Women feeling growing financial pressures on family life

Meredith Corporation and NBC Universal announced findings of a nationwide survey conducted among more than 3,000 women that covered a wide range of important topics to women, including marriage and family, health and fitness, safety, and financial matters. The findings from the Meredith/NBC Universal "What do Women Want?" study examines why the economy and personal financial challenges are at the forefront of the upcoming Presidential election and how women are shaping the debate. Women and their families are experiencing tremendous financial woes -- on issues ranging from housing to credit card debt to healthcare -- and are very concerned about their long term financial security.

Two-thirds (68%) of women cite "financial strain" as a major threat to the American Family -- and a much bigger threat than "divorce" (48%), "loss of faith/spirituality" (47%), "liberal views on sex and sexuality" (32%), "both parents working" (28%), "unwed mothers" (21%) and "couples living together instead of getting married" (19%)
The majority (79%) of women in dual income HHs say it is "essential for both spouses/partners to be employed in order to make ends meet"

Six in 10 women are concerned about being able to pay their bills each month (60%) -- especially high among single mothers with children under 18 (80%)

72% of women are concerned about rising taxes -- especially Boomer women (81%)

4 in 10 (38%) women "feel overwhelmed by financial burdens" -- even higher for Gen X (47%) and mothers of children under 18 (47%) and single mothers with children under 18 (52%)

4 in 10 (38%) women have incurred medical debt -- even higher among mothers of children under 18 (49%), especially young mothers 18-34 (59%)

Only 15% of women say they do not have any debt

22% of women report being over $20,000 in non-mortgage debt -- even higher for Gen X women (30%)
Three quarters of women are concerned about the future of social security (77%) and saving enough for retirement (75%)