How many of you are living from paycheck to paycheck?
I ask because one night when I could not sleep I was watching Tyra and they were talking about people who live on the streets and how some of them got there. Then she gave a fact that stated:
70% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck and did not have any type of savings or cushsion to fall back on if they got sick or lost their job or became disabled.
Not quite.....but real close!I have about a 4 month cushion. which is not enough to be comforting.Well, we live paycheck to paycheck and we have no type of savings. And we use credit cards quite a lot to help us make it thru the month.
Yeah, we got 3 maxed out credit cards, and one of them just a few months back maxed out. That is how hubby had money to buy gas, was with the credit card, now we struggle even more
Good news though! We get to pay off 1 1/2 credit cards this month when we get our income taxes back YAY!! And the one that gets fully paid off is getting cut up. It is the BIG one we have had for a couple of years now and that helped us get thru that rough time when hubby lost his job and it helped to pay a lot of bills and to keep us from getting our electric cut off quite a few times and has bought son diapers.
Pretty much the same boat as you too Joonie. Not much fun but one must live and take care of the family!
Laura
We were living less than paycheck to paycheck when Justin was sick. We're starting to catch up, but haven't had a chance to put anything back. When we do, we'll only have a few hundred saved by christmas I imagine. We can just only put away so much, without making life hard.I lived off of my credit cards that first year after my divorce. I still lived in our house and had to pay the house payment. Once i did that, paid my car payment, insurances, doctor co-pays, cell phone and utilities there wasn't a dime left over. I ended up putting gas, groceries and 2000 CHristmas on there.
I sure learned a hard lesson on Credit Cards! BUT: you do what you have to do. Had I not had them I don't know what i would have done.
Try not to worry too much about living pay check to pay check Joonie. It will only upset you and cause you needless worry. Hopefully it will help you a little to know you aren't the only ones living that way. HELL; even Tyra said it, 70% of American's live that way. It's a hard reality; but at least your family has a pay check at all. There's always something to be thankful for, right?
I have lived paycheck to paycheck. I hated it - it scared me.So I learned a set of skills that would pay enough to save money. It took me until I was 30 to have a 1 month 'cushion'.
Yeah, I know.
I was just wondering if anyone else was doing it as well. I mean if I could work we would not have this problem.
I just guess I am destine to be poor. It has been like this all my life.
I do not stress or worry until someone cannot get something they need and we have to take from one so the other can or if we have to start asking the in-laws for help, which we have done that before and we repaid them when income taxes came in that year, even though they were not expecting us to repay them.
It just has to do with my Humira and having to dish out that money so I can be able to clean my house and feel better, but not better enough to get a job and actually have money to have not that much worries and not having to take from one to get the other something they need like diapers or new school uniform shirts because the others are stained beyond belief and you do not want kids to poke fun at your kid for having "dirty" clothes, when you have already bleached them over and over again and the stains still stay. The school uniforms are public school requirements and if she does not have the right shirt on she gets wrote up.
Joonie, can you call the school and see if they have a program that provides the uniform shirts?? I'm sure they have something to help people out. They get free lunches too, right?Nope, she does not get free lunches anymore, as out here you only get free lunches if you get food stamps and we do not get food stamps anymore since I got approved for SSI.
It sucks to be poor.
Things will be better, they are way better this time of year then they were last year.
Paycheck, what's a paycheck? When I first got sick, I did live from paycheck to paycheck. But I learned quickly that this illness can take you off work at any time. Since then, I kept working on lowering my debt and trying to save anything I could. Even with all that planning, with all my best efforts, I still got sunk because of the stupid rules LTD, SS and everyone else plays by. There is no feasible way for me to make as long as the process takes.
All you can do it try to plan for the worst case scenario. But when you have young kids, this is almost impossible to do. When you are just starting out, like Katie and Justin, you barely make it.
Try and look at how you can handle things over a longer period of time. Look for opportunities to refinance things at a lower percentage rate. Try, try not to use credit cards. I got it down to one with a very low ceiling. It's maxed out now. But it won't kill me in the end.
Look for second hand things for major purchases like cars, refrigerators, etc. Let friends know that you are trying to locate something. Sometimes you can get it for free. Try the freecycle.com.
Live on less than you think you can and put that away. Even saving coins can make a difference, anything that gives you a buffer to live on.
With RA, you have to assume at some point you are not going to be able to do paycheck to paycheck. I look back and wished, wished that I ate out less. Although as much as I miss a good hamburger, sometimes I don't regret it. I certainly don't regret a few special meals out with the kids. But I could have done with less.
