Who is the middle class?

Starting to get ahead? Just getting by? Steve Tripoli asks three self-identified middle class families what it means to be a part of the middle.

What is the middle class?
Without any firm numbers defining the beginning and end of the middle class, Tess Vigeland checks with experts and the presidential candidates for their definitions.

Dealing with college loan cutbacks
Sallie Mae, the nation's largest student lender, is getting more selective about handing out loans. Tess talks to FinAid.org's Mark Kantrowitz about the best ways for students to borrow for their education.

Escaping the middle class squeeze
Being middle class doesn't always mean making ends meet, forcing families to fall back on credit. Jeremy Hobson talks to families trapped by credit about getting back on their feet.

Making taxes less taxing for the middle
Have you ever heard politicians talk taxes without mentioning the middle class? Tess talks to Scott Hodge of the Tax Foundation to find out if all their efforts are actually helping.

Minorities in the middle
For some, the American dream keeps inching farther away. Stacey Vanek Smith looks at the challenges many minority citizens face as they attempt to join the ranks of the middle class.

Middle class roundtable
Are we better off than our parents or falling behind? Tess talks about the the past and future of the middle class with authors Elizabeth Warren and Gregg Easterbrook.

ALL MARKETPLACE MONEY STORIES

CONSUMER CONSEQUENCES
How many p***ts would it take to sustain humanity if everyone lived like you? Play our "Consumer Consequences" game and find out.