The middle class glow-up

For the first time in a while, the economy is looking up. Gas prices are lower, there are more job opportunities, and if you play your cards right you can power your home for $210 a month. So what do these recent changes mean for the average Joe? Well according to many middle class families, it means that the economy is booming. That's right, many Americans don't feel as much of a strain on their wallets and believe themselves to be in good financial standings. The reprieve in costs is helping middle class families get back on track, even allowing them to splurge every once in a while.

      In January of 2014, 57% of Americans admitted to feeling as though they were falling behind economically. Only a year later that number dropped to 49%. People are feeling more optimistic about their economic future and expect their situation to get better. This newfound confidence could stem from the resurgence of available jobs. People feel that they don’t need to worry if they loose a job because there are plenty in the area. I believe that the recent shift also has something to do with more businesses remaining operational. With lower costs on things like oil, gas, and energy the cost of operation goes down. This results in more job opportunities and higher wages for the people that work there. This is why people are now expecting raises in their salaries.

      Because people don’t have to pinch as many pennies, they now are buying more. The effects of the economic shift come full circle in a way. Without the consumers, sellers have no way to push the economy forward. Now that the economy is evening out, more people have the money to buy what they need. Consumption goods like cars and food are ways people have decided to treat themselves. One person interviewed mentioned this theory by saying, "You save a few bucks at the pump, you eat out a bit more." The other family also bought a house and an SUV with the money they are now earning. It’s almost as though the economy is spending money to make money. By reducing oil prices and gradually raising wages it allows people to spend on goods, which help propel the economy forward. With all of that in mind, hopefully by next year the economy will be in even better shape and minimum wage will be $15.