Signs You’re Middle Class

1. You always had a white picket fence around your house

Image Source / Decoist

If there was ever an obvious sign you are middle class, having a white picket fence around your house was definitely it! You only lived in one of these dreamy houses in friendly neighbourhoods if you parents had enough money to afford that lifestyle.

2. You remember when VHS tapes were the only way to watch movies at home

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It seems like a distant memory to us all now, but if you were lucky enough as a kid you will remember watching movies on the VHS. This was before DVD’s took over the world and VHS tapes eventually went out of fashion because nobody was buying them anymore.

3. You had a corded phone in your kitchen

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You might have taken this one for granted, but having a corded phone in your kitchen back in the day was actually a big privilege that not everyone had access to. Only the wealthier families could afford this luxury so it probably means you were middle class growing up.

4. Your parents had a membership to the country club

Image Source / WSJ

If this one doesn’t scream ‘middle class’ we don’t know what will! Only people with a huge disposable could afford a membership at the country club as they don’t come cheap. So if your parents were part of that wealthy minority, it is highly likely you are middle class.

5. You remember when gas was only $0.83 per gallon

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Ah, the good old days when gas didn’t cost an arm and a leg…sadly you won’t get a price like that these days, especially in the current climate. So if you were young enough to remember when gas was on $0.83 per gallon you were living it up in your parents fancy motor.

6. Your parents drove a station wagon

Image Source / Reddit

The humble station wagon may not look like anything special these days, but these practical and reliable motors were promoted as an “ideal all-rounder” for families back in the day. So if your family had enough money, you probably had a station wagon on the drive.

7. You had a subscription to Highlights magazine

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Highlights really was the best magazine as a kid back in the day, you were one of the lucky ones if you can remember those days. But what was even better than just the magazine…a Highlights subscription! You were definitely middle class if your parents could afford this.

8. You had a collection of Beanie Babies

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Does it get anymore nostalgic than Beanie Babies? These super cool soft toys filled with plastic pellets were first released in 1986 and became a popular collectible item. So, if you were lucky enough to build a Beanie Babies collection you were definitely privileged. 

9. You had a collection of cassette tapes

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Remember back in the day when the only way to listen to music was using cassette tapes? Well, you will probably only recall this if you were one of the lucky ones who actually had a cassette player! If this was the case, you probably had an endless collections of tapes too.

10. Your family took a road trip every summer

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Anyone would be lucky enough to go on a short holiday in the summer, let alone a full blown road trip! This kind of vacation was reserved for only the wealthy families who could afford to travel the country for weeks at a time during the peak season.

11. You remember when the original Nintendo was the coolest gaming system

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When the Nintendo first came out, the gaming world changed forever. But you’re parents had to be pretty wealthy to afford one of these cool new systems because they certainly weren’t cheap! You were definitely middle class if you had one of these when you were a kid.

12. You had a subscription to the Sunday newspaper

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Who remembers waking up on a Sunday morning to the sound of the radio as your Mum makes waffles for your family? Well, if this is a memory in your childhood you probably also recall your parents having a subscription to the Sunday newspaper delivered each week.

13. You had a collection of baseball cards

Image Source / Reuter

Baseball cards date all the way back to the 1950s when they came with a stick of gum and there were a limited number of cards available. As their popularity increased, people became obsessed with building a collection but only the wealthy kids could afford to keep up.

14. You remember when dial-up internet was the only option

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Although dial-up internet is now the cheapest way to access the online web, back in the day you had to come from a wealthy middle class background if you parents could afford this! We wouldn’t recommend it these days as the connection is pretty slow.

15. You had a set of Encyclopedia Britannica

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Can you believe the Encyclopedia Britannica was first published back in 1768? You definitely came from a middle class background if you had a set of these. Your parents probably bought you one each year for Christmas in the hope one day you would love learning general knowledge! 

16. Your family ate dinner together every night at the kitchen table

Image Source / The New York Times

If you come from a middle class background, you probably thought eating dinner together every night at the kitchen table was normal for everyone. But this isn’t actually the case, a lot of families don’t spend much time together and some of them don’t even have a kitchen table.

17. You remember when rollerblades were the hottest new trend

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You had to be one of the cool kids if you had a pair of rollerblades, not just anyone could take part. Although rollerblades were invented in 1980, they only became popular at the end of the decade when roller discos were introduced and this turned into the new hot trend.

18. You had a collection of comic books

Image Source / Reddit

Comic books bring back fond memories of childhood…how great was it when one of your parents finally agreed to buy you a new one! Unlike some kids who were only allowed one on special occasions, if you came from a wealthier background you probably had a huge collection.

19. You had a set of L.L. Bean backpacks for the entire family

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Who remembers these iconic backpacks from the early days? If you and all of your family were walking around wearing these bags, you were definitely middle class. Do you know what made these even better? When you had the matching lunch box to go with it.

