‘You'll Either Be Rich Or Poor In 10 Years': Startup Founder's Stark Message to India's Middle Class
Tech founder Shyam Achuthan says India's middle class is at a tipping point, between quietly building wealth or slipping into financial illusion.
India's middle class, once known for its steady jobs, modest homes, cars and yearly vacations, is undergoing a major shift. Tech entrepreneur Shyam Achuthan believes the real divide today isn't between the rich and the poor — it's between those pretending to be wealthy and those quietly building real wealth.
In a powerful LinkedIn post, Achuthan cautioned, 'The middle-class today stands at a critical juncture — headed either toward financial freedom or financial stress. There's no middle ground left."
The Illusion of Wealth
Achuthan believes that a large section of the middle class is chasing a social-media-driven lifestyle, often at the cost of their long-term financial security. 'From EMI-loaded iPhones to overpriced brunches, today's middle class is desperate to look rich, not be rich," he wrote.
This drive to project affluence, often fuelled by credit cards, BNPL schemes and lifestyle loans, can mask an unstable financial reality. Instead of focusing on savings and investments, many are prioritising aesthetic appearances and momentary validation.
Smart People Playing Differently
On the other side, Achuthan points to a quieter, more deliberate approach. 'Some people in the middle class are doing something strange and powerful," he noted. These individuals aren't sacrificing joy—they're making smarter decisions: taking the metro instead of buying a car, avoiding lifestyle inflation and investing consistently.
'They may look poor now, but their money is quietly working overtime — in mutual funds, stocks, real estate and startups. In 10 years, they'll own what others are still renting," he adds.
His starkest comparison? 'Trying to keep up with the rich using a middle-class salary is like bringing a scooter to an F1 race."
Stop upgrading your lifestyle every time your income increases; save the extra instead.
Track Every Rupee You Spend
Maintain a budget and monitor expenses closely to avoid unnecessary leaks in your finances.
Invest 20–30 per cent of What You Earn
Put a fixed portion of your income into growth-oriented assets like mutual funds or stocks.
Build Assets, Not Liabilities
Buy things that generate value over time, avoid debt traps and non-essential EMIs.
Learn Financial Literacy, Not Just Income Skills
Understanding how money works is just as crucial as earning it. Educate yourself on saving, investing, and compounding.
With rising living costs, increasing debt, and a volatile economy, Achuthan's message serves as a reality check: the middle class must adapt, or risk being left behind. The choice is clear—fake wealth today and struggle tomorrow, or quietly build it and own the future.
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