[Steve]

http://money.cnn.com/2003/09/11/comm...hadi/index.htm

What do you guys think of this article?

the average two-income middle class family today earns 75 percent more than the typical single-income family did 30 years ago. But today's family, they say, ends up with less money for everyday living expenses and savings.

[ackerman7]

This is really sad! How hard we work to build only to be cheated. That's why the entrepreneurial way is aspiring to me. I can't even imagine no more working 5 to 10 yrs for someone else, when I hate the job. I would much rather be a business rebel and ride it out.

This story is very humbling. Often I dream in the stars, but the realities of life help keep my feet on the ground. This is the equalizer that helps me stay focused. Cool article

Irv S.

[ericesquire]

Great article...makes me realize that pulling a 9-5 isn't my best option to achieve the goals I have set...

[guitarizt]

I heard someone talking on npr about her book called something like 'the two income trap'. It sounded interesting and I've been meaning to pick it up. Maybe I'll check the library tomorrow if I can find my card tonight.

[DavidJEastman]

Just think about being a single parent and having to deal with this sort of thing. Yikes.

I read a recent New York Times article about the disintegration of the traditional "nuclear" family and the effects. Particularly emphasized in the article was the apparent discrimination against unmarried people. Pension benefits, social security, taxes, etc. are all set up to benefit married people, and there are questions as to how impractical this might be in the future, given the declining marriage and fertility rates.

I think I'm better off than my parents right now, but that's because my parents (particularly my father) had very little money or resources at my age.

I agree with Ackerman7 that the story is humbling.

[CitationIS300]

There is a New York Times Bestseller out called Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich that I would recommend to anyone. She travels to different cities and trys to make it on a low-wage job ($7 to $10 per hour). She goes through the entire process of finding a place to live, sorting out expenses, and all of that. More and more young people, especially single young mothers, are entering the arena of low wage living. Just thought I'd post.

Lance

[focusben]

One of the things this article doesn't take into consideration is that money "doubles" every 20 years meaning that people who made $40,000 20 years ago are considered to have been making $80,000 in the current time.

And this phenomenon of people being "strained" isn't exclusive to those in the middle-class. I've heard that even the upper-middle class or some of the lower-upper class are also included in the mix. I know of several couples who are in this situation right now - under their "circumstances".

[BizGuy]

hi there david,

I took a look at your week one and two archives and i like your concept and your ideas for taking a 'closer look'.

What are your plans for this concept?

Looking forward to hearing more.

Adam T.