https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 26 Jul 2026 18:52:24 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-interesting-article-about-the-middle-class#post-1174448 Fri, 25 Oct 2013 10:40:36 +0000 Freckles 1174448@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: I don't think paid mat leave is the answer, but it is in the direction of family friendly programs and policies. Quebec has subsidized daycare, and i am quite jealous of my friends who live there. We get a $3k child care credit/subsidy through my husband's employer...it's not a lot but we'll take it! What i'm trying to say is that i'm really surprised when people bash programs that help the general good. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-interesting-article-about-the-middle-class#post-1173823 Fri, 25 Oct 2013 06:29:35 +0000 looch 1173823@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JoyfulKiwi: I am thankful for what you do. We need more teachers like you. It's the hard truth, but it happens in all jobs, there are teachers and administrators out there that do not deserve the jobs they have.</p> <p>@Freckles: I don't think paid maternity leave by itself is the answer. Yes, we should have a mandated period of leave that everyone is entitled to, but to me, the more impactful change would be to have affordable and available daycare for working parents. Coupled with a year round school calendar, it would make a difference. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-interesting-article-about-the-middle-class#post-1173693 Fri, 25 Oct 2013 00:06:03 +0000 HLK208 1173693@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mae: I've never thought of that but it's so true. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-interesting-article-about-the-middle-class#post-1173624 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 22:42:12 +0000 JoyfulKiwi 1173624@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: @Mrs. High Heels: oh I could go on for days about our education system. Nearly every national policy (and most state/local ones) that purport to "reform" education and hold it accountable actually crush the life out of the system. The decision makers are far removed from actual teaching and real, live children - they have no clue how children actually learn &amp; develop or what they need in order to be successful. They're designing a system that stifles creativity, critical thinking skills, intrinsic motivation, and doesn't allow for children to learn to love the process of learning. It's pretty disgusting. </p> <p>And, yeah, I'm a public school teacher. Sometimes I wonder why I even do it. :/ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-interesting-article-about-the-middle-class#post-1173102 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 19:12:45 +0000 yoursilverlining 1173102@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mae: Yes, yes, yes to everything you said. </p> <p>There are some external forces that are hard pills for the middle class, and working classes, to swallow (health care costs, loss of unionized manufacturing jobs are a couple) but much of the crises of the middle class is self-made. </p> <p>Not everyone who is middle class is behind on mortgage payments and drowning in credit card debt. When home loans and credit was easy to get, a lot of people tried to make the jump to living an "upper class" lifestyle without having any real ability to pay for it. "Middle class" has traditionally come with certain expectations, many of which just are not attainable anymore for many in the middle class, for a variety of reasons. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-interesting-article-about-the-middle-class#post-1173070 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 19:06:25 +0000 artsyfartsy 1173070@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm lower middle class and I'm sad. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-interesting-article-about-the-middle-class#post-1172978 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 18:44:49 +0000 DillonLion 1172978@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mae: preach. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-interesting-article-about-the-middle-class#post-1172856 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 18:18:12 +0000 StbHisMrs 1172856@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My husband and I work hard, we live well within our means, I consider myself frugal (not cheap) and it's still hard to make it. Mind you we have 5 kids to care for, 3 all the time, but he pays child support. I shop sales, and buy used clothes for the youngest ones, we buy used vehicles, we pay all our bills, don't have cable, on and on. I feel like we live paycheck to paycheck, now more than ever since I took the last 2 months off for maternity leave, and that almost sunk us. We aren't sure what to do, neither of us have time o get another job, nor can we afford the added daycare costs that would bring on. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-interesting-article-about-the-middle-class#post-1172708 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 17:30:47 +0000 deerylou 1172708@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Of course I'd love to have more. Wouldn't we all love to own our homes outright, and go on more vacations? But, to be honest, I'd be perfectly content with a wardrobe from Target and middle-of-the-line vehicles, for life. It's sad to know that even the humble and frugal struggle. Many of us aren't putting Gucci on credit cards, or eating ramen to lease a Mercedes. That kind of behavior isn't going to get us anywhere, anyway. I agree with @Mae: the middle class often feels like they're just around the corner from riches. So very untrue.</p> <p>I'd really just like to live comfortably, save up for my daughter's education, and get decent healthcare for a comfortable price. It's a constant struggle, and it's truly disheartening. I'm educated, driven, and compassionate. I have devoted myself, professionally, to educating the "unteachable". I'm not saying I'm better than the next struggling American, but it would be nice to feel that my efforts give me even the smallest chance at getting ahead. Bah. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-interesting-article-about-the-middle-class#post-1172687 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 17:21:27 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 1172687@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mae: so true. I read an article that the new trendy-style boutique hotels popping up everywhere is for all the people who want to travel like the rich, but are on a budget. The W looks cool, but is affordable.