How do low income people survive? (average, $30,000, financial, loan)

[cats_pawn]

you said, we don't have a mortgage: does that mean your house is paid off?
Living frugally is one thing; being able to live frugally while paying your mortgage is a bit more difficult.
If you don't mind my asking, how did you pay off your house?
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Originally Posted by 20yrsinBranson

Last year my husband and I lived WELL on $12,000 which comes out, I believe to about $6 per hour.

We do not have a mortgage, nor a car payment. We DO have insurance, two fairly nice cars in good repair (we just spent $400 on one to get the points and plugs replaced).

We eat good, nutritious food that we grow in our own garden (in the summer, that is), and we buy grass fed beef and other meat from local producers. We eat out more than we should.

Our lifestyle is very low maintenance and frugal. It can be done. People are doing it every day.

20yrsinBranson

[AliceT]

Originally Posted by Jesse69

I don't see how someone making $10,800 a year can afford a car and house!

I'm just one person. But I know families that are doing it on less and it boggles my mind. You ready for this? You might want to sit down...

One family - 2 adults and three teen sons:

Only real income they have is her social security supplemental income check is under $600/month. They get food stamps totaling $500/month. They are all on medicaid which covers their health care and medications. They are home owners, doing the rent to own thing and their monthly house payment was $175. Not much of a payment but it's not in suburbia, either. They managed to pay it off last month and it is now theirs. Welcome to a coal mining town.

He is semi disabled, but makes a few bucks or barters for a few necessities with carpentry, electrical work, auto repair. he can't do much, but he does what he can and usually adds perhaps $100/month to the household kitty. For the life of me, I have no idea how they manage with so many mouths to feed - and two big dogs, too.

They do not have a car and rely on mass transportation and neighbors.

[Woof Woof Woof!]

Necessity is the mother of invention.

[beckycat]

BUDGET, BUDGET, BUDGET that's all I can say! It can be done. First of all you need to shop around for the best prices on groceries. Don't buy unless it's on sale. Go to low cost grocery stores and buy generics. Stock up on meat when it's on sale. Shop at Dollar stores. There are many programs out there through churches. You can get discount food or even free groceries. You can still go out to eat sometimes, but get the specials. ($5.00 pizza, early bird, Mc'D's $1.00 menu)Do free things like going to state parks, museums, town festivals, movie nights, etc. Pack lunches and drinks wherever you go. Try to have everything paid off like your car. No need for a payment, get an older car. DO NOT use credit cards, if you don't have it, do without. Cut back on cable, internet, cell phones, car insurance. Shop around for the best deal and basic packages. Thrift stores, craigslist, and garage sales are your best friend! You can find some awesome bargins there. Bottom line, do not live beyond your means! We are a family of 2 adults, 2 children, 3 dogs and a cat and we're able to do it on that income. I always say if you have a roof over your head and food on the table, you're not poor.

[PokerPlayer84]

Originally Posted by TKramar

Perhaps someone with a DEGREE in those things.

Janitorial, culinary science, and hospitality degrees!

There is no such thing(it would be funny though.) There are just jobs out there needed to be done that require no school. Who would want there garbage to be left outside and just sit there with no one to pick it up.

[TKramar]

Originally Posted by PokerPlayer84

There is no such thing(it would be funny though.) There are just jobs out there needed to be done that require no school. Who would want there garbage to be left outside and just sit there with no one to pick it up.

Actually not sure about the first? But there are culinary science and hospitality/travel and tourism degree programs.

[Driller1]

Originally Posted by TKramar

Actually not sure about the first? But there are culinary science and hospitality/travel and tourism degree programs.

Yes, there is!!! In culinary, it is rather hard to get in some schools.

[Wendy N.]

It's stressful that's for sure, but there's only so much time to waste on the things you cannot control. Keep trying, keep the faith and know that this too shall pass. That may sound a bit "out there" for some, and I understand, but the highs and lows keep coming~ it's how you react to it all. Am suffering myself at the moment, don't know how I'm going to get by, but I will, I just know. The love of friends is priceless, the humility of asking for help sometimes difficult but neccessary. Wishing you all peace today and a better tomorrow. There are many things that we can live without...I am learning this daily. Blessings & love, Wendy

[PokerPlayer84]

Originally Posted by Driller1

Yes, there is!!! In culinary, it is rather hard to get in some schools.

That is great but even if a bunch of people got degrees/certificates in these there would not be enough jobs for everyone

[GypsySoul22]

Originally Posted by Wendy N.

It's stressful that's for sure, but there's only so much time to waste on the things you cannot control. Keep trying, keep the faith and know that this too shall pass. That may sound a bit "out there" for some, and I understand, but the highs and lows keep coming~ it's how you react to it all. Am suffering myself at the moment, don't know how I'm going to get by, but I will, I just know. The love of friends is priceless, the humility of asking for help sometimes difficult but neccessary. Wishing you all peace today and a better tomorrow. There are many things that we can live without...I am learning this daily. Blessings & love, Wendy

Yes, I agree. I admit most days I am upset about not having a job but I try to see the good things about each day and remember I HAVE found jobs before and I will again.

I never was a very materialistic person so it helps right now.