Being raised in a lower middle-class family is a whole other experience. It’s not poverty — but it’s also far from financial comfort. You probably learned to stretch a dollar, compromise & appreciate the little things in life. You might identify with these 10 signs if you were raised in a budgeting household. Just go through them & see if any of these sound familiar to you.
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Hand-Me-Downs Were the Norm
You didn’t always get new clothes — you had to wear things that were handed down by brothers or sisters. This saved money but it also meant sticking to styles that weren’t quite your style. Dress shopping was for holidays or back-to-school sales.
Eating Out Was a Rare Treat
Fast food & restaurant meals were a luxury. Meals were largely home-cooked and lasted for several days. Eating out was for birthdays, anniversaries or other special occasions — and it felt extra special on those days.
Vacations Were Budget Adventures
Holidays were often road trips, camping or staying with relatives rather than resorts or flights. It wasn’t about the destination, but rather how to spend time together for a cheaper price. You had to be creative & think outside the box to make those vacations memorable.
DIY Fixes Were Common
When something broke, your family would fix it, not replace it. DIY — from mending a shirt that was torn to gluing together old furniture to tape over an old appliance — was the anti-extravagant trick of your family.
Saving Money Was a Family Struggle
From turning off lights to cutting the electricity bill to using coupons to buy groceries — saving money was normal. And you probably heard the question, “Do you think money grows on trees?” — a lot more than you would like to. You all needed to chip in to make ends meet.
You Didn’t Have the Latest Gadgets
Whether it was gaming consoles, phones or other gadgets, your family always held off until they went on sale or shopped second-hand. When you finally got yourself a new gadget, it was already “old” by the standards of your friends.
Healthcare Was a Worry
Doctor visits were sometimes delayed or even avoided unless they were absolutely necessary. Routine check-ups, dental visits & other medical treatments often had to wait due to financial strain.
Second-Hand Stores Were a Staple
Thrift stores & garage sales were popular spots to pick up everything from clothes to furniture. Not only was a bargain attractive, but it was a necessity. After all, they were proud purchases that stretched the family’s thin budget.
Extracurricular Activities Came With Strings
Sports, music lessons & other activities typically relied on scholarships, used kits or fundraising. You may have had to work harder than usual to get your hobbies & interests going — as you knew your family was working hard to pay the bills.
You Never Missed a ‘Just in Case’ Fund
You and your family had a little extra money saved for those rare occasions – home repairs or hospitalization. That wasn’t much but at least it made you feel secure, even if other expenses had to be put off.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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