a month, and somehow, we made it work. We ate home-cooked meals, played outside, wore hand-me-down clothes, and still had a smile on our faces. Life wasn’t luxurious, but it was peaceful.
Today, even with a monthly income of ₹40,000, many families feel like they're constantly struggling. The question is — why?
Back Then: Simple Needs, Strong Values
In the 90s and early 2000s, most middle-class families were content with the basics. One TV, one scooter, one phone (if you were lucky), and a lot of shared laughter.
- We didn’t go to malls every weekend.
- Eating out was a rare treat, not a habit.
- Birthday parties were at home, with homemade food and games.
We were not rich, but we never felt poor.
Now: More Income, More Expenses
Fast forward to today. The salary may have increased, but so have the expectations — and expenses.
- Rent is higher.
- School fees are sky-high.
- Groceries, electricity, petrol — everything costs more.
- And then there’s EMI, insurance, OTT subscriptions, and the constant pressure to “keep up” on social media.
What used to be luxuries are now seen as necessities.
Lifestyle Inflation: The Silent Burden
Experts have called it "lifestyle inflation". As our income increases, we also spend. We earn more but we save less.
Instead of feeling satisfied we feel stress. Even a small medical emergency or job loss can tremble the entire family budget.
The Social Media Trap
Let's tell the truth - we're constantly comparing our lives with others on Instagram and YouTube. Some are going on vacation, some buy a car, some have just got the latest iPhone.
Even if we don't need it, we think we should have it too.
But no one shows the EMIs, the debt, or the stress behind the pictures.
The Real Middle-Class Struggle
Today’s middle class is stuck in a strange place:
- We’re not poor enough to get government support.
- We’re not rich enough to live freely.
- We’re earning, but not saving.
- We’re working harder, but not feeling secure.
It’s not just about money — it’s about mental peace, family time, and quality of life.
Conclusion
Maybe it’s time to pause and ask ourselves:
- Do we really need everything we’re spending on?
- Can we find joy in the little things again?
- Can we stop comparing and start living?
Our parents did more with less - because they didn't, but they were worth the simplicity. This is probably what we need to remember.
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Finance