Poll: What class are you in?

[W2R]

No, not retirement class.

We discussed class in this thread lately, and I wondered what forum members perceive to be their own class.

Definitions: YOU get to define class, any way you want.

[IBWino]

I voted "Middle middle class" because that is how we live (i.e. modest small home, dine out once a week, both cars > 12 years old, etc.). However, I suspect that based on assets, we are likely "Upper middle class".

-Wino

[Amethyst]

Not only are there many different ways to parse "class," there are special ones just for Americans, that attempt to combine income, education, and occupation:



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social..._United_States


Based on these constructs, Mr. A. rose from working class family to upper-middle class. I clambered from middle-middle family to upper-middle.



But both of us have always considered ourselves to be at least as good as anybody. Even when we were personally quite poor (lower class in terms of assets!)

[W2R]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amethyst Not only are there many different ways to parse "class," there are special ones just for Americans, that attempt to combine income, education, and occupation: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social..._United_States Based on these constructs, Mr. A. rose from working class to upper-middle class. I clambered from middle-middle to upper-middle. But both of us have always considered ourselves to be at least as good as anybody.

Thanks for the link! The issues you raise, are why I decided to let everyone decide on what class they are in, for themselves. I suppose that for some it's almost more of a feeling than an objective categorization.

[W2R]

Quote:

Originally Posted by IBWino I voted "Middle middle class" because that is how we live (i.e. modest small home, dine out once a week, both cars > 12 years old, etc.). However, I suspect that based on assets, we are likely "Upper middle class". -Wino

It's hard to decide, isn't it! But I think that whatever we put is either correct or pretty close to it.

My own income has corresponded to each of those class categories at some time in my life. I voted upper middle because at present that seems most accurate. Amethyst's link says pretty much the same thing in my case.

[easysurfer]

I chose no class as I like to play hooky. That's what retirement is like ... playing hooky .

[Nemo2]

"Class..... We have no class. In fact, we don't need class. I don't have to show you any stinking class..."

Apologies to The Treasure of the Sierra Madre.

[IBWino]

Quote:

Originally Posted by W2R It's hard to decide, isn't it! But I think that whatever we put is either correct or pretty close to it. My own income has corresponded to each of those class categories at some time in my life. I voted upper middle because at present that seems most accurate. Amethyst's link says pretty much the same thing in my case.

Yeah, I think it is also influenced by who you associate with. Most of our friends and family fall into the "Lower middle class" to "Middle middle class" range.

[Viking]

No option for gentry?

All kidding aside, we're definitely not part of the country club set. I'll go with upper-middle class on the basis that we are comfortably within the upper quintile of wealth for Canada, but in no danger of being confused with one percenters.

[Big_Hitter]

anyone have a link where I can find my class?

I didn't see "stuck up country club snob" on the list

[Bestwifeever]

I feel equally uncomfortable in any class-conscious situation or gathering, but I love the concept in literature (Fitzgerald, Dominick Dunne, off the top of my head). I know my ancestors a few centuries ago were stable hands to French royalty, so probably above that (the stable hands, not the royalty).

[candrew]

"I've got friends in low places...."

[Nemo2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bestwifeever I feel equally uncomfortable in any class-conscious situation or gathering, but I love the concept in literature (Fitzgerald, Dominick Dunne, off the top of my head). I know my ancestors a few centuries ago were stable hands to French royalty, so probably above that (the stable hands, not the royalty).

Although nowadays, I presume, 'stable hands' indicate that one neither drinks heavily nor has Parkinson's?

[RobbieB]

I always thought I was middle, but the wiki stuff puts me at upper middle, so I too have been advanced in class.

And since I am now upper middle class and the stock market is soaring, I'm gonna enjoy me a forty dollar lunch -

[Bestwifeever]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nemo2 Although nowadays, I presume, 'stable hands' indicate that one neither drinks heavily nor has Parkinson's?

Then I AM still a stable hand! Thanks!

Now if only I wasn't scared to death of horses....

[Beldar]

As an early retiree I embrace the lower class lifestyle as much as possible, but have upper-middle class assets.

I'm perfectly satisfied living the LBYM and Cheapskate Retirement model, but can stray into the "upper arrogant bastard" mode if coerced.

I don't spend any time really thinking about "class" structures to be honest.

_B

[ABQ2015]

Currently employed and upper middle class. This could fall to middle middle class upon retirement depending on the exact definition. Born into working class family.

[Midpack]

Not keen on "classes." Some of the best, most interesting people I've known have/had modest assets. And some of the wealthiest people I've known are selfish and obnoxious - and extremely "class" conscious. No thanks. The Millionaire Next Door eloquently spoke to "class" IMO.

[Car-Guy]

Since we get to decide what makes up the class, anyway we want, I guess we should comment why we select one class over the other as best as we can. (Make sense to me anyway)

For me, even though I have zero debt and more than a couple of million in investable assets plus a good bit of money in "other assets", I voted upper middle class (at best). I'm not sure what it would take for me to feel like I'm in the upper classes but I know I don't feel like that now.

[ER Eddie]

I suppose it's upper middle class, based on the numbers. Although if you looked at my lifestyle, you'd assume middle or maybe even lower middle class. Living below my means is a way of life.

p.s. "Upper class" always reminds me of the Upper Class Twit sketch by Monty Python.