The middle class in India faces a tough financial reality. Rising costs of living — spanning housing, education, and healthcare — outpace wage growth, making stability harder to achieve. Limited access to quality public services further strains household budgets, leaving many families in a perpetual financial bind.
Amid these challenges, chartered accountant Nitin Kaushik took to X (formerly Twitter) to outline why many middle-class Indians feel stuck and, more importantly, how they can break free.
"Being middle class isn’t just about earning decently — it’s about fighting financial struggles at every stage," he wrote, before laying out key problem areas and solutions:
"1️⃣ Retirement? Most Are Unprepared While EPF and PPF seem like good options, inflation erodes savings. ₹1 Cr today won’t be worth much in 30 years. ✅ Fix: Start SIPs in equity mutual funds. Aim for 20-30x annual expenses for a secure retirement.
2️⃣ Education Costs Are a Silent Killer School and college fees are rising faster than salaries. By the time a child reaches college, costs could double. ✅ Fix: Build an education fund early — PPF, Sukanya Samriddhi (for daughters), or equity investments can help stay ahead.
3️⃣ One Medical Emergency Can Ruin You Employer-provided health insurance might not be enough when medical bills hit ₹10L+. ✅ Fix: Buy a ₹10-20L health insurance plan and add critical illness cover for financial protection," kaushik warned.
“💡 Truth bomb: Most middle-class families work hard but remain trapped in this cycle,” he concluded.
Beyond personal finance struggles, systemic issues such as bureaucratic inefficiencies and weak infrastructure further limit upward mobility. Middle-class families often find themselves caught between managing daily expenses and securing their future, creating a cycle of financial stress that is difficult to escape.