Burt Clayton, a slightly disgruntled postal worker, and his wife Alice, a cashier at a fancy car dealership, are working toward realizing their lifelong dream of owning a home, even though they are short on cash. The Claytons have perfected the art of the argument, and between fights they are struggling to raise their 12-year-old daughter, Danny, and 7-year-old son, Sean, with love and humor (and a few threats). They also offer parenting advice to their neighbors, Lenny and Phyllis, who have a newborn baby.