20. You remember when AOL was the most popular way to access the internet

Image Source / Reddit

If you grew up in the 1980s, you will definitely remember AOL! This American web portal and online service was first introduced in 1985 and if you came from a middle class family, your parents could probably afford to get you access to the internet. 

21. You Own A Home

Image Source / Story HomesIn this day and age, this is a dream for most people that is simply never going to come true. It's a sad fact, but the idea of home ownership is just impossible for many people who don't have enough money. So if you actually own a home, or can buy one without issue, it's a sign that middle class financial situation is definitely one you're in.

22. You Own A Car

Image Source / Auto TraderAnd we mean a good car you can depend on. Not some $500 run around you found at a dodgy garage. Once again, owning a car is a distant dream for many people who simply don't have enough money to buy it, let alone the cost of its upkeep. So owning a car can be a luxury for a lot of people - where it might be a normality for you.

23. College Education For Kids In The Family

Image Source / Encyclopedia BritannicaNot only college education, but college education completely paid for. This kind of education is a common goal for middle-class people and families. While a lot of people may spend a lifetime in debt from their uni loans, this isn't an issue for you.

24. Retirement Is Going To Be Smooth Sailing

Image Source / SunLifeWhile most people might worry about never actually being able to retire, and the fear of having enough retirement money saved up, middle-class people don't have that worry. You're able to save up enough money easily and have the luxury of retiring whenever, and to wherever, you want.

25. You Have Healthcare Coverage

Image Source / CapgeminiA lot of people can live in fear of the idea of expensive healthcare bills, and a lot of people might not have healthcare insurance to begin with. For the middle-class, getting that dependable healthcare coverage and never having to worry about medical bills is a natural need - and one that's affordable.

26. You Go On At Least One Family Vacation A Year

Image Source / CNNFor some families, a vacation during the year is simply not affordable. For the middle-class, it's a year wasted if you haven't been on at least one family vacation. You never have to worry about being able to afford the family trip - it's just a given, and one easily paid for.

27. You Always Have Disposable Income

Image Source / WikipediaAside from spending money on family vacations, there's also never a time when you don't have disposable income. It's just always there. You never really worry about paying for anything at all, including bills and spending money. Disposable income every month is a given.

28. You Only Shop At The 'Fancy' Food Stores

Image Source / WanderWisdomThe thing is, this is also going to come naturally to you. You don't do it to make a point, you do it because you can comfortably afford it and you can't imagine doing any different. Why would you go to a cheaper grocery store when you simply don't need to?

29. And You Don't Even Know What The Cheaper Ones Are Called

Image Source / Camborne TownNot only do you never shop at any food store that isn't classed as fancy, you don't even know that other options exist. You might have no idea what the names of the cheaper food stores are, because you've never needed to know - and you don't want to know.

30. And You Probably Get Your Food Delivered, Too

Image Source / WasserstromAnd not only do you choose to shop at the fancier grocery stores, you don't have time to go food shopping yourself - or, you just have the luxury of not having to, because you'll readily pay for the extra delivery cost without having to worry about saving that extra bit of money.

31. Your Food All Has Fancy Names, Too

Image Source / The Spruce EatsYou have no idea what the common food names are for budget brands, because you've never had to think about it. All the food you get is going to be the best of the best in terms of names, and we're talking avocado spread or obscure fruits and vegetables, of course.

32. And It's Probably All Organic

Image Source / GoodToYou take great care, effort and money to shop for only organic foods - and why wouldn't you if you have the money to do so? You've never had to buy cheap and nasty foods just to get by because you've had enough money and time to source the best and healthiest organic foods for your weekly grocery list.

33. If You're Into Sports, They Aren't The Common Ones

Image Source / The GuardianYou wouldn't dream of attending a football match like every other person you know. If you do like sports, it has to be sports classed as more 'upper class' or just those that are a little more niche. We're talking anything to do with dressed up horses, or something like volleyball as opposed to football.

34. Your Kitchen Appliances Say It All

Image Source / ForbesBeing middle class can very much be reflected in not only the amount of appliances you have around your (probably large) kitchen, but also the brand name they are. If you look around your kitchen and find that you have a top-brand fridge, and an appliance for every single cooking need, it's a big sign.

35. The Words You Use Aren't Particularly 'Common'

Image Source / Peterborough UnitedYour vocabulary is very extensive, and you might avoid the very common, base swear words to get a bit more creative with how you describe things or how you show your anger. You're also more likely to use words like 'thus' or 'whom' and every other word in the thesaurus when a simple word just won't do.

