Rat Race – The term for the financial situation of the masses. It describes a cycle in which a child excels in school, gets into a “good” college and earns a degree. As an adult, they find a secure, well-paying job with benefits and begin to save money. They get married, buy a house, have children, acquire debt and have increased expenses. They work hard for promotions and save for retirement, but as their income increases, their debts and expenses increase as well.