I read this article about the "Middle Class Crunch"
The secret to success in the middle class - MSN Money

How do YOU define middle class? Is it by income, standard or living, or something else?

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To me it was always that comfortable zone... your want list far outweighs your true need list.

I think the definition of middle class changes depending on your geographic location. What might be considered an "average" standard of living in one city could vary drastically to another.
I like goin24/7's definition of being in your comfortable zone and would add to it by saying it's having what you need to comfortably survive without too much stress and strain to maintain it.

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Not needing to rely on "aid" from an agency.

rich dad poor dad defines middle class as depending on a person or company for your financial needs rather than investments. aka rat race

I think its where you are not rich but are not poot either!! you can mke ends meet but not afford the Over priced luxeries!!

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I think it is where you are comfortable, but not rich nor poor.

i would say this is what i used to define middle class as. now with the way the economy is and things changing in this country i see middle class in three catagories lower middle class on the verge of poor but does not qualify for any assistance good ole middle class struggling but are just making it and upper middle class as the definition above.

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I liked the article. I have to agree that there is a wide range of middle class. Middle class to me is more of a life style you can live a middle class life style and still have a lower class income. I really would like to define middle class as those who are trying to better there lives. Think about it they are the people who are trying to save money so they can pay there bills, trying to make responsible choices, trying to get a head so one day they can retire.
To that end I see lower class as those who have stopped trying. Barried in debt, loosing there home, needing goverment support.
I see upper class as those who don't need to try. They have money that makes them money and they don't have to be concerned over little things like how much they spend of food expences.

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For me middle class would be an income between $40,000 and $80,000 annually.

But, I also think it is also about comfortable living. Perhaps its more about being able to afford the necessities in life, but not much more?!?

I'm not sure if this is right or not, just my opinion.