Human beings avoid pain. Nobody likes to break their collarbone while snowboarding, cut their finger while chopping up some veggies, or even stub their toe on the leg of the high chair. And of course that immediate pain communicates to us that something is wrong- it keeps us from further hurting ourselves. But then oftentimes there is some inflammation or swelling that occurs after the fact. And that’s not a sign that you’re hurting yourself, but it can actually be the first steps that your body is taking in order to heal your injury. So in a way that ongoing pain from any swelling could be seen as a good thing! Though uncomfortable, it can be a sign of forward-looking health. And similarly, we’re attempting to take a more positive approach to what seems like the disconcerting problem of a shrinking middle class. We actually think there is more good than bad happening with a middle class that seems to be hollowing out. Listen to find out why this seems like a bad trend at first glance, who has been climbing the financial ranks, who is actually considered ‘rich’, what this means for you, and then finally what you can do to get ahead with your finances.
Additional links:
- Data – If you wanted to dive into some of the Pew research we referenced.
- Also that article on immigrants.
- Our convo with Kristy Shen when she recalled playing on a medical waste heap as a child.
- Ownership – the paradigm shifting concept that is the key to building wealth.
- Credit Card Tool – Looking for the right credit card for you? Then check out our new credit card tool that’ll help you to easily filter through all the cards based on your preferred airline, whether or not they have an annual fee, or simply by the cash back offer! Just toggle the sliders and you’ll know which card to consider.
- Newsletter – Don’t forget to sign up for the best personal finance newsletter in all the land! It’s completely free and something we create to help you along your journey to financial freedom. It drops every Tuesday morning and you can always unsubscribe if you don’t dig it!

During this episode we enjoyed a Stiegl Radler Zitrone (fancy-speak for lemon)! And please help us to spread the word by letting friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to change the conversation around personal finance and get more people doing smart things with their money!
Best friends out!
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