Author: Emma Caplan-Fisher

When Derek, 36, called into The Ramsey Show, he wasn’t just looking for financial advice, but for peace of mind as well.

Recently engaged and preparing to blend a family of five children, all aged between 10 to 12, Derek also brings something else into the marriage: $12 million in assets.

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His fiancee has about $50,000, plus some debt. That financial gap has led them into difficult conversations about whether a prenuptial agreement is the right choice.

“We started the process of looking into a prenup and it’s been an emotional one,” Derek admitted in a clip posted June 18. “And I totally understand why.”

A sticking point

Although the couple initially worked through a questionnaire together, his fiancee’s attitude shifted once the first draft of the agreement came back from Derek’s lawyer.

"She feels like I wouldn’t be fully entering the marriage in the same way that she is because it feels like I’m holding assets separately, off to the side,” Derek explained.

Cohosts Rachel Cruze and Jade Warshaw acknowledged the complexity of the situation — one that includes a significant wealth imbalance and a sensitive family dynamic.

“It’s a very tough way to start out a marriage,” Warshaw said. “Because we’re dividing ‘yours’ versus ‘mine,’ and everything else in the marriage is ‘ours.’”

Derek says any income the couple earns after marriage would be shared, and the plan is for his fiancee to leave her job to manage the household full time. Derek also said he would pay off her small remaining debt after the wedding. They’ve also discussed buying a home together with Derek’s money but titled in both their names and treated communally.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

However, the prenup, as it’s written, also states that any growth from Derek’s $12 million would remain solely his.

That point, Warshaw noted, is something she’d ponder if entering into such a marriage

“How can we protect what you’ve already created, but how can I be a player in how that grows from here on out [and] be a part of that?” she wondered aloud.

Cruze offered a way to frame the situation: “We are living our lives together as one, but if something ever happened in a divorce, this part still goes back to me.”

Derek agreed, acknowledging that the only time the wealth would not also be hers is if they legally go through a divorce, and confirmed it’s how they want to go into the marriage.

When a prenup makes sense — and how it can evolve

Prenuptial agreements are often recommended when there’s a major financial imbalance, one partner has substantial debt or either person owns a business or expects to receive a large inheritance. Prenups are a way of protecting one’s assets in the event a marriage ends — if you get a divorce without one, they may be at the mercy of state laws.

In Derek’s case, Warshaw floated the idea of a “progressive” agreement — one with clauses that loosen restrictions over time.

While Derek’s current agreement doesn’t include a sunset clause, that kind of flexibility can be introduced later through a postnuptial agreement, which allows couples to revise terms after marriage. Some prenups even allow for amendments or revocations, as long as both parties agree in writing.

Prenups have become more common. A 2023 survey commissioned by Axios found that 1-in-5 married U.S. couples had signed a prenup, while half of adult respondents stated they at least somewhat supported the use of prenups.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

For some, the road to marriage can look financially lopsided. Those in their 30s earning their fair share — say, more than $100,000 a year — may be used to covering 100% of their individual household expenses.

However, it doesn’t typically feel good when a fiance refuses to contribute, claiming their money is only for “fun,” not “responsibilities.” This scenario isn’t as uncommon as you might think.

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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American household spent about $77,280 annually on expenses in 2023, including housing, transportation, food, insurance and health care.

In a two-person household, those costs can quickly add up. And when only one person is footing the bill, the financial and emotional burden becomes even heavier.

The red flags of an unequal dynamic

While differences in income are normal, refusing to contribute entirely can trigger long-term problems.

When one partner sacrifices and handles 100% of the financial responsibilities, their personal finances may suffer down the road, while the other partner gains.

This creates several challenges.

Budget strain. Even with a six-figure salary, carrying the full weight of household costs limits your ability to save, invest or spend on yourself.

Lifestyle imbalance and negative emotions. When one person is financially constrained while the other uses their full income for leisure, it can foster resentment.

Power imbalance. Financial inequality can also seep into decision-making. The partner who pays for everything may feel overburdened and unheard, while the non-contributing partner may avoid accountability.

Future financial insecurity. Without shared financial planning, big goals — from buying a home to starting a family — may be delayed or derailed entirely.

It’s about more than just paying the bills: aligning your values, goals and decisions is important in a successful relationship.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

How to address it before saying ‘I do’

Before walking down the aisle, a couple in this situation needs to be candid, in a productive, structured way. If you see yourself as the "giving" half of your relationship, here are a few practical steps to hopefully see change.

