The impact of rising costs is evident everywhere—whether we’re at the grocery store, sifting through utility bills, or checking our bank accounts. It stings, especially when you realize that two bags of groceries can exceeded $100.
America is grappling with a significant affordability crisis. Inflation is straining families’ budgets, while housing costs continue to soar. For many young people, the traditional American Dream appears farther away than ever.
But is all this just about economics? Could there be cultural factors at play here too?
Take milestones like marriage and starting a family. For generations, these have been the keystones of economic success and stability. Yet, today, we see a decline in marriage rates, postponement of family formation, and birth rates that are so low we might struggle to replace our population. People are getting married later than before, with first-time homebuyers averaging around 40 years old.
These trends aren’t random; they reflect a deeper cultural shift. Family, once the bedrock of a fulfilling life, now seems like a target to hit after one has “made it.”
Back to Basics
I didn’t grow up with a lot of financial resources. In a family of nine kids, we often had to make do, yet we were always together. My parents embraced each new child despite uncertain means.
When my oldest brother came along, times were tough—our meals often consisted of beans and rice. My father’s hard work, coupled with honesty and sound financial decisions, led to annual salary increases. It wasn’t an easy path.
However, my parents didn’t have a perfect home curated from social media or a checklist of financial stability stages before starting a family. They just got married young, committed to one another, and welcomed kids, building their lives as they went.
This isn’t about advocating for irresponsibility, but rather a call to reclaim the mindset that marriage and family can foster financial stability rather than hinder it.
Redefining Expectations
It seems society is moving in reverse. The notion that we must travel, have a picture-perfect home, or “find ourselves” first isn’t really leading to happiness or better financial management. Quite the opposite; it’s leaving many feeling lonely and unfulfilled.
The cultural messages about delaying family for personal achievement often backfire; they can undermine financial security, a sense of belonging, and true, lasting happiness. These aren’t barriers—rather, they are the rewards of family life. There’s a mindset shift that needs to happen; for most of our history, family has been a cornerstone of success.
Research consistently shows that marriages and stable two-parent households lead to better economic outcomes—higher incomes, wealth accumulation, lower poverty rates, and enhanced security for children. Just think about that. Families designed by nature not only nourish individuals emotionally but also contribute to stronger economic stability.
Having children shifts your priorities, as it should. For my husband and me, our two kids (with hopes for more) changed how we manage our funds, our schedules, and what we value in life. We rarely take vacations or showcase lavish experiences on social media, but that’s alright. Kids can definitely change how life is lived.
For me, being able to raise a family alongside my best friend is truly special. Family doesn’t hinder a fulfilling life—it’s a vital part of it. That’s how I see it.
My situation isn’t out of the norm. Studies have recorded the economic advantages of families for decades.
Marriage: A Reliable Stability Strategy
Politicians often discuss tax credits and government programs, yet one of the most reliable indicators of economic steadiness is marriage. Sure, government policies are pivotal, and adjustments like lowering taxes or easing housing regulations matter—but they don’t replace the stability that strong families and marriages provide.
Research indicates that among millennials who graduated high school, worked full-time, and married before having kids, 97% managed to escape poverty by their mid-30s. Instead of seeing marriage and family as stumbling blocks, they should be recognized as significant supports toward financial security.
My husband and I embody this truth. We tied the knot in our 20s, not rich or even particularly ready. Yet, we just began our life together despite the uncertainties.
Over time, our careers exploded, and incomes grew. From a cramped apartment and careful savings, we transitioned to owning a home with a spacious yard after our first baby arrived. This isn’t an unusual narrative. Historically, families collaborated to create wealth instead of waiting to have it first.
A Rich Inheritance
The financial benefits of married households reach far beyond just the couple. Kids from stable two-parent families face significantly fewer chances of being poor, and they have a better shot at climbing the economic ladder. Recent statistics show only 9.5% of children living with two parents were in poverty in 2021, compared to 31.7% of those living with a single parent.
Strong family structures offer more stability and opportunities than any government initiative ever could. If we genuinely want to cut poverty rates, enhance opportunities, and boost long-term prosperity, we must acknowledge the critical role families and marriages play in human development.
Regardless of what Washington does to alleviate economic strain—be it tax relief or education reform—lasting change must start with us. Many young adults believe they’re delaying marriage or parenthood for financial reasons, when, in reality, they might be confusing risk with impossibility. Building a life has always required a leap of faith.
To preserve the American dream, we need to be willing to make those leaps. Can we afford to have children? A more pertinent question is: Can you afford not to? For greater prosperity, opportunity, and stability, we should begin by reinforcing the institution that has historically made it possible: family.