Now, every penny has to be stretched. But I don't have a lot of debt hanging over me except for medical and I've found that in the end that seldom really hurts your credit.
Stop living for the good credit score and think about what you really must have. Focus on those things. Buy food and stock your pantries.
If you, while you have a paycheck, think out a plan about how you would survive without one, you will be better prepared if the worst happens. Then try living a couple of months that way with it really tight. It can be very eye opening as to what becomes most important.
Is there room in the boat for me cuz I'm almost there with ya. Joonie...andBoy, I would love to do something like that. But my hands are a real problem. Still if you know a good program like that, maybe you could post it.
There are programs out there, but it's a real art to find the legitimate ones where someone really can make money and it's not a scam or pyramid scheme.
What kills me is that as a freelancer, I could make a killer hourly wage. But I still cannot afford the medical. And, you cannot freelance and not be able to meet time requirements. It is diasterous. A couple of times of doing that and no one will touch you.
I keep hoping that I'll get better enough to write on a regular basis. But right now, that's impossible.
i've been living very poor the last 25 months waiting for ssd .had land i sold cheap so i could last another year on then sister helped me out.credit cards helpedvtoo but are full now,lol.at last ssd starts next month on the 14th so i'll be ok then. with backpay i can pay down cards and fix home up some.
I lived like a pauper for 3 years after I retired from my job on a disability pension. I was fortunate that retirees got the same excellent health ins and prescription plans as active employees. So I did not have to worry about that. There was however, very little money left after paying mortgage,utilities,dr visit copays, meds and food. I am fortunate to have parents that were financially able to help me over the occasional rough spots. I finally was approved for SSD in April 2006. With my pension and the SSD I'm good. Thank God, I have no more money worries. I truly wish the same for everyone else.
alfe, so glad you finally heard. Congratulations.
midnitestitch, does it get better after you finally get your award. I feel so desperate at times for this process to be over. It is so hard fighting them and being sick at the same time.
I live from paycheck to paycheck - I can manage until the car needs repairs or I need to do house repairs & anything unessential comes up. Maybe someone (Marian or Deanna) could start a new thread giving tips on how to survive on a low income.Yes, I live paycheck to paycheck and I'm out of money until I get paid on the 20th. I'm scared all of the time. I feel like I work just so I can pay for R.A.
Just started living paycheck to paycheck. IT SUX. It is hard to learn how to budget when you made enough money to "treat yourself" fairly well. We quit going out to eat, I do not go shopping (my favorites were antique stores) and we have sold a lot of possessions. What sux is I had always lived paycheck to paycheck, it had not be long when I got out of that mode that RA hitAfter my divorce my saving was depleted and cc maxed out. I'm starting to get caught up on things, and i don't have any debt, but still not enough $ after bills. Get's very stressful!!
My cousin sent me this book for Christmas 1 year (used, of course).The Complete Tightwad Gazette (Paperback) by Amy Dacyczyn
Borrow it from your library! It is loaded with practical advice.
I think most of us do not know the difference between a need and a want. Figure out what you need and buy it at the best price you can.
When I get depressed I spend. IT SUX. I have to break that habit but I did not realized how ingrained it was in me. We have no spending money so I need to curb that "addiction" right now and stick with what we need.For some people, you just have to not go in certain stores. For instance, Hot Topic and Target are big no-nos for my daughter. She cannot walk out without spending something.
Basically, right now, I don't spend on anything but rent, utilities and gas. I'm counting cable and phone in utilities but that's because my mom helps with those. I'd go crazy if I didn't have some kind of entertainment.
That means no haircuts, no new clothes or shoes, no books. Even cleaning supplies are stretched to their limit.
Oh, but in my dreams, I'm spending baby, I'm spending.
Hey Marian, I know Amy and her hubby Jim! Amy made lots of money with her book and personal appearances, but she has not changed her way of living at all. They still go to thift stores for clothing, etc. grow their own veggies and do lots of volunteer work. Whatever you read in the book, they do it. Great people.I have that book...great tips on all kinds of things....really enjoyed it. If anyone wants it, I'd be happy to mail it to them.
We don't live paycheque to paycheque, but I do remember a time when we did.
Oh I know the difference between a want and a need. I was brought up poor and I mean poor. It was only me and my mom, she did not work much as she was in her mid 50's. We mostly lived with other family memebers like my older sister or my uncle. But I remember her telling me when we would go to the store and before we got in the door she would tell me she was only in there for food and not to ask for anything as she only had money for food. All of my clothes until I started working were bought from garage sales, any toys I got were from garage sales even christmas toys and birthday toys.
