"65 percent of Americans who are considered “middle class,” earning above 200 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL), are in a financial struggle. "

That sounds more like a problem with the definition of the federal poverty level than it is a problem with the middle class.

If you’re struggling, you aren’t middle class.

Federal Poverty Level for 2024 is dependent on household size:

https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/federal-poverty-guidelines/

Oh, man, now I have to see if Lemmy can do tables… Hmmm nope!

Size - 100% - 200%
1 - $15,060 - $30,120
2 - $20,440 - $40,880
3 - $25,820 - $51,640
4 - $31,200 - $62,400
5 - $36,580 - $73,160
6 - $41,960 - $83,920
7 - $47,340 - $94,680
8 - $52,720 - $105,440
Each person over 8, add $5,380 - $10,760

So let’s take the prototypical nuclear family, 2 parents, 2 kids.

$62,400 is 200% poverty. I could see that being a struggle. I think maybe what we need is to re-define the poverty level.

Size - 100% - 200%
1 - $31,200 - $62,400
2 - $36,580 - $73,160
3 - $41,960 - $83,920
4 - $47,340 - $94,680
5 - $52,720 - $105,440
6 - $58,100 - $116,200
7 - $63,480 - $126,960
8 - $68,860 - $137,720
Each person over 8, add $5,380 - $10,760