🌸 How Today’s Monetary System is Straining Families and Communities: Insights from Chapter 5 of The Hidden Cost of Money
In our latest reading club meeting, we explored Chapter 5 of The Hidden Cost of Money by
@Seb Bunney, and it really hit home. The chapter dives deep into how the pressures of our modern monetary system are breaking down families and communities. Rising living costs, stagnant wages, and the increasing need for both parents to work long hours leave little time for meaningful family connections. We are witnessing how this system doesn’t just impact finances but seeps into how we live, interact, and raise our children.
Our Reading Club Discussion: Real-Life Examples
We shared stories of families who are so overwhelmed by the struggle to make ends meet that even basic interactions with their children are becoming challenging. One member told us about an immigrant child whose mother works multiple jobs and was so tired that she signed his field trip form with her eyes closed. 💔 This is a heartbreaking example of how financial stress is pulling families apart, leaving kids to rely on their peers for guidance, which often leads to them absorbing misinformed and shortsighted opinions.
We also discussed the difficult choices many families are making to cohabitate with extended family or other households to afford housing. While this can hurt a parent’s sense of independence, we agreed that one upside is the companionship and support that come with shared living, helping families feel less isolated in tough times.
One part of Chapter 5 resonated strongly with us—the idea that humans have historically survived in tight-knit communities. Yet, for the first time, many people, especially in cities, spend their lives surrounded by strangers. We all admitted that we’ve experienced loneliness, even while being in the middle of a crowd. It’s a reminder that community isn’t just about proximity; it’s about connection.
And for some, we touched on the difficult question of whether it’s possible to find a better life outside the U.S. It was a sad moment for many of us, as we reflected on how the American Dream, once so full of promise, seems harder and harder to achieve. It sparked real conversations about the loss of opportunity and the search for a better, more sustainable life elsewhere.
Join Us in the Conversation
If these topics resonate with you—whether you’re juggling multiple jobs, struggling with housing costs, or feeling disconnected despite living in a busy world—join our reading club!
Together, we’re navigating the complex challenges of modern life, sharing our experiences, and finding ways to support each other.
#FinancialLiteracy #WomenEmpowerment #Community
