Middle class at a crossroads: Prosper or perish, says Bengaluru startup founder

Once the backbone of Indian society, the middle class is now financially strained and facing a tough choice—get rich or go broke. According to a viral LinkedIn post by Shyam Achuthan, a Bengaluru-based startup founder, the middle class, once known for stable jobs and modest aspirations, is now torn between two extreme outcomes.

Achuthan paints a bleak picture of modern middle-class life. With salaries quickly drained by rent, EMIs, and lifestyle expenses driven by social media pressure, saving has become nearly impossible. “Living to impress, not improve,” he warns, has trapped many in a dangerous cycle of debt and pretentious spending.

However, he notes a growing divide within the middle class. While some splurge for Instagram likes, others are quietly choosing a frugal lifestyle, second-hand purchases, and long-term investments. They may not appear successful today, but they are steadily building wealth and financial freedom.

Achuthan emphasizes the need to reduce lifestyle inflation, track every rupee, and invest 20-30% of income. He urges people to prioritize asset-building over flashy spending. The key, he says, isn’t just earning money—but understanding it. The middle class isn’t vanishing, it’s splitting. The choices people make today will shape their financial future.