lol life sucks – r/sipstea

A new report is changing how people look at money in 2026…

According to research from MoneyLion, earning around $100,000 a year now qualifies as “lower-middle class” in at least 12 states… including places like California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.

In some cases, even incomes above $115K are still considered lower-middle class due to rising costs of living, housing, and everyday expenses.

With inflation, gas prices, and basic necessities climbing, more Americans are starting to feel like six figures just doesn’t stretch the way it used to.