36. You Absolutely Have A Cafetiere

Image Source / Pact CoffeeIf your home coffee isn't made in a cafetiere, you don't want it. If you don't know a coffee place that makes your coffee using a cafetiere, you're not going to be found in there. The way you brew your coffee says a lot about your class and status, even if many people don't think it does! But you know... instant Nescafe versus one of the most expensive coffee machines is a bit of an insight into your financial and social status. Just sayin'.

37. Discount Stores? No Thanks

Image Source / Encyclopedia BritannicaFor a lot of people, discount stores are a god send when you need new stuff but don't want to pay a high price tag for it. It can also be the only place to shop. But for you, you don't shop at discount stores because you'd rather pay for higher quality at top market places - as well as having enough money to do so.

38. You Have Home Help

Image Source / Fantastic CleanersThere's a high chance you have at least one staff member to help at home. You might only have a cleaner that pops around every now and again, but maybe you have a little extra help too, like a cleaner and also a nanny for the kids. These are luxuries you can afford.

39. If You're Having Beer, It's Craft

Image Source / Maltings Taphouse and BottleshopYou don't want to buy a 20-pack of cheap beer from your local store for a get together with friends - oh no siree, it has to be craft beer. Something a little more independently owned and obscure so that you and your friends can enjoy some new and quirky flavours.

40. You're Always Going To Farmer's Markets

Image Source / The Spruce EatsThis is, of course, if your posh grocery store delivery isn't going to turn up this week. You make time for farmer's markets so that you can grab the very latest organic and expensive produce to fill up your huge top-brand fridge at home.

41. And You Probably Wear Expensive Country Gear While You Attend

Image Source / BarbourIf you're going to a farmer's market, you're probably going to turn up in expensive wellies or walking boots. You've probably got a waistcoat or coat from a very expensive 'country' brand that would never look out of place with the other posher people buying the local cheese.

42. You Probably Have A Particular Breed Of Dog, Too

Image Source / West EndAnd it's likely you also take them with you to the farmer's market. They say dogs can look a lot like their owners, but they can also reveal a lot about their owners, too. You may have a very highly regarded and expensive pedigree dog breed that just screams middle class.

43. Your Vacation Is Most Likely A Villa Or Private Accommodation

Image Source / WikipediaWhen you're booking a vacation, there's no way it's going to be a discount package deal where you get the last cheap room available in a hotel, or something that sees you encountering other vacation-goers at the same time. It's likely you have a whole villa for you and the family or friends, or at the very least a private rental.

44. And It's Either A Luxury Trip Or An Expensive Activity Vacation

Image Source / Belfast LiveAnd the type of vacations you take are either going to be tailored around relaxing luxury, like two weeks enjoying a sea-view private rental where you have a private sunbathing area and never have to worry about fighting over sunloungers, or an expensive activity trip, like a skiing vacation in the most sought-after resort.

45. You Have Every Dinnerware Item You Could Ever Need

Image Source / Cooking KneadsIf you're taking sandwiches to work or out for the day, there's no way they're just going to be wrapped up in foil and squished in your bag. You have the proper containers and dinnerware for every eventuality, and your kitchen shelves are stocked with plates, bowls and every item you could ever need.

46. And You Probably Have A Proper Picnic Kit, Too

Image Source / The Basket Company

If you're a fan of picnics out, then this calls for an official picnic set. We're talking a proper picnic basket, for a start, and it's going to be kitted out with proper ceramic dinnerware, a thick picnic cloth and every utensil you'll need. You would never dream of having a carrier bag crammed of plastic cutlery or an old blanket with a hole in it.

47. You Also Have Those Obscure Kitchen Items

Image Source / Function JunctionSomeone needs a melon scooper? You've got it. An avocado slicer? Of course, how else are you going to slice those organic avocados from the expensive grocery store? Most of your drawers are filled with items most people wouldn't even know what to do with.

48. Your Living Situation Has Probably Never Changed

Image Source / DandaraIt's likely that you grew up in a good area in good circumstances, then bought a house in the same area and have never had need to relocate or move. You've set up shop in a secure home and area and this has always been consistent for you, without having to worry about how to pay bills, cheaper areas or housing prices fluctuating.

49. And You've Probably Always Kept The Same, Stable Job

Image Source / Kane PartnersJust like your living situation, you probably got a very good job after graduating from a good education and you've always stuck with it because it's secure, stable and you've never needed to change. Your job is solid and you have no worry about being laid off any time soon.

50. It's Likely Your Home Is Filled With Pointless Items And Gadgets

Image Source / Rent 'n' ConnectBeing middle class doesn't mean you're rich and have big savings. It means you more comfortably have disposable income every month, but that doesn't mean you don't spend it on stupid stuff. It's likely you buy the latest and greatest gadgets, or just buy lots of stuff on a whim, and then have it gathering dust when you move on to the next.