I believe the single most difficult problem facing families today is the issue of finances. Unfortunately our economy is not friendly to one income families unless that income is rather exceptional. The costs of housing, transportation, education, to name a few, presuppose at least a high five figure to low six figure total household income. Our society does not give enough deference to the time commitment that is required to run a household and raise a family. We apparently value corporate “productivity” more highly. Has anyone out there noticed how involved we are nevertheless expected to be with our children's education and how many school functions there are? And, what about all of their extra-curricular activities? For these and many, many other reasons it is very important that both spouses have time to commit to their family and also be able to earn enough money to help their children and themselves now and in the future.

To accomplish that goal, we need to re-orient how money is earned, invested, taxed and inherited so that we can have a more democratic distribution of wealth. We can and should have the time to commit to our family and provide for its current and long term financial well-being. It is ridiculous that any family must take a “vow of poverty” to do what they believe is in their family’s best interest. In the long run many couples are essentially sacrificing their retirement for their children, and no one should have to do that. What’s ironic is that by not earning enough money now many parents will not be able to help their children in the way they would like when those children are in college and when they are adults – let alone helping grand children.