why is it harder to live as a single income family?

Question

compared to 5 decades ago, life should be better shouldn't it? shouldn't time have afforded us the convienience and better standards of living? it seems that it is harder and harder for any decent hard working family to afford the basic things, a house to own, a decent car to drive, enough finances to pay for the kids education and maybe a family vacation in the mix with the traditional view that the man is the bread winner. the pressure is so intense for the spouse to juggle work to help and be a mom, and housekeeper.

Answer 1

Because the Democrats take all of our money and give it to the ghetto hoods, so they can buy their drugs and Colt beer, and sit on their butts all day playing poker with food stamps while the middle class work their A$$ess off to put food on the table.

Answer 2

Actually there are several factors for this: 1) The cost of everything out there, many to the point of having to choose between food and basic health care 2) Employment and/or underemployment 3) Media advertisements and 3) How one manages their own personal income.

First and foremost, this isn't the 1940s and 1950 when the US was far more prosperous financially. People who worked during that time have no way of relating to their children or grandchildren as far as working or maintaining a household, because most worked for the same company for 20-30 years and then retired with a fat pension and lived handsomely for the rest of their lives. They made more than enough to live comfortably and also to save, while their children had to start contending with unprecedented high oil prices that affected the price of everything else, and where the companies stopped being good to their employees and only look out for their bottom line. So anyone from that generation who preaches savings and criticizes lifestyles, is very much told to stop doing so unless they have walked on their children's and grandchildren's shoes and few have.

With that said, and put aside, unfortunately children (at least in the US) aren't being taught to properly manage their money based on today's economic times, are brainwashed by media advertisements that subliminally tells them that they're no good unless they have this or that, and most people will spend beyond their means in order to feel better about themselves based on what the media dictates. That, compounded with high prices, and consequently the high price of everything else, it is a wonder how anyone can comfortably keep a decent household these days, especially when most people are at best underemployed.

I could go on and on, but the bottom line is this: Few people have learned how to live within or below their means, and children need to be educated from kindergarten on how to do that if we are to survive as a society, and it could be something as simple as candy or toys before introducing them to cash.

Answer 3

do the economics .... since women entered the workforce in droves there are more available employees .... supply and demand fundamentals tell you that wages are depressed accordingly ...

of course prices have hardly gone done at the same time because there has been no decrease in demand ... so most people need two incomes ... it's not really a good deal, is it ? instead of a family living on the fruits of 40 hours of labor per week, they live the same way on 80 hours of labor per week

it might make you wonder if "women's liberation" was really the idea of women ....

with all of that said, there were many, many problems with the "one man as breadwinner" system .... ask some women who were divorced and had no work skills ..... it's not a pretty picture in most cases

AND we need a word about this:

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think again, dear ... it's got a lot more to do with Republican-backed big businesses with hairy chests and "FREE TRADE" buttons on their lapels ... they're ripping you off silly ... look at your insurance bills, energy costs, prescription drugs, etc. ..... phone calls have gotten cheaper but endless chatter is not really all that useful .... and, btw, they're working REAL HARD to get those cost of those up there too.

Answer 4

There are many resources out there to help you, you just have to look for them. Schooling is affordable with a Pell Grant. There are a lot of people who want to help someone who is willing to help themselves. Getting an education will help you get a better job. Look into Government resources. That's what we pay taxes for. I wish you the best. I know that life isn't fair but you can dream and don't loose sight of your dreams because they can come true. Don't give up!

Answer 5

It all boils down to the all mighty dollar...total income....its tough going from two incomes to one...especially when your partner made as much as you...you just cut your spending income in half...you now can only afford half of what you were spending...The simply life can be affordable, but life in the big city is becoming highly technical and as the years have gone by have increased the cost to maintain our complicated lives above our means...most certainly above a single/family needs.

Answer 6

yeah, it's sad. isn't it? but what can you do. both now need to work to make ends meet. once both are working, talk to a financial planner. he/she would give you the best senario in order to enjoy life later on.

Answer 7

Keep supporting Bush and his cronies.and its all down hill from here.

Answer 8

because then you can only blame one person