Issues that Matter - Moms Matter 2012

The Issues

Moms speak out about their present concerns and hopes for the future.

MY FAMILY'S FINANCES

The number one concern amongst moms in American is their personal finances. Worries about money keep moms up at night. They are worried about the basics like being able to afford groceries and keeping a roof over their family's head. Moms overwhelmingly would prefer elected officials to focus on short-term challenges like fixing the economy and creating jobs versus our long-term challenges and giving the next generation a chance at a better life. The issue moms most want candidates to address is how they'll create more jobs.

Almost half of moms (48%) agree with the Occupy Wall Street message that corporations and government basically serve the richest 1% of the U.S. population, while no one is looking out for the other 99% who struggle to find work and pay their bills.

WHAT MOMS ARE SAYING ABOUT My Family's Finances

My husband has had a pay freeze for the last three years, and now we are closer to the time when our mortgage will start adjusting. Long story short, the bank won't work with us. When that rate starts adjusting we will not be able to keep our home.

Posted by Peanutx3
[Our finances are] definitely worse than three years ago. My husband was in construction if that tells you anything. We've lost two vehicles and struggle to keep our heads above the water. If he gets 20 hours a week it's a miracle; usually he gets around 10-15. We're in Florida, and I don't think it's getting any better anytime soon.

Posted by rebekahmuse
Our family's situation took a nose dive for the worse. Three years ago, I was working, my SO was working, and we had a 2 bedroom apartment. We had food, clothes and all bills were paid. In the last three years we have both lost our jobs, had to move to a studio apartment, we are now on full Public Assistance, both are actively in the back to work program but struggling to get a job. We have to work temp jobs and side jobs to balance out the needs for our family. If has been rough but we have hope and we will never give up because our children deserve a life without struggle.

Posted by DestinyRoseLC
I haven't worked since I left my old job to care for my mother-in-law through hospice. After she died I stayed home for a bit and just when I was ready to look for a job, I ran into the recession. I tried for a year to find a job--lots of networking, lots of applications and resumes, a few interviews including second and third one in two cases but...NO JOB OFFERS. Now I am not looking any longer, it costs to look for work, both financially and emotionally and there aren't enough jobs to go around so I will wait to look again in the future.

Posted by GaleJ
Same exact income but spending twice as much on gas and food. So now instead of having $500 a month left over after bills, we have $5 left over a month.

Posted by CMStrickland
My husband has been unemployed for over a year. I'm on Social Security and Retirement Disability. I would describe our financial situation as worse than it was 3 years ago. He's already receiving extended unemployment benefits, but that will end come the first of the year. I try not to worry, but it's always in the back of my head. Therefore, my primary concern in the upcoming election is jobs.

Posted by rosiemendo