1. Have a values-based conversation

Frame the conversation not as a confrontation, but as a shared planning session for your future.

You can try something like: “I want us to feel like we’re building something together. Can we talk about how we want to manage money as a team?”

Focus on shared goals, like housing, travel, kids and retirement, and how to achieve them together.

2. Consider financial counseling

If emotions are running high, a third party can help. Premarital or financial counseling can uncover deeper money beliefs and create shared understanding.

Resources like the Financial Therapy Association can help you locate professionals near you.

3. Propose a fair cost-sharing model

A practical approach is using a cost-sharing model like a proportional contribution one.

Under this, you’d figure out the proportion of total household income you each bring in. This system keeps contributions equitable while acknowledging income disparities.

For example, say you earn 70% of your combined income and your partner earns 30%. You’d each contribute these proportions toward shared costs.

So, if those costs are $65,000 annually, you’d pay $45,500 per year, while your partner would pay $19,500 per year.

4. Set boundaries and deadlines

If your partner continues to resist contributing, it’s worth asking yourself if this is a difference in values or a refusal to partner in life. Marriage is a financial partnership as much as an emotional one.

Put yourself first by setting a deadline to revisit the conversation and being honest with yourself about your limits.

What to read next

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• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

After receiving an $8 million settlement following her husband’s fatal workplace accident in 2008, Mikeal, a 53-year-old widow from Charleston, West Virginia, entrusted the money to a close friend who worked at a bank.

Two years ago, she discovered it was gone.

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"He stole all the money … There was nothing," Mikeal said during The Ramsey Show.

$8 million stolen

The betrayal left Mikeal in a precarious spot. She now lives in a camper on her mother’s property and still owes $12,000 on it. She also has some credit card debt and relies on workers’ compensation benefits from her late husband’s employer.

Unemployed with ongoing expenses, her situation is challenging.

Mikael said she reported the theft and has attorneys working on it, but it appears the money is gone. She may only recover about a couple of hundred thousand dollars. She added that the alleged thief is now in Florida and has done the same thing to other widows.

Recently, Mikeal received a $531,000 malpractice settlement. She said she’s determined to grow that money quickly to secure her future.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

What can she do?

Ramsey Show co-hosts George Kamel and Ken Coleman offered a structured plan to help Mikael regain financial stability. They suggested she could sell the camper, use the profits to pay off her credit card and never have debt again. She could also build up an emergency fund with some of the settlement money and invest the rest. Here’s a breakdown of the

• Sell the camper. Selling it could eliminate the $12,000 debt and potentially find more affordable housing options.
• Pay off credit card debt. Clearing her balances would ease financial pressure and improve her credit score.
• Establish an emergency fund. Setting aside a portion of the settlement would give her a cushion for unexpected expenses.
• Invest wisely. Putting the remaining funds into diversified, low-risk portfolios could provide steady growth. Financial experts recommend options like ETFs — SPDR S&P 500 (SPY), Vanguard S&P 500 (VOO) and Vanguard Total World Stock (VT) — to get broad market exposure and build long-term wealth.
• Seek employment. Re-entering the workforce, even part-time, would bring in extra income and add structure to her day.

Kamel suggested Mikeal do something from home, like customer service, since she’s got "a good personality” and “good common sense."

He added she needs to work "for momentum’s sake.”

“It’s not about a ton of money that you need,” Kamel said. “(But) your shoulders will go back a little bit more; your head gets a little higher as you begin to see that ‘I can take care of myself.’"

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Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

When Damon from San Jose called into The Ramsey Show, he didn’t ask how to get out of debt — he asked whether he should tell his wife they’re secretly worth millions.

His question of whether he should ever disclose his secret to his wife caught listeners — and hosts Dave Ramsey and Ken Coleman — completely off guard.

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"You have deceived your wife," was Ramsey’s initial reaction.

A breach of trust

Damon, who’s been married for five years, explained that he’s a high-earning minimalist, while his stay-at-home wife is more of a spender.

He works a full-time job, runs a business on the side and handles all the family finances. His wife gets an allowance and has no idea about their true financial standing, which includes $750,000 in annual income and a net worth in the millions. Since they got married, Damon’s income has grown sevenfold.

