U.S. Middle Class nearly gone

[RolloTheGreat]

 I think it's a considerate financial challenge just to manage a comfortable level of living - else, the wife/mother would feel forced to take on a full-time job as well - even if it means daycare...  DAYCARE, baby, DAYCARE FOR THE POOR KIDS!!

So much wrong in all that but I'll pick a few.

1. All daycare is not equal. Mine was a college grad woman in my neighborhood who played on my volleyball team. She watched a couple kids to earn some extra bucks. My son doesn't seem scarred by it, honor roll every term, confirmed in his church, plays multiple instruments, has played all the sports, and I couldn't get him to give me Christmas ideas this year because he said he has everything he ever wanted.

2. Some women actually (gasp) choose to work. My wife enjoys her job, has two months a year paid time off, flexible hours, can work from home, is a valued manager who makes good money. Once when I was offered a job for more money she straight out told me no matter how much I make, she will continue in her career. (and she just old me that no matter when I retire or how much we have she plans to work until 65 because she finds it fulfilling and has enough free time to enjoy life as well) Not every working mom is getting told "Get me my damn coffee" over a luncheon counter, women actually succeed in these modern times.

3. The sticks are not as bad as you think. I'd note Washington DC has the highest crime rate in the country. Wouldn't live or work there for $1m a year. Something to be said for safety and not being around urban crime and expense.

4. No family living on 70K is going to be paying daycare by choice, it costs too much for 3 kids to be cost effective. They'd have to work different shifts or use family.

5. There is no $1000 car constraint. I linked to a car with 20K miles and the remainder of a 5 year/100K warranty for $200/mo- easily affordable on that level of income.

I think you're just to used to urban ways to know or understand how very much cheaper it is iin the rest of the country.