ABSTRACT
S tagnant incomes and falling wages are only part of the decline in the well-being of working Americans. A family's wealth also affects its standard of living, as well as its ability to cope with financial emergencies. For example, financial assets, such as money in a bank account, can help a family make ends meet during periods of illness or unemployment. Tangible assets, such as a home or a car, can directly affect a family's standard of living.
