Americans are postponing marriage, parenthood, home ownership, and retirement. Financial situations heavily influence these decisions. A Harris/Guardian poll revealed that 60% of Americans feel the economy impacts their major life goals due to affordability concerns. Personal accounts highlight the effect of economic and political climates on life decisions. For some, like Martha Knight, the possibility of raising children raises questions about stability and environment. The US fertility rate fell to a historic low in 2023, contributing to concerns about child welfare and housing.
"We made peace with the fact that we will probably rent our whole lives, and we're OK with that," Knight, 34, said. That's where we are.
"It's a hard question for Knight, who is from eastern Kentucky along the Appalachian mountains. Kentucky is her home state, it's where she and her husband grew up. But she doesn't see it as a place where she can raise a family."
"In 2023, the US fertility rate dropped to its lowest point in almost a century. We are one of the highest states for child hunger, for the foster care system."
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