</p> <p>I'm guilty of wanting more than what we can afford and need. I think there are so many people that would lose it all if they missed even just 2 or 3 paychecks. My standard of rich/ wealthy is never having to work again and being able to stay in your house. We all know taxes and house maintenance is a killer. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-interesting-article-about-the-middle-class#post-1172679 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 17:16:05 +0000 Freckles 1172679@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mae: Thank you!! I completely agree. People believe that less government regulations and lower taxes help them when in fact, they are helping the mighty rich...which they are nowhere near being. People mock universal health care and "socialist" programs like paid maternity leave, and i'm really puzzled as to why. </p> <p>A friend adds to this discussion as well: <a href="http://www.aguanomics.com/2009/04/we-are-unequal-and-staying-that-way.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.aguanomics.com/2009/04/we-are-unequal-and-staying-that-way.html</a><br /> <a href="http://www.aguanomics.com/2012/10/oh-canada.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.aguanomics.com/2012/10/oh-canada.html</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-interesting-article-about-the-middle-class#post-1172648 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 16:56:20 +0000 deerylou 1172648@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@runsyellowlites: That's incredibly frustrating, indeed. I had no idea there were so many restrictions and provisions. Doesn't seem ethical or fair. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-interesting-article-about-the-middle-class#post-1172639 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 16:53:41 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 1172639@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mae: very interesting perspective!</p> <p>@looch: I wonder why that is. Our education system definitely needs work. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-interesting-article-about-the-middle-class#post-1172596 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 16:38:22 +0000 MsMamaBear 1172596@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mae: Good point!</p> <p>@lizzywiz: I feel the same way sometimes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-interesting-article-about-the-middle-class#post-1172546 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 16:20:13 +0000 looch 1172546@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: thanks!</p> <p>Part of the solution is addressing education. American children score consistently lower than counterparts in other countries. We need to look at why other countries are more successful in the long run, even though those kids read at later ages that the average American kid. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-interesting-article-about-the-middle-class#post-1172545 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 16:20:02 +0000 Mae 1172545@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The problem (IMO) is that the middle class thinks we're closer to the rich than the poor. We want to be rich, we want to associate with the rich, we want to think we're almost there-- so we vote for and allow policies that help only the rich. The truth is we are FAR closer to poor than rich. The truth is that our government is owned by big business and the game is rigged to keep the ultrarich getting richer and the rest of us pretending that's going to be us one day. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-interesting-article-about-the-middle-class#post-1172533 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 16:14:34 +0000 shinymama 1172533@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lizzywiz: What you're feeling/saying isn't gross, it's frustration and it's common and nornal.</p> <p>We live quite comfortably, yet still feel like we need {read: want} more. Will all of it all come to fruition? Maybe not, but that doesn't keep us from wanting it and if we're being honest, complaining about it. Sometimes I get down about perhaps never reaching the ultimate goals, but when I stop to see how other folks have it, I wrap up my pity party pretty quick. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-interesting-article-about-the-middle-class#post-1172527 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 16:08:29 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 1172527@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: "linchpin" the aim is to help white collar folks standout. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-interesting-article-about-the-middle-class#post-1172519 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 16:04:52 +0000 runsyellowlites 1172519@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@deerylou: I don't think we have that specific program but I did get a big book (even bigger when I lived in austin) of providers that "accept" Medicaid BUT the kicker is most accept "new" Medicaid patients only certain times a year &amp;/or only x amount if patients with said coverage bc they just don't make any money from them. Not to mention ones lack of being able to really choose their provider according to parenting beliefs or just fit. It's like when you do get into one after calling numerous &amp;/or being on waiting list you just take what you can get.</p> <p>And people wonder why low income individuals use the emergency room when they're sick. :/ DH works hard &amp; I may not work out of the house (child care cost would such up my income anyways) but I do still work &amp; you'd think we'd be able to get on top &amp; move "up", but nope. </p> <p>It's just frustrating seeing where we are &amp; really just our nation as a whole. How do we even start changing it though? Eek! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-interesting-article-about-the-middle-class#post-1172499 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 15:59:49 +0000 looch 1172499@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: is it "that used to be us?" </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-interesting-article-about-the-middle-class#post-1172491 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 15:56:55 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 1172491@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm reading a book right now that talks about the job loss of the "good jobs" due to automation and globalization. There isn't going to be enough work here for everyone who wants a job. Life and lifestyles will be infinitely harder to maintain in the bear future. