How Candidates' Economic Plans Would Impact a Real, Struggling Pa. Family

April 21, 2008 — -- Meet the Riveras.

When Yajaira Cruz-Rivera and her husband Freddie bought a house in Philadelphia back in 2005, they were hoping to settle in for decades. And it had to be big enough to fit their four children, who today range in age from 21 months to 17 years old.

Yajaira wanted to open up more space and let more natural light come in. They tore out a wall, making a large front room for the family.

The family had big dreams.

But three years later, there are still half-finished renovation projects in every room. The dining room is only partially painted.

The Riveras can't afford to keep renovating. They really can't even afford to live in their home anymore.

When they bought the house they thought they were signing up for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at a 7 percent interest rate. They thought their monthly payment would be $920.

"We can afford that with no problem," Yajaira said.

It's unclear exactly how they got into the loan they ended up with — but the rate was much higher and it adjusted upward.

"That next rate hike was to 11.25 percent, and a new mortgage payment of $1,671 a month," she said.

Their mortgage payment is now nearly double what they expected, and even though Freddie works 12 hours a day supervising a truck fleet, they can't come even close to paying it.

The presidential hopefuls have spent much of their time giving stump speeches about their economic plans, and "Good Morning America" broke down just how each would help a family like the Riveras.