U.S. Women Shoulder $3,000-Plus Family Costs as Inflation Outpaces Wages
Updated
Updated · The Cut · Sep 3
U.S. Women Shoulder $3,000-Plus Family Costs as Inflation Outpaces Wages
1 articles · Updated · The Cut · Sep 3
Summary
Three U.S. women described stretching their finances to support relatives as rising costs for housing, food and health care outpace pay, leaving them resentful, anxious or unable to save.
A 67-year-old nonprofit worker said she spends more than $3,000 a month on others — including $870 in alimony, $757 for her daughter’s loans, $860 in rent for her boyfriend’s son and $400 in groceries for a niece.
A 44-year-old tech manager said she has carried her household for more than two years after her husband lost full-time work, covering bills, health insurance and children’s expenses while worrying about future college costs.
A 56-year-old Florida nurse, widowed after her husband died following surgery, said she now works 76 hours a week to support three adult children, a $3,400 mortgage and debt tied to her late husband’s failed business.
The accounts underscore how family obligations can overwhelm the idea of setting 'financial boundaries' when inflation, weak job prospects and benefit cuts leave loved ones unable to cover basic needs.