Despite having a consistent income source, most workers cannot stretch their earnings until the next payday. For example, they could have a medical emergency that involves more than simply paying medical bills. It may also imply spending money to go to and from the place of treatment. Low-income families face numerous such moments of acute stress.

What social and personal factors prevent women employees from stretching their income for a month? What do they do to resolve those financial issues? How can a lack of funds affect them during a time of need? What decision-making authority do they have over their own hard-earned money? Is it possible to lessen these stressors? We discuss these financial challenges faced by women workers in low-income contexts.