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-interesting-article-about-the-middle-class#post-1172478 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 15:49:43 +0000 deerylou 1172478@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@runsyellowlites: Ugh, that is super unfortunate! Do you guys have Healthy Families available in your area? My SIL's family is eligible for that specific program, and their insurance cards came with a wonderful, big booklet of accepting doctors in our immediate area (not a particularly big city, either). It's ridiculous that you guys qualify for what is supposed to be a very helpful program, but are still forking loads out of pocket. I'm sorry! :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-interesting-article-about-the-middle-class#post-1172473 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 15:48:28 +0000 lizzywiz 1172473@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The crappiest thing is that I used to be true bleeding heart. 10% of our income was our minimum donations and I use to give $1-$5-$10 to anyone who asked me for spare change, etc.<br /> But now, after working my ass off to be lower middle class at 35? I am all about getting mine. I kinda gross myself out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-interesting-article-about-the-middle-class#post-1172455 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 15:43:21 +0000 runsyellowlites 1172455@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. High Heels: I can't read the article atm but the video link you posted definitely came to mind when reading the excerpt you posted.</p> <p>Our "middle class" is practically non-existent &amp; our economy overall is really suffering for it just making things worse and worse for the small middle class that does exist. It's horrible! :(</p> <p>I'll have read the article later when G is at practice!</p> <p>@deerylou: Both the kids qualify for Medicaid, but to be honest (even when I lived in Austin &amp; was a single parent) we really struggle to find providers willing to accept it for new patients. We end up paying out of pocket for most of our visits. :/ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-interesting-article-about-the-middle-class#post-1172446 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 15:40:48 +0000 deerylou 1172446@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The thing that gets me the most is health insurance. The rich usually have excellent, mega-company plans, or can afford the costs. The poor are eligible for government funded insurance. The middle class struggle to pay towards ridiculous premiums to have mediocre (at best) coverage. It's infuriating. All of our consumer debt has been managed, but we now owe for the uncomplicated, vaginal birth of our daughter. FFS. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-interesting-article-about-the-middle-class#post-1172429 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 15:37:55 +0000 BlueWolverine 1172429@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Another infuriating bit: while the middle class can't seem to get ahead, the wealthiest 1% has more and more share of the wealth. <a href="http://www.utrend.tv/v/9-out-of-10-americans-are-completely-wrong-about-this-mind-blowing-fact/" rel="nofollow">http://www.utrend.tv/v/9-out-of-10-americans-are-completely-wrong-about-this-mind-blowing-fact/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-interesting-article-about-the-middle-class#post-1172350 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 15:13:45 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 1172350@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lizzywiz: i know what you mean. we're stuck in a vicious cycle where wages are stagnant, jobs are scarce, but prices and inflation keeps climbing. when i look at the comparison numbers in the article, i'm appalled at how far we've spiraled down this rabbit hole of debt. more than anything, i'm worried for our children and the world they'll have to face once they come of age. i only see this getting worse. </p> <p>along the same lines, this short video is worth watching - <a href="http://www.utrend.tv/v/9-out-of-10-americans-are-completely-wrong-about-this-mind-blowing-fact/" rel="nofollow">http://www.utrend.tv/v/9-out-of-10-americans-are-completely-wrong-about-this-mind-blowing-fact/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-interesting-article-about-the-middle-class#post-1172314 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 15:03:19 +0000 lizzywiz 1172314@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>all I can say is that is how I feel. I have worked hard and I have been practical, but it doesn't seem to matter when raises are non-existent and the costs keep going up.<br /> My husband and I had more financial freedom 13 years ago than we do now. Back then we donated 10%, had weekends away, volunteered, etc. Now we work all of the time to get by. We have an old house and an old car and no savings and no vacations and are wondering how to pay for our daughter's education when we are so far behind.<br /> Call me greedy, bourgeois, whatever you want, but I did not work so hard to end up here, which includes an 1 1/2 hour commute to get to a 'good' job.<br /> I am definitely angry. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-interesting-article-about-the-middle-class#post-1171953 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 13:52:06 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 1171953@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p><a href="http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article24340.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article24340.htm</a></p> <p>"The American middle class will not spend its way out of disaster, if only because it can't. There are no savings. The house is worthless. The credit cards are gone. Jobs are disappearing. Today is bad and tomorrow looks worse. People are nervous, frightened, worried. They are behind in the mortgage, and struggle to make health insurance payments. All the while, they watch the stock market explode, the bonuses arrogantly roll on, and their government lie to their faces that the "recovery" is underway. China is booming, so is India and Brazil. Beneath the hope, patriotism, and the flag, the American middle class can feel it all slipping away." </p>