Tasia and Bill's financial problems are a combination of several issues. When they started their family of what consists so far of two young children, they decided that Tasia would be a stay-at-home mom. Concurrently, Bill was starting a business - a specialty grocery/restaurant - which takes up much of their resources as he builds the business. As such, he also works part-time for the postal service, a job which pays most of the bills. But a serious car accident forced Bill to take time off from work totally for six months. At the same time, Tasia suffered from post-partum depression after the birth of their second child which has made going back to work for her a difficult proposition. They are not only arguing over about the cause and how to get out of their $145,000 consumer debt, but their relationship has also suffered from the arguments, especially over Tasia not working and Bill working only part-time beyond the business. Beyond these issues, Gail finds that they are unaware that both are spending beyond their means. Aside from the spending, Gail wants them to manage their money more wisely, such as Bill selling some speculative stocks. This and some other tasks are easier said than done as Bill in particular is emotional about maintaining an image which includes being in control and not being proven that he made a mistake. Gail also wants Tasia to investigate whether it does make sense for her to return to work. Above the financial issues, Gail knows they also need some time as husband and wife to reconnect.
—Huggo