Not so long ago, most people viewed the hallmarks of success as something along the lines of a house, a white picket fence, two weeks vacation, two children and the ability to send those kids to college. Today, the middle class is a vanishing breed according to nearly every survey and statistic on the topic. Despite all of the attention to the subject, defining "middle class" remains a challenge, as everyone wants to be in the middle regardless of their income. Instead of focusing on the Ego/Kudi/Owo/Naira, let's take a look at the lifestyle benchmarks that define middle class status. Have You Made it to the Middle?
A wide variety of numbers have been thrown around in an effort to define the middle. People earning 20% of the average income and people earning 80% all claim to be part of the middle class. More than a few millionaires make the claim too. While there is no official financial standard, the middle class as defined by the government task force is characterized in terms of six financial aspirations, which we can view as benchmarks.

The following are key points to watch out for if you aspire to "belong" to the Middle-Class category.

1. Home Ownership
Home ownership remains the Nigerian dream. The step up from renting to owning signifies prosperity and achievement. With median home prices ranges differing by so much in different cities across Nigeria, the ability to achieve this goal varies significantly by geographical location. Someone earning a decent income (N150k/N500k per mth) in Lagos may not be able to afford even a small house in Abuja.

2. Automobile Ownership
Owning an automobile provides freedom of movement and the luxury of avoiding the limited schedules and cramped quarters offered by mass transportation options such as buses, ferries and trains. Here again, the cost of cars varying widely, as does the kind of automobile required. For one driver, a used Hyundai/Kia will do the trick. For another, a new BMW signifies the achievement of this goal.

3. A University Education for the Kids
Helping children get ahead in life is a primary goal for middle class families. Paying for a university/college education for children can cost anywhere from the low tens of thousands of Naira to hundreds of thousands (especially in our so-called "church universities". Decisions about which university or college to attend can have a significant impact on the price tag.

4. Retirement Security
Retirement is a goal nearly everyone wants to achieve. It demonstrates success and provides a reward for decades of hard work. Once again, definitions make a difference. The amount of gold required to support your golden years will vary significantly depending on whether you want a staff of 10 at your villa in the South of France or an exquisite mansion in Banana Island, Lagos.

5. Health Care Coverage
The ability to obtain healthcare is an important goal for middle class wager earners and their families. The high and rising cost of medical care and prescription drugs make healthcare coverage an ever-increasing need, as going without it can have serious negative financial implications in the event of a severe illness or injury. If you can't afford the costs for a critical surgery (heart,kidney, transplants etc) in any of our premium Nigerian private hospitals or elsewhere like India, U.S, Dubai, you aren't yet a "middle-classer".

6. Family Vacation
The family vacation is a middle class staple. Vacations demonstrate that a family has disposable income and has been successful enough to take time away from work to focus on leisure. If you can't afford to take your family to neighboring Ghana on a vacation, you never start. Work harder!

Your journey to the Middle-Class starts with just A STEP. Start today!

Hmm.
Okay, tell us how to start na

Abi

I have more than mile 12 to go. God dey

Wow,some my family is in the L class? To think my dear Mama has been on her feet as long as I can remember,it is well.