Good morning Qcity! Today is going to be a windy day in Charlotte. The weatherman is calling for a few showers this morning, which should clear up before noon, when we will see sunny skies and highs in the mid 60s. Tonight expect a chance of rain and lows in the 40s.

Here’s what’s brewing in the news:

Nearly half of American families experiencing hard times

Many American families are on the brink of being pushed from crisis to catastrophe as jobs remain scarce and unemployment insurance benefits are being cut. Even, those who are employed are struggling. Nearly half of all American families are unable to cover the cost of basic living expenses with or without a job, according to government and industry data.

A large number of these families live above the poverty line, and constitute what many describe as the “working poor.” Although they do not meet the federal threshold of poverty (which is around $20,000 for a family of four), they do not have enough money to cover housing, food, healthcare and other basic living expenses, according to a report released Tuesday by the advocacy group Wider Opportunities for Woman (WOW).

The report found that 45 percent of U.S. residents live in households that struggle to make ends meet. That breaks down to 39 percent of all adults and 55 percent of all children, the group found.

"This is a wake-up call for Congress, for our state policy-makers, really for all of us," said Donna Addkison, President and CEO of WOW.
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Are you wasting money this holiday season?

Yes, it looks pretty, but is wrapping paper really worth the financial investment? And how much food do you really need to buy? If you have invited six people to dinner, do you really need enough food to feed twenty? Every year, many Americans get caught up tradition and spend too much money on extra things that are not necessarily needed to enjoy the holiday experience. Click here for seven ways you may be wasting your hard earned cash and for advice on how to keep more of it in your pocket.  

Got news to share with Qcity readers? Email us at editor@qcitymetro.com.
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