This is an interesting article and much of the discussion points out the structures in our society that are not optimized for the consumer. For example student

This is an interesting article and much of the discussion points out the structures in our society that are not optimized for the consumer. For example student loans, medical debts and high interest on credit cards. But I would like to highlight that "middle class" is a made up concept and a fairly arbitrary estimation of class based on net mostly consumeristic factors. For instance, to be middle class I should be able to pay for college with loans, own a home of ample size, have two cars and afford to have a child and pay for child care while both my partner and I work. I must maintain this definition of 'middle class' at all costs, even if that that means taking on $50,000 of credit card debt. Because I am middle class and I have the stuff to prove it. Unfortunately, this means the middle class will continue to get poorer and deeper in debt because yes, wages have stagnated, but we continue to go into debt to maintain the appearance of middle classism based on consumeristic targets.