Bengaluru founder explains how some middle-class people are silently building big wealth, without you even noticing

Economic Times

2 days ago

Bengaluru tech founder raises concerns over the middle-class's spending habits. (Pic credit- istock. Image used for representative purpose only)
Once considered the steady backbone of Indian society, the middle class is now standing at a financial crossroads. In a viral LinkedIn post, Bengaluru-based founder Shyam Achuthan paints a sobering picture of a group that was once defined by upward mobility — steady jobs, small luxuries, and the dream of a home — but is now teetering between two stark outcomes: growing wealthy or going broke. There's no middle ground anymore, he argues — and many are unknowingly choosing the wrong path. However, he points out that some are silently building wealth by making the correct choices.
Achuthan highlights a growing trend of financial self-sabotage among the modern middle class. With Instagram-worthy lifestyles and EMIs eating up salaries, many are living to impress, not to improve. A Rs 50,000 salary vanishes fast when Rs 20,000 goes to rent, Rs 10,000 to EMIs, and weekend spending tops Rs 5,000, leaving little to nothing for real savings. It's a cycle of looking rich while staying broke, or worse, heading into debt.
But not everyone is playing this dangerous game. A smaller, quieter segment of the middle class is making radically different choices — avoiding flashy purchases, skipping big weddings, choosing used cars, and investing aggressively. They might not look successful today, but they're building wealth that will outlast trends and timelines. While one half of the middle class flexes for likes, the other is compounding gains for long-term freedom.Trying to keep up with the rich on a middle-class paycheck, Achuthan warns, is like entering an F1 race with a scooter. Sooner or later, you'll burn out. In today's world of inflation, layoffs, and AI disruptions, the divide is widening fast, and only those who act intentionally will move up.
His advice is simple but urgent: cut lifestyle inflation, track every rupee, invest 20–30% of your income, and focus on building assets, not liabilities. Above all, learn about money — don't just earn it. The middle class isn't just shrinking — it's splitting. And the choices you make today will decide which direction you take tomorrow. One user reflected on how the modern rat race often leads people astray, emphasizing that while flashy lifestyles may gain attention, it's the smart and strategic choices that truly matter in the long run. Another appreciated Shyam Achuthan's perspective on middle-class struggles, praising his insight into how social media-driven lifestyles are eroding financial security. They highlighted the power of disciplined saving and investing—like putting aside 20–30% of one's salary and tracking every expense—as the real game-changer for the future.
( Originally published on Jun 30, 2025 )