They needed money to keep up with their monthly expenses, so Tammy didn't put the bonus towards the balances on credit cards or the equity line and instead put the money toward financing their lifestyle.

NPR: Weak Housing Market May Not Be Signal to Buy

Tammy's days revolved around meeting the other mothers for story hours at the local public library or for play dates at their homes, where the living-room floors were covered with toys.

NPR: Weak Housing Market May Not Be Signal to Buy