Middle-class blues

Read other stories in the series at startribune.com/economy.

No wiggle room: Anxious families feel the strain of an economy on the edge and find it's easy to fall behind.

Frustrated on a fixed income:

Despite simple living, a retired couple still worry their money won't go far enough.

College debt a heavy burden:

Saddled with big student loans, a young couple rent out their basement and tap their line of credit to make ends meet.

I have a little bit of guilt: