Dina Rudick/Globe Staff

Jessica Wood tied son Emmett’s shoes as her mother, Anne Low, looked on.

Dina Rudick/Globe Staff

Wood and her family live with her parents while they try to get out of debt.

Dina Rudick/Globe Staff

Jessica and Randy Wood spent a recent morning running errands.

Dina Rudick/Globe Staff

For now, buying even a used car is a strain.

Dina Rudick/Globe Staff

Jessica Wood, who is a teacher, has moved back in with her husband and their two kids.

Dina Rudick/Globe Staff

A list of weekday dinners and who is assigned to prepare them in the two-family house.

Dina Rudick/Globe Staff

After dinner, Barry Low played the piano with his grandchildren.

Dina Rudick/Globe Staff

Jessica Wood prepared her classroom in Lawrence.

Dina Rudick/Globe Staff

The Woods played with their children in their parents' backyard in-ground pool.

Dina Rudick/Globe Staff

Randy Wood checked his email to find that he was passed over for the job for which he had interviewed.

Dina Rudick/Globe Staff

Maisie Wood modeled her new back-to-school clothes for her parents.

Dina Rudick/Globe Staff

Maisie and Emmett Wood got ready to bike to a nearby park.