Ramsey was blunt in his response.

“You’ve been married to her for five years and sleeping with her for five years, but she didn’t know you got any money — that’s deception,” he said.

Damon said he’s afraid of how she’ll react and worries she’ll overspend. But as Ramsey and Coleman pointed out, that kind of secrecy can have serious consequences.

Their advice? Start with accountability and don’t make it about her spending. Coleman suggested he open with something like, "I have a massive fear problem, and because I have a fear problem, I’m a control freak … I’ve got to confess this.”

From there, they said Damon needs to apologize, commit to therapy and work on rebuilding trust by budgeting together.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Financial infidelity vs transparency in relationships

Damon’s situation highlights a growing but often overlooked issue: financial infidelity — when one partner hides money, debt or financial decisions from the other. It can create misaligned goals, poor planning and erode trust.

“You’re the problem, not her, and you need to go work on you,” Ramsey told Damon. “This is a weird thing you’ve done — and you need to own that.”

And Damon’s not alone. According to a survey by the National Endowment for Financial Education, 43% of US adults admit to committing financial deception in a relationship.

How to rebuild trust

Financial transparency, on the other hand, is about openly sharing everything — income, debts, goals and spending habits. It helps build trust, encourages shared decision-making and allows couples to plan for the future together.

Best practices for financial transparency include:

• Full disclosure early. Couples should discuss their income, debts, assets and financial goals openly before or shortly after getting married.
• Joint budgeting. Using budgeting apps or spreadsheets to plan together helps prevent miscommunication.
• Regular financial check-ins. Monthly or quarterly conversations keep both on the same page.
• Shared access. Even if accounts aren’t merged, having mutual visibility builds trust.
• Counseling or coaching. Working with a therapist or advisor can help couples overcome deeper issues.

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• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

For some, the road to marriage can look financially lopsided. Those in their 30s earning their fair share — say, more than $100,000 a year — may be used to covering 100% of their individual household expenses.

However, it doesn’t typically feel good when a fiance refuses to contribute, claiming their money is only for “fun,” not “responsibilities.” This scenario isn’t as uncommon as you might think.

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• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now
• Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American household spent about $77,280 annually on expenses in 2023, including housing, transportation, food, insurance and health care.

In a two-person household, those costs can quickly add up. And when only one person is footing the bill, the financial and emotional burden becomes even heavier.

The red flags of an unequal dynamic

While differences in income are normal, refusing to contribute entirely can trigger long-term problems.

When one partner sacrifices and handles 100% of the financial responsibilities, their personal finances may suffer down the road, while the other partner gains.

This creates several challenges.

Budget strain. Even with a six-figure salary, carrying the full weight of household costs limits your ability to save, invest or spend on yourself.

Lifestyle imbalance and negative emotions. When one person is financially constrained while the other uses their full income for leisure, it can foster resentment.

Power imbalance. Financial inequality can also seep into decision-making. The partner who pays for everything may feel overburdened and unheard, while the non-contributing partner may avoid accountability.

Future financial insecurity. Without shared financial planning, big goals — from buying a home to starting a family — may be delayed or derailed entirely.

It’s about more than just paying the bills: aligning your values, goals and decisions is important in a successful relationship.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

How to address it before saying ‘I do’

Before walking down the aisle, a couple in this situation needs to be candid, in a productive, structured way. If you see yourself as the "giving" half of your relationship, here are a few practical steps to hopefully see change.

1. Have a values-based conversation

Frame the conversation not as a confrontation, but as a shared planning session for your future.

You can try something like: “I want us to feel like we’re building something together. Can we talk about how we want to manage money as a team?”

Focus on shared goals, like housing, travel, kids and retirement, and how to achieve them together.

2. Consider financial counseling

If emotions are running high, a third party can help. Premarital or financial counseling can uncover deeper money beliefs and create shared understanding.

Resources like the Financial Therapy Association can help you locate professionals near you.

3. Propose a fair cost-sharing model

A practical approach is using a cost-sharing model like a proportional contribution one.

Under this, you’d figure out the proportion of total household income you each bring in. This system keeps contributions equitable while acknowledging income disparities.

For example, say you earn 70% of your combined income and your partner earns 30%. You’d each contribute these proportions toward shared costs.

So, if those costs are $65,000 annually, you’d pay $45,500 per year, while your partner would pay $19,500 per year.

