For too long, we’ve been told that the success of Britain is measured by how well the top 1% are doing on the stock market. Headlines celebrate rising share prices, corporate profits, and GDP growth, yet none of these reflect the reality of everyday life for most people.
If we really want to measure success, we should ask: How do people feel? And right now, many in the middle class are struggling.
The Disappearing Middle Class
The cost-of-living crisis has transformed what it means to be middle class in the UK. The luxuries that once felt standard—holidays, dining out, quality schooling, and financial security—are slipping away. A Financial Fairness Trust study found that 20% of middle-income earners are struggling to afford basic necessities. Many are dipping into savings just to get by.
We hear stories from hardworking families who have cut back on holidays, given up on hiring cleaners, switched to budget supermarkets, and are forgoing the treats that once made life enjoyable. Mortgage payments have soared, energy bills remain high, and food costs continue to climb. The dream of financial stability is turning into a daily battle for survival.
The Need for a New Approach
So, where do we go from here? Do we accept that this is the new normal? Or do we take action to create a better future?
At the Academy of Life Planning, we believe that financial security shouldn’t be out of reach for ordinary people. That’s why we advocate for GAME Plans—Goals, Actions, Means, and Execution plans—that put real money back in people’s pockets and improve quality of life. Instead of waiting for economic policies to change, we must equip ourselves with the knowledge and strategies to navigate these uncertain times.
How a GAME Plan Can Help You Take Control
A GAME Plan is about shifting from uncertainty to empowerment. It’s a structured approach that helps individuals build financial resilience and reclaim control over their lives. Here’s how it works:
- Goals: Define what financial security means for you. It’s not just about survival—it’s about thriving.
- Actions: Identify clear, practical steps to reduce costs, increase income, and protect your future.
- Means: Leverage available resources, tools, and networks to implement your plan effectively.
- Execution: Put the plan into action and make adjustments as circumstances evolve.
The squeezed middle needs more than just budgeting advice. They need a holistic financial strategy that considers career choices, side income opportunities, long-term financial planning, and ways to break free from the system that keeps them on the back foot.
A Call to Action
The struggle of middle-class families is not a sign of personal failure—it’s a symptom of a system that no longer serves the majority. But waiting for change isn’t an option. We must take proactive steps to reclaim our financial independence.
At the Academy of Life Planning, we offer guidance, support, and a framework to help individuals build sustainable wealth and a more fulfilling life. If you feel like you’re constantly cutting back, it’s time to shift your approach.
The real measure of Britain’s success isn’t the stock market—it’s the well-being of its people. And with the right tools and strategies, we can make sure that success includes you.
Ready to take control of your financial future? Learn how a GAME Plan can help you today.
Academy of Life Planning 