7 Middle-Class Luxuries That Now Feel Out of Reach if You Weren’t Born Rich

Trying to build wealth can feel like an uphill battle. Just 1.5% of the world's population has $1 million or more, according to the UBS Global Wealth Report 2024.

In truth, anybody can build wealth, as history has shown time and again. Many people who started out poor ultimately became rich or at least financially comfortable. However, the perks of making that transition are getting harder to attain, especially if you started out as a lower-wage earner.

As you slave away at your day job, here are seven things that might feel unachievable if you weren't born wealthy.

1. Owning a single home

For most of us, buying any home is a significant achievement in itself. So, the idea of owning a single home, with even, gasp, a yard, feels like buying a whole mansion.

With inherited wealth, individuals can purchase that type of home and afford the associated upkeep.

2. Living by the ocean

Ocean views and a seaside breeze might sound like the ideal backdrop, but oceanside properties can come with price tags in the millions of dollars.

Of course, we might take the occasional weekend trip to the beach and stay in a well-to-do Airbnb. But since beachfront properties are highly sought after and the supply is limited, most of us can't expect to own one of these homes.

3. Retiring very early

Let's face it: An early retirement sounds like a dream. But for most of us, it's not in the cards, especially for those who dream of stopping work in their 30s or 40s — or even younger.

However, for people with inherited wealth, a very early retirement can be a viable option. Those with family money might live out their retirement dreams in midlife, enjoying a slower pace while living off their savings.

4. Having cool "toys"

Investing in fun purchases, such as a boat, jet ski, or even a nice set of golf clubs, used to be within the realm of possibility for middle-class individuals. However, owning any of thse fun "toys" feels pretty out of reach if you arena't inherently wealthy.

These luxuries sort of scream "affluence" today, especially with the upkeep required to maintain these expensive hobbies.

5. Enjoying loads of downtime

Even if you have the most laid-back job in the world, you still have to show up and work. On the other hand, those born into wealth can skip the daily grind and enjoy more free time.

There is certainly value in hard work, and it can offer a sense of personal achievement. But if you weren't born wealthy, don't expect to enjoy a large amount of downtime.

6. Taking long vacations

Individuals with inherited wealth have more time on their hands, and plenty of money to plan lavish vacations.

Those with inherited wealth can afford to take a trip to Aruba or Hawaii on a whim and for an extended period. Generational wealth makes these money moves way more possible.

7. Outsourcing home-related tasks

Laundry, yard work, meal preparation: This routine is familiar to the typical middle-class American.

Some of us can afford to hire a cleaning company once a month, but most of us still have to perform many menial household chores on our own.

Those with generational wealth can leave these tasks to hired help. Outsourcing home-related tasks is one way those with family wealth can enjoy more free time to explore their passions.

Bottom line

Building wealth from the ground up is a noble goal, but it certainly comes with challenges. On the other hand, those with inherited wealth seem to have it much easier.

However, don't give up your dreams even if you are locked into the 9-5 grind. While you may not get as rich as the "silver spoon" crowd, you can still accumulate enough wealth to lower your financial stress and live more comfortably than you ever imagined.

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

5.0

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

Apply Now

Rates and fees

Current Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
• Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
• Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash

Drawbacks

• Foreign transaction fee of 3%
• No bonus categories

Card Details

• Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
• Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
• 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
• $0 annual fee.
• No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.

Author Details

Brenna Major Brenna, a writer for FinanceBuzz, enjoys making lofty personal finance concepts more digestible, believing that finances can be a powerful tool if they're wielded well. When she's not nerding out on finance topics, she's hanging with her two toddlers at the park or grabbing coffee from a local spot with a friend.

More posts from Brenna Major >