4. Set boundaries and deadlines

If your partner continues to resist contributing, it’s worth asking yourself if this is a difference in values or a refusal to partner in life. Marriage is a financial partnership as much as an emotional one.

Put yourself first by setting a deadline to revisit the conversation and being honest with yourself about your limits.

What to read next

• JPMorgan sees gold soaring to $6,000/ounce — use this 1 simple IRA trick to lock in those potential shiny gains (before it’s too late)
• This is how American car dealers use the ‘4-square method’ to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Two large California oil refineries are shutting down, triggering mounting concerns from state legislators, industry groups and many others.

Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson of the Gardena district bluntly described his concern during a recent Sacramento hearing.

“This is a tremendous loss,” Gipson told NBC Los Angeles, referring to the looming closure of the Phillips 66 plant near L.A. "The jobs that it holds, the individuals… working each and every day, those individuals live in my district, they shop in my district, they add to the economy in my district."

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• Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10

Shutting down refinery powerhouses

The Phillips 66 and Valero’s Benicia sites are set to close in 2026. Together, the shutdowns will eliminate nearly 300,000 barrels-per‑day of refining capacity — roughly 20% of the total used in the state.

Valero attributed its decision to “years of regulatory pressure (and) significant fines for air quality violations,” including an $82 million penalty levied in 2024. Phillips 66 similarly cited business challenges stemming from California’s strict environmental regulations.

"They have said that they cannot do business in the state of California," Gipson reiterated. “The regulatory agencies have imposed on the refiners of California very stringent regulation that makes it very difficult for them to remain in the state of California.”

The way Gipson sees it, the state should do everything it can to ensure that its remaining refineries stay in California.

"These companies have been working to make sure they meet these standards, these goals and objectives that the regulatory agencies and legislature have set."

What’s at stake

With California processing about 24% of its own crude oil needs but consuming a far greater share — some 13.1 million gallons daily — the impact of these closures is significant:

Less supply and higher gas prices

California drivers already pay the highest gas prices in the nation — around $4.85 per gallon, significantly greater than the $3.16 national average.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

With less local supply, experts warn of a potential impact that could range from modest spikes (less than $1 per gallon) to more dramatic spikes if supply disruptions occur. One particular analysis forecasts prices could even soar over $8 per gallon by late 2026.

“California can ill afford the loss of one refinery, let alone two,” said USC Professor Michael Mische in a May 2025 report.

Import dependency and emissions

With fewer local refineries, the state will rely heavily on imported fuel — both from other U.S. regions and overseas — which would escalate shipping costs and increase emissions from tanker vessels at the ports as well as possibly the other refineries where the imported oil originates (they themselves may not be meeting sufficiently stringent environmental or quality standards).

Job losses and tax impacts

Each closure risks the loss of hundreds of direct and indirect jobs. The Benicia refinery supports about 400 employees, while Phillips 66 has around 900 workers and contractors. Layoffs will ripple through communities, hurting local economies and tax revenue.

The risks and rewards

As California’s refineries close, the state stands to gain and lose in different areas. For example, while local air will potentially be cleaner, pollution will increase at ports from tankers bringing in imported fuel.

There may be a boost to clean-energy infrastructure and jobs, along with potential federal or state transition aid. However, the current industry will see large job losses and communities reliant on incomes related to local refinery work may suffer economically.

The state will also rely on foreign markets and supply chains, making it more vulnerable to disruptions beyond its control.

What to read next

• JPMorgan sees gold soaring to $6,000/ounce — use this 1 simple IRA trick to lock in those potential shiny gains (before it’s too late)
• This is how American car dealers use the ‘4-square method’ to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Three Denver-area businesses face a combined $8 million in fines for allegedly employing unauthorized migrant workers in contravention of employment law.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agent Steve Cagen told Fox31 News that the fines are designed to uphold the law and “promote a culture of compliance."

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“The employment of unauthorized workers undermines the integrity of our immigration system and puts law-abiding employers at a disadvantage,” he said.

The agency announced the fines publicly on X.

Who was fined and why

ICE said CCS Denver, Inc. — a commercial cleaning and facility maintenance company — knowingly hired and employed at least 87 unauthorized workers. It faces the largest fine: $6.19 million.

According to ICE, Denver’s PBC Commercial Cleaning Systems, Inc. demonstrated “a pattern of knowingly employing at least 12 unauthorized workers.” It was fined nearly $1.6 million.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Green Management Denver was fined $270,195 after ICE identified 44 unauthorized employees.

