In the end it is everyone's ignorance of finances that is the real problem. My parents fought over money but neither of them had a clue.My dad made the money and he expected my mom (who got married at 16 and was still living at home) to run the household. The book titled "Your Money or Your Life" was an eye opener for me. Later, I got involved in the Voluntary Simplicity program from Seattle and still work things I have learned.

@JackPedigo My parents NEVER raised their voices when discussing or arguing family matters. Serious!! Dad knew money in his pocket would burn a hole right through it, so mom kept the finances. She did it well and instilled in us an ability to stay within a budget and shop for good deals. No impulse buying going on in that household . For all the carping I've done about that dysfunctional woman I did learn a lot, it made being on my own at 20 pretty much a piece of cake.

@silverotter11 The arguments were mostly around the holiday. We kids got most of what we wanted but there was little left in the bank. Thankfully, CC's were not around then.