After growing up poor with just his single mom, Kent Bausman took deliberate steps to change his circumstances.

Between bombshell op-eds and a federal court case on college admissions, race-based affirmative action is back in the pundits' spotlight. Earlier this week, Peter Beinart joined Ross Douthat in ...

Every now and then, we all face struggles—some big, some small. But depending on your circumstances, what feels like a serious issue to you might look very different to someone else. Once upon a time ...

Upper-middle-class culture can normalize delegation. Lower middle-class culture often normalizes self-reliance. And while it can be exhausting at times, it also builds a kind of grounded confidence ...

Upper-middle-class status has always been a moving target, but in 2025 the bar has shifted higher and become more dependent on where you live. A salary that once felt aspirational can now be barely ...

The upper middle class prioritizes maintenance over replacement, understanding that nothing looks richer than things that work flawlessly: shoes that are conditioned and resoled, a decade-old car that ...

Many Americans underestimate their financial standing, especially those who prioritize saving over status or opt for stability over flash. While “upper-middle class” can feel like an elusive label, it ...

We’re pleased to report the American middle class is indeed “hollowing out” — because ever more Americans are earning their way into higher income brackets. That runs counter to today’s populist gloom ...

Earning more than $110,000 in household income doesn't make you rich — but in most states, it means you're upper-middle class. Nationwide, upper-middle class households earn a median income between ...

Though terms like these can’t fully encapsulate people’s specific financial realities, they can be useful. The differences between how the lower middle class and upper middle class are living can ...