ICE said its enforcement actions follow workplace audits. John Fabbricatore, a former field office director for ICE. said such audits have been going on for decades.

“They performed an I-9 audit in which they found multiple Social Security number (probably) mismatches and no matches,” Fabbricatore told Fox31.

“So, they went through with a civil violation of that and fined these companies for employing people who are unlawfully present in the United States and unauthorized to work (there).”

Undocumented workers pay a price

While the businesses face financial consequences from such audits, undocumented workers pay a high price on the job. Here’s how they’re typically impacted.

Wage theft

When employers knowingly hire unauthorized workers, they sometimes exploit that status to skirt labor laws, resulting in wage theft.

According to a report from the Economic Policy Institute, workers lose over $15 billion each year due to minimum wage violations alone — a burden that disproportionately affects immigrant and undocumented workers.

Benefits loss and job instability

Undocumented workers are rarely offered employee benefits like health insurance, paid sick leave or unemployment protections.

Their precarious legal standing often prevents them from reporting labor violations like unsafe conditions, wage theft or harassment.

For many, this is due to fear of retaliation or immigration consequences, including deportation.

But some workers also have visas tied to a specific employer, meaning that employer controls their visa status along with their livelihood.

Financial strain and tax implications

Although many undocumented workers pay taxes — often through Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) — they’re ineligible for many public benefits funded by those taxes.

They’re also more likely to face budgeting strain due to unpredictable income, lack of formal employment contracts and vulnerability to sudden job loss during enforcement actions.

What to read next

• JPMorgan sees gold soaring to $6,000/ounce — use this 1 simple IRA trick to lock in those potential shiny gains (before it’s too late)
• This is how American car dealers use the ‘4-square method’ to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Michelle Boisjoli, a 37-year-old mom of three from St. Louis County, Minnesota, starts her days early and ends them late — not because she wants to, but because she has to.

As a full-time teacher earning $37,000 a year, she’s become part of a growing demographic of working Americans who need a second job to get by.

“It takes multiple incomes to survive in this economy,” Boisjoli told CBS News.

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• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now
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A day-to-day struggle

Boisjoli’s days are a strained balance of child care, lesson plans and DoorDash deliveries. She feeds her young children — ages 1, 4 and 8 — before eating whatever leftovers remain to "try to make every dollar count.”

“I always grew up thinking about the stereotypical American dream, where you own a house and you have a yard to play in. And I think that dream is dying," she lamented.

Her story highlights a harsh reality confronting many today. A CBS News poll found that 2 out of 3 Americans are stressed about their finances, and 3 out of 4 say their income is not keeping up with inflation.

For Boisjoli, the reality is more cereal, less eggs and bacon — and the constant calculation of whether she can afford to gas up the car.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

The cost-of-living crisis

Boisjoli’s experience is far from unique. The cost of basic necessities, like food, gas and housing, has risen dramatically in recent years.

In early June, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index showed a 2.4% year-over-year increase in inflation, driven largely by housing and food prices.

Wages, however, have not kept pace. According to a report by Pew Research Center, real wages — what people earn when adjusted for inflation — have fallen since the pandemic, eroding purchasing power across the board.

The median adult full-time, year-round salary dropped by more than $4,000 per year (from $64,321 in 2021 to $60,000 today).

Americans are working multiple jobs to get by. Since May 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics consistently found that more than 5% of the workforce — about 8.5 million people — were holding more than one job.

That figure includes professionals like Boisjoli, who, despite full-time employment, must work evenings or weekends to afford life’s basics.

“I’ve had to take on a second job just because everything has gotten so expensive,” she said.

An out-of-touch system

Boisjoli’s frustration isn’t just with the cost of living, but also with the systems that allow it to persist.

“A lot of the people making the decisions for us are wealthy, don’t know what it’s like to work two jobs, don’t know what it’s like to have to pay for gas with quarters,” she said.

“If they knew a little bit about the average person who is fighting every day to make ends meet, I think that maybe they would make decisions that were actually helpful for the average person.”

She represents a disillusionment of younger working-age people with the American dream — a concept once defined by upward mobility, homeownership and economic security.

More than half of U.S. adults under 50, feel the dream is no longer possible — or was never possible.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.