This document shows different levels of financial well-being, from crisis to wealth. It explains how government benefits can help families meet basic needs but sometimes create barriers to building long-term financial stability. The guide highlights tools that communities can use to measure and support family economic growth.
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Asset limits in programs like SNAP can trap families in poverty by preventing them from saving money
ALICE families earn above poverty level but still can't afford basic needs in their communities
Benefits cliffs occur when small pay raises cause families to lose assistance, making them worse off financially
Multiple measurement tools exist to track family financial well-being from survival to wealth building
True financial stability means having both present security and future freedom of choice
The $13-17 per hour wage range creates the biggest risk for benefits cliff problems
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