From the Simpsons:
(Dustin Hoffman as the substitute teacher Lisa has a crush on)
“That’s what being middle class is, Lisa. Everything you need is taken away to give to somebody who needs it more.”
My bit about vacations was about what kinds of vacations are appealing, not what you can afford. Anyone who goes or would like to go to Paris on vacations (as opposed to for shopping trips or to visit friends) is somewhere in the middle class.
Class is certainly not about money. I live with my boyfriend now. He grew up in an upper class house. I grew up in a lower class one. We approach a lot of things very differently.
I always learned to save as much money you can in savings accounts and government bonds for retirement. He learned to make your money work for you by making riskier investments. I learned a lot of practical skills- where to buy stuff, how to tell what a good price for something is, how to bargain. He had no idea you could get your hair cut without making a personal appointment a salon. He always learned that quality of product and ease of interaction was a bigger value than saving a few bucks. I have a closetful of cheap clothes from Target and thrift stores. He has about ten pieces of really nice clothing. I dress up when we go to a fancy restraunt and want to order appetizers and desserts and stuff. He treats it that same as a meal at McDonalds.
We live the exact same lifestyle money-wise. But we look at everything- especially stuff that involves money- in very different ways. Even though I have “classier” tastes, a college education, and a better job, when we are around upper-class people there is no doubt as to who is one of them and who is not.
Middle class means money to save, money to be able to purchase over and above the necessities occasionally, dual income (in most cases) and economy cars. But not freaking out every month.