tough choices

Mar 15, 2013
Families face tough choices in the shadow of the Great Recession
A new HBO documentary takes a look at how millions of families have been left out in the cold in the richest country on Earth.
Oct 5, 2012
Tough Choices: How the poor spend money
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Three families living around the poverty line in San Diego tell Marketplace Money what it means to spend money when you don't have a whole lot of it.
Oct 5, 2012
Could you live off of $438 a week?
The poverty threshold for a family of four was $22,811 last year according to Census data. Do you think you could survive on just $1,900 per month? Try our interactive poverty simulation to find out.
Oct 5, 2012
The psychology of poverty
One Harvard professor says being poor not only impacts people financially, but mentally as well
Oct 5, 2012
Is personal responsibility the key to ending poverty?
Two takes from experts on both sides of the political spectrum on why people are poor and what they can do about it.
Oct 5, 2012
Rich and poor in San Diego speak out on wealth gap
Residents of San Diego's wealthiest and poorest neighborhoods reflect on opportunity, responsibility and the American Dream.
Oct 5, 2012
Falling into poverty: A family’s story
Clifford Fleischbein and DeeDee Varner used to make $250,000 a year. They're now living just above the poverty line in San Diego.
Oct 5, 2012
A car can transport people out of poverty
When you're poor, car trouble can spiral out of control — but for those without access to public transportation, a car is essential.
Oct 5, 2012
Comedian puts the funny in frugality
Courtesy Juston McKinney
Comedian Juston McKinney grew up poor. Many of his jokes have to do with being a poor kid and how living middle class now hasn't solved all of his problems.