If you recognize these 9 signs, you probably grew up in a lower middle class family

Growing up in a lower middle class family isn’t something to be ashamed of. In fact, it often means you’ve had to work harder, appreciate the smaller things, and understand the value of a dollar.

But how do you know if this was your upbringing? What are the telltale signs? And what does it mean for you now?

This article aims to help you recognize if you were indeed raised in a lower middle class family. And trust me, there are certain signs that are hard to ignore.

Here are 9 signs that suggest you probably grew up in a lower middle class family. If you find yourself nodding along as you read these, then chances are high that your family fell into this socioeconomic bracket.

1) Hand-me-downs

Growing up in a lower middle class family often means that new clothes are a luxury, not a given.

Hand-me-downs, whether from older siblings or from neighbors’ kids who outgrew them, were probably a common part of your wardrobe. While other kids were flaunting the latest fashion trends, you were wearing clothes that were slightly out of style.

At the time, you might have been embarrassed and wished for new clothes like your peers had. But looking back, you realize that it taught you the value of reusing and recycling long before it became a global trend.

It’s not about feeling ashamed of this practice. It’s about recognizing that thriftiness was a necessary part of your upbringing. That’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Instead, it’s something to be proud of. It shows resilience and adaptability in the face of economic challenges.

2) Value meals and coupons

I remember clearly that dining out was a rare occasion in my family. And when it did happen, it was almost always with a coupon or during a special discount period.

We didn’t go to fancy restaurants with a la carte menus. Instead, we headed straight for places where a value meal could feed the entire family without breaking the bank.

In fact, I distinctly recall the joy of flipping through the Sunday newspaper, not for the comics or sports section, but for the coupons. Cutting them out and storing them neatly for our next grocery shopping trip or potential dine-out was something of a ritual.

Again, it’s not about looking back with regret or embarrassment. These habits taught me the importance of budgeting and making smart financial decisions. They instilled in me an understanding of money that many people from wealthier backgrounds might not have had to learn so early in life.

3) Public transportation

While having a car is a norm for many families, it might not have been for yours. Instead, public transportation was probably your primary mode of getting around.

Buses, trains, and sometimes even walking were familiar parts of your daily routine. You knew the bus schedules by heart, and you could probably tell exactly how long it would take to get from point A to point B without even looking at the time.

It might surprise you to know that according to the American Public Transportation Association, public transportation is a $74 billion industry that employs more than 420,000 people. So while you might have wished for the convenience of a car, remember that you were part of a huge community of people relying on the same services to get around.

4) Home repairs

In a lower middle class family, calling a professional for every minor home repair isn’t always feasible. Instead, you likely became quite familiar with DIY solutions.

Whether it was fixing a leaky faucet, patching up a hole in the wall, or unclogging the drain, these tasks were probably handled within the family. You might even have developed some handy skills along the way.

Home repairs weren’t just about saving money; they were also about self-reliance. It’s about knowing that you have the ability to handle things on your own, which is an invaluable skill that can serve you well throughout your life.

5) Educational sacrifices

Higher education is a dream for many, but it can come with a hefty price tag. Growing up in a lower middle class family often meant making significant sacrifices to pursue that dream.

Maybe you worked part-time or even full-time while studying to support yourself. Or perhaps you chose a local college over a more prestigious (and costly) one to reduce expenses.

The decisions you made about your education were likely influenced by the financial situation of your family. But remember, where you studied or how you managed to pay for it doesn’t define your worth or success. The determination, resilience and hard work you’ve shown along the way are what truly matter.

6) Limited vacations

If you’re like me, growing up in a lower middle class family meant that vacations were few and far between. And when we did manage to get away, it wasn’t to luxury resorts or overseas destinations.

Instead, it was probably a camping trip at a nearby national park or a visit to relatives in another city. These experiences might not have felt glamorous at the time, but they created memories just as precious and lasting as any exotic trip.

Despite the financial constraints, your family found ways to create special moments and shared experiences. It’s a testament to the fact that happiness isn’t about how much money you spend, but about the quality of time spent together.

7) Second jobs

There’s a certain kind of resilience that comes from seeing your parents or guardians work multiple jobs to make ends meet. My mother, for instance, worked a second job during the holidays to ensure we had a little extra for presents and festivities.

This wasn’t uncommon in our neighborhood. Many parents held down multiple jobs or side gigs to supplement the family income.

Seeing this hustle and hard work up close ingrained in me a deep respect for the value of labor and the importance of dedication. It also fostered a strong work ethic, something that has been invaluable in my own career.

8) Thrift stores and garage sales

Shopping at thrift stores or scouring garage sales for great finds was likely a part of your upbringing if you grew up in a lower middle class family.

Rather than being a source of embarrassment, these experiences probably taught you how to find value in unexpected places. You learned to appreciate the thrill of discovering hidden gems among used goods.

This isn’t just about practicality and saving money, it’s also about developing a keen eye for value and understanding that new doesn’t always mean better. It’s a lesson that can serve you well in many areas of life.

9) Financial literacy

Perhaps the most significant sign that you grew up in a lower middle class family is your understanding of money. You likely developed a sense of financial literacy at a young age out of necessity.

You understood the concept of budgeting, the importance of saving, and the impact of financial decisions on your daily life. You saw the challenges that come with limited resources and learned to navigate them.

This financial awareness is a valuable asset. It’s not just about making ends meet; it’s about making informed decisions that can help you build a more secure future. It’s an essential skill that will serve you throughout your life.

Final thoughts: It’s about resilience

At the heart of these experiences of growing up in a lower middle class family lies a core strength: resilience.

Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back from adversity. It’s about adapting, growing, and finding ways to thrive in spite of challenges. It’s about learning to make the most out of what you have.

Growing up with financial limitations might have been tough at times, but it also shaped who you are today. It taught you resourcefulness, determination, and the value of hard work.

These lessons are not restrictions, but rather tools that have equipped you to navigate through life with tenacity and pragmatism.

Remember, your past doesn’t define you, but it does shape you. And growing up in a lower middle class family has likely given you an incredible set of skills and experiences that you can draw upon in every aspect of your life moving forward.