Viral Post Sparks Debate Over Stagnant Incomes and the Changing Definition of Middle Class

• Article discusses viral Instagram post claiming middle class income today should be $174K/yr to have standard of living equivalent to $30K in 1983

• Post sparked debate on actual inflation rates and purchasing power over time to maintain middle class lifestyle

• Data shows gap between median incomes and home prices has widened, requiring $100K+ income to afford median home

• This disparity burdens families, limits economic mobility and consumer spending, hindering broader economy

• Achieving financial security today is complex, may require reassessing spending and getting financial advice