Financial hardship is a huge problem in the world today. It is becoming an increasing problem in the United States due to the economic crisis, however it has been a big problem in many places around the world for a long time. It is one of the hardest problems to solve. The problem is that the majority of poor families have to spend a large portion of their money on necessities, such as food and shelter. Additionally many people that are having financial hardships have diseases or suffer from drug addictions. In areas with severe poverty crime rates are a lot higher, which causes additional problems. The economic state of the United States is causing financial hardships for families that were once middle class. Money management is important for people suffering financial hardships. They have to set priorities. Poor people should realize that food is more important than material things.