If you recognize these 10 experiences, you probably come from a lower-middle class background

Growing up lower-middle class is a story of making more out of what you have.

I often think back to those moments, like hunting down the best deal at the grocery store or reimagining yesterday’s leftovers into something new.

I mean, it wasn’t always glamorous, but it taught me things that stay with you: how to be resourceful, how to find joy in simplicity, and the real value of family.

If you grew up the same way, you probably know these moments well.

So, let’s take a little stroll down memory lane and see how many of these experiences ring true for you too.

1) Value shopping

Growing up lower-middle class often means becoming a master of stretching every dollar.

This is a skill that gets ingrained in us early on.

When you’re from a lower-middle class background, you quickly learn to differentiate between needs and wants.

For us, shopping isn’t just a leisure activity or a way to spend time.

We’ve learned to find value in every purchase.

The satisfaction isn’t in getting the most expensive item but in finding the best deal.

I’m talking about knowing exactly when your favorite grocery store marks down the prices on perishable items or being the first in line at the thrift shop when they have their annual sale.

These experiences taught us the value of money, resourcefulness and resilience.

So if you find yourself an expert at value shopping, it could be an indication of your lower-middle class upbringing.

2) Patching up over buying new

This is something I can personally relate to. In my family, we didn’t just toss things out when they got a bit worn down.

Instead, we’d find ways to extend their lifespan.

I remember my dad sitting at the kitchen table, carefully patching up old pairs of jeans that had seen better days.

He’d thread the needle and then, with his glasses perched on the end of his nose, he’d sew those patches on with a precision that would put any tailor to shame.

Along with saving money, it instilled in us respect for our belongings and an understanding that we shouldn’t waste resources.

In a world where consumerism often dictates that we buy new rather than repair, this might seem like an outdated concept.

But if you grew up lower-middle class like me, you likely recognize this experience and still carry these values with you today.

3) Home cooking over dining out

When you’re from a lower-middle class family, eating out at restaurants is often a luxury, not a regular occurrence.

Instead, the heart of the home is often the kitchen, where meals are lovingly prepared from scratch.

These meals brought everyone together and passed down traditions from one generation to the next.

And here’s something to consider: according to a study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, people who frequently cook meals at home eat healthier and consume fewer calories than those who cook less.

So growing up lower-middle class might just have given you a head start when it comes to healthy eating habits!

4) Knowing the importance of saving

Coming from a lower-middle class background, you probably learned the importance of saving money from an early age.

Whether it was a piggy bank, a secret stash under the mattress, or a savings account at the local bank, you understood that every penny counts.

You might have even had to save up for things that others took for granted, like a new pair of shoes or a school trip.

These experiences taught you not only about the value of money but also about patience and delayed gratification.

So if you’re someone who finds it second nature to save for a rainy day, then this is another sign that you likely come from a lower-middle class background.

5) DIY home repairs

Another hallmark of growing up lower-middle class is becoming familiar with do-it-yourself home repairs.

Why call a professional when you can fix it yourself, right?

I’m talking about everything from fixing a leaky faucet, unclogging a drain, to patching up a hole in the wall.

These are skills that were often learned out of necessity.

These experiences taught us to be self-reliant and resourceful, and to take pride in our ability to solve problems on our own.

So if you’re handy with a set of tools and aren’t afraid to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty, then this could be another indication of your lower-middle class upbringing.

6) Understanding the value of education

Growing up lower-middle class, you often come to understand that education is the ticket to a better life.

For many of us, our parents stressed the importance of doing well in school, seeing it as a pathway to opportunities they themselves might not have had.

It’s not uncommon for lower-middle class children to be the first in their family to attend college.

The sacrifices made by our families to make this happen leave a deep and lasting impression.

So if you see education as more than just a series of grades, but as a chance for a better future, this is another sign that you likely come from a lower-middle class background.

It reflects a deep gratitude and respect for the opportunities that education can provide, something that is often instilled in us from an early age.

7) The luxury of leftovers

I remember how my mother would transform last night’s dinner into today’s lunch.

Nothing was wasted. Leftovers were a treat, not something to be sniffed at or thrown away.

She’d take the remaining roast chicken, add some veggies and broth, and voila – we’d have a hearty soup for lunch.

Or she’d repurpose the leftover mashed potatoes into delicious potato pancakes for breakfast.

It saved us some money, which was the primary goal, but it also fostered creativity and resourcefulness in the face of scarcity.

It’s a habit that has stuck with me to this day, shaping how I approach not just food, but life in general.

8) Fewer toys, more creativity

Growing up lower-middle class often means having fewer toys.

But this lack of abundance doesn’t necessarily mean a lack of fun. In fact, it can often lead to greater creativity.

When you don’t have the latest gadgets or video games, you learn to make your own fun.

A cardboard box becomes a spaceship, a blanket turns into a fort, and a simple stick can be a magic wand or a sword depending on the day’s adventure.

This kind of imaginative play not only provides endless entertainment but also fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, and adaptability – qualities that serve us well throughout life.

So if your childhood was marked by imaginative play rather than expensive toys, this could be another sign of your lower-middle class upbringing.

9) Public transportation over private vehicles

If you’re familiar with the ins and outs of public transportation, this could be another sign of a lower-middle class background.

Having a family car is often considered a luxury.

Many of us learned to navigate city buses, trams, or trains from a young age. We know the best routes to take, the rush hour schedules, and the value of a monthly pass.

More than just a way to get around, these experiences taught us about independence, planning, and time management.

So if you’re someone who feels at home on public transit, this could be another indication of your lower-middle class upbringing.

10) The value of family and community

Perhaps one of the most defining aspects of growing up lower-middle class is the emphasis on family and community.

When resources are limited, people often come together to support each other.

Whether it’s sharing meals, helping with childcare, or lending a hand in times of need, these experiences forge strong bonds and a sense of belonging.

They teach us about empathy, cooperation, and the value of relationships.

So if you have a deep appreciation for the importance of family and community, this is probably the most telling sign of your lower-middle class background.

And it’s also something to be truly proud of.

Final reflections

Looking back, growing up lower-middle class helped us find a little magic in the everyday.

It gave us resilience, creativity, and a sense of gratitude that, honestly, no fancy upbringing could ever buy.

I’ve come to realize that every thrifty habit, every patched-up pair of jeans, and every DIY home repair wasn’t just about saving money; it was shaping who we’d become.

So, if you find yourself nodding along to these experiences, take a moment to appreciate the strength they’ve given you.

Because it’s our backgrounds that add layers to who we are, and each of these little experiences adds up to something pretty remarkable.