An astounding survey conducted by Wider Opportunities for Women (WOW), a non-profit Washington based advocacy group, has concluded that 45% of American families live in economic insecurity. They report written in collaboration with researchers at Washington University and funded by Ford Foundation defined “economic security “ as an income sufficient to cover basic expenses without relying on public subsidies. These families are not under the poverty line as defined by the United States Census Bureau, but are barely keeping their heads above water. They barely cover the basic expenses and have no economic reserves to plan for their children’s college tuition, recreation or unexpected health bills.

The hardest hit demographic groups are single mothers and minorities.  With the expected federal budget cuts to programs like education and job and technical training, childcare program and social security, these families are likely to dip below the poverty line. The reality negates the general notion that if you work full time and abide by rules of the society, you will be able to take care of your family. “And what we’re finding is that workers who are working full time or the equivalent are still struggling”, says Donna Adkison, President and Chief Executive of WOW