• jordanlund@lemmy.world
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    7 months ago

    "65 percent of Americans who are considered “middle class,” earning above 200 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL), are in a financial struggle. "

    That sounds more like a problem with the definition of the federal poverty level than it is a problem with the middle class.

    If you’re struggling, you aren’t middle class.

    Federal Poverty Level for 2024 is dependent on household size:

    https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/federal-poverty-guidelines/

    Oh, man, now I have to see if Lemmy can do tables… Hmmm nope!

    Size - 100% - 200%
    1 - $15,060 - $30,120
    2 - $20,440 - $40,880
    3 - $25,820 - $51,640
    4 - $31,200 - $62,400
    5 - $36,580 - $73,160
    6 - $41,960 - $83,920
    7 - $47,340 - $94,680
    8 - $52,720 - $105,440
    Each person over 8, add $5,380 - $10,760

    So let’s take the prototypical nuclear family, 2 parents, 2 kids.

    $62,400 is 200% poverty. I could see that being a struggle. I think maybe what we need is to re-define the poverty level.

    Size - 100% - 200%
    1 - $31,200 - $62,400
    2 - $36,580 - $73,160
    3 - $41,960 - $83,920
    4 - $47,340 - $94,680
    5 - $52,720 - $105,440
    6 - $58,100 - $116,200
    7 - $63,480 - $126,960
    8 - $68,860 - $137,720
    Each person over 8, add $5,380 - $10,760