10 Sneaky Signs You're Horribly Stuck in the Lower Middle Class

The idea that anyone can get ahead if they work hard enough is persistent in America. You probably think that committing to working harder can help you get out of debt and grow your savings.

But is that true? Below, we list some key signs that suggest you might be stuck in your current income bracket for longer than you planned.

Everyone wants to move beyond living paycheck to paycheck. However, many of us live constantly on edge, trying to stretch every dollar until the next payday.

Those who are stuck in the lower middle class get more nervous as the month goes on and their bank account dwindles until the next paycheck comes along.

As soon as that money finally appears, it's gone, swallowed up by bills and necessary purchases such as groceries.

A small home is still a home, so having one is a big win in the current economic climate. However, if your home is not adequate for your family, or worse, you simply cannot afford any home, you may be firmly entrenched in the lower middle class.

If you constantly worry about making your next mortgage payment or are forced to rent when you would rather own, financial security probably remains outside your grasp.

Having some debt is a common, even normal, part of life, especially if you own a home. But spending above your income often means taking on expensive credit card debt.

If you can't pay off your card's balance, compound interest can cause your debt to spiral out of control faster than you thought possible.

Health care costs are a massive burden for many Americans. If you have enough savings, you can usually find a way to get the health care you need, regardless of cost.

However, if you're stuck in the lower middle class, you likely avoid appointments with a doctor until you cannot put them off any longer. You probably budget for prescriptions carefully and worry about what could happen if you run out of medicine before your next paycheck comes in.

It's tough to go around keeping your fingers crossed that you will be spared medical emergencies because you know you can't afford the cost of care.

Regular overdrafts signal that you're likely to be stuck in the lower middle class for a while longer.

Building wealth is essential to climbing the social ladder and improving your lifestyle. But how can you plan for a stable financial future when you're living in an unstable financial present?

If you're firmly stuck in the lower middle class, you might put a little spare money into your savings account from time to time. However, chances are good that you often end up transferring money back into your checking account a few days later, simply to make ends meet.

Short-term loans can be a lifesaver in an emergency, but you need strong credit to secure a loan with good terms.

If you're trapped in the lower middle class, you won't be able to access ready money if something goes wrong.

In a best-case scenario, you could end up with an uncomfortably high interest rate that means your loan will take years to pay off after the initial emergency has been resolved.

Ideally, a second job helps you earn extra income that you can use to build your savings or comfortably cover a major expense.

But if you're stuck in the lower middle class, your second job probably only provides enough extra income to keep your head above water.

Those in the lower middle class may find that they need two or three sources of income just to cover the bills. Building a solid savings account is out of the question.

If you're in the upper middle class, you have enough of a cash flow to indulge in the occasional leisure activity without stress.

On the other hand, if you find yourself avoiding small treats like the occasional night out, and if bigger treats such as a small weekend vacation are out of the question, you're probably more entrenched in the lower middle class than you think.

Even if you're part of the lower middle class, you might manage to tuck away a little money as part of an emergency savings fund. However, a fund-draining emergency can pop up immediately, whether that's an unexpected late fee or a bill for a car repair.

Being stuck in the lower middle class means that even when you save a little money, it's not around for long. That can make it tough to get ahead financially.

Just because you're stuck in the lower middle class now doesn't mean you'll be trapped there forever. To build your wealth, begin by focusing on budgeting smarter.

Talk to a credit counselor about getting out of debt, try to cut out unnecessary expenses, and sign up for your company's 401(k) contribution match. Small changes like these can add up over time, making it easier for you to finally escape the lower middle class.