Middle class is defined as having an income between two-thirds and double the national median income. The median annual wage for full-time workers in the US was $63,128 in the third quarter of 2025. Earning less than $41,664 is considered lower income, while more than $126,256 is upper class. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Vanguard’s How America Saves report for 2024 shows the average 401(k) participant contributed 7.7% of their salary. Saving a larger percentage for retirement could indicate moving beyond middle class. Many struggle to fund a retirement plan on a middle-class income. (Source: Vanguard)

Investing in a gold IRA can help diversify your portfolio. A self-directed gold IRA allows investing in gold and other precious metals with significant tax advantages. Consider diversifying investments and consulting a financial advisor for personalized guidance. (Source: Moneywise)

Earning passive income from investments like rental properties may indicate moving beyond the middle class. Investing in real estate can provide regular income and diversify your holdings. Platforms like Arrived allow investing in shares of vacation homes or rental properties for passive income. (Source: Moneywise)

Diversifying your portfolio beyond traditional avenues like the stock market and real estate can include investing in post-war and contemporary art. Masterworks offers fractional shares in multimillion-dollar artworks for unique diversification. Art has shown strong returns with low correlation to equities. (Source: Moneywise)

Taking steps to lower your tax burden, such as maximizing retirement plans and increasing charitable contributions, may indicate a higher income beyond the middle class. Middle-income households often struggle with debt, especially with rising credit card balances due to inflation. (Source: Moneywise)

Read more at Yahoo Finance: 4 surprising signs you’re no longer ‘middle class’ in America. How many apply to you?