Economics and finance experts: We’re exploring how the middle class is evolving into two distinct financial realities — one group building wealth and another falling behind — and what’s driving that divide in 2026. We’re looking for data-backed insights, real-world examples and what this means for Gen X and older households navigating retirement and cost pressures. Interview questions or provide your own commentary: 1. What does it mean that the middle class is splitting in two for the average person? 2. What are the key factors creating this divide — housing, debt, wages, investment access or something else? 3. How are homeowners versus renters experiencing this split differently right now? 4. Are there specific financial behaviors or decisions that separate those moving ahead from those falling behind? 5. How have inflation and interest rates over the past few years accelerated this divide? 6. What role does access to retirement accounts, employer benefits or financial literacy play? 7. Are there warning signs that someone is slipping into the “falling behind” side of the split? 8. What steps can middle-class households over 40 or nearing retirement take to stay on the stronger side of this divide? 9. Do you see this split widening over the next decade, and what could reverse it? 10. Anything more to add?