Abstract: Principles of effective family resource managementare presented to help adults solve the problems of individual and family living. These principles are viewed asa sociological system consisting of "inputs" (e.g., family values and goals, family crises, income, assets, credit, andcommunity support programs); "throughputs" which act upon the inputs to achieve designated results (e.g. planning and implementing); and "outputs" consisting of an environment modified by the throughputs. A theoretical system model is developed and each of its components is discussed in detail.The model is then applied to specific family life situations (e.g. families with handicapped members, single parent families, and low income families), and to the family"life cycle"--from young families to elderly people. A glossary of terms provides definitions. (nzm).