Why most U.S. families need two incomes just to stay middle class

The majority of six-figure earners say living on one income feels nearly impossible, according to a recent Harris Poll. Bank of America Institute data shows 26% of U.S. households spend over 90% of their income on basic needs. While rising costs for housing, childcare and education contribute, experts say deeper shifts such as wage stagnation and the growth of gig and temporary work have made dual-income households the norm.