Now my husband on the other hand he does not care if it is a want or a need, he will buy it. When he was a kid his parents both worked and bought him a new toy every week, name brand clothes from the mall, 0 Nikes, and anything he and his sister wanted they got. At work his co-workers call him "Privliaged Whitey", because he has never seen a real food stamp, never had to have hand outs, as his parents made good money.
I have gotten him out of buying things he wants, and have just gotten him to buy needs, but it is kinda hard to tell someone who works for the money that I am trying to make last a little longer that he cannot buy something he wants. It is not hard in the sense that he will not listen, but that it is his money, he worked for it and I would think he should be able to do whatever he wanted to do with it. He does do right and pay all the bills he can pay and buys food and all, and with whatever is left over, if he decides to buy something he wants, then I do not complain.
I am very fortunate in that we do not have to live paycheck to pyacheck. I was always afraid of being in that position and have built up a decent nest egg. I think this comes from watching my parents trying to live paycheck to paycheck and not always doing it very well. I saw what my mother went through when my parents divorced...trying to find a job, food stamps so we could eat.
So, at this point, if something happened, we could survive about 2.5 years (I am talking about paying for just the basics.) I do not buy much "stuff" and I am not an impulse spending for the most part. I love buying food and cooking and eating out. I do like to spend money on books, entertainment and travel. If I use a credit card, I usually pay off the balance each month.
I know how precious this position is and how quickly it can disappear especially due to illness. I am very thankful for what I have.
Yep, the income don't equal the outgo in this home. It is a constant stress. The juggling act I have to do monthly is getting harder and harder and more balls are dropping.Hillhoney, what a struggle! A 40% increase in utilities is outrageous. Here, they have to get an increase approved by the voter's or at least a special commission. It has never gone up by more than 5-6% a year. And then all the other things going up. No wonder you feel swallowed.
The only thing that I could think when I was ready everyone's posts is that I kept trying to stay current on all my bills and credit cards. Then I had some major problems that disrupted my cash flow and the credit cards sunk me. I have learned since never, never put medical bills on credit cards. Usually doctors and hospitals (not always) will work some kind of very reasonable arrangements with you. And, they charge interest it is an extremely low amount. In AZ, they have to accept payments as low as a month and can only charge interest a high as 1 %.
I had to declare bankruptcy to get out of the debt which was mostly caused by medical. So, I didn't put any medical on a card again. And, I was being very good at staying on top of my bills. But I didn't keep myself a cushion. The doctor took me off work for a month after about three months of really heavy doctor's bills. I couldn't even make it through that month. I was trying to be responsible and keep everything paid up.
But building that cushion is really important because we don't know if something is going to make it where we can't work.
Hillhoney, I don't see what else you could have done anything differently. Sometimes life is what it is and you can only deal with the cards that lay in your own hand. But I know you are clever and smart. You'll find a way through this.
There are hospitals in my area that will let the patient work off their bill with as little as 2-3 hours a day. It is up to the patient to choose. And, sometimes I think that it may be good therapy. They are not only helping themselves, but others as well. Of course it all depends on their health. Our non-profit hospital has a year plan - you get one year free if you don't make enough money and do not have any type of insurance - and some people even get it with medicaide and medicare. That's what Justin is on right now, it has saved our LIFE. Thanks for your kind words Deanna. But you're wrong. We could have and should have done something differently - we should have saved. We should have had a cushion to fall back on. Its like the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors. Seven years of plenty followed by seven years of drought - he saved during the times of plenty - we didn't, LOL! We made the mistake of expecting things to continue going well, and that my husband's career was secure, there would be raises and promotions in his future as there had been before. We never expected his and many, many coworkers jobs to be sent overseas. We were naive and foolish.I had to chime in here. I am so thankful I am not alone...I was just here thinking...OKAY what am I going to do...stressing over bills I can't pay right now.
See, My Husband and I were doing okay. Both of us work fulltime (THANK THE LORD) and we had a small savings, but never enough if either one of us would get sick. We were doing okay...not living above our means...comfortable.
It is hard enough with one sick person in the house...but two sick people in the house...things can get tight. My son has Sickle Cell Anemia and I have RA.
Well, in 2005 all that came crashing to a halt. I had to have surgery, which kept me out of work 1 month, our son got very ill, and my husband had to have emergency surgery.
Now, even after two years...we are struggling. I have also made some dumb mistakes. I spend when I get depressed and that has hurt us even more.
YET...I have been working hard at not doing it. We are in Credit Counseling and that has helped. I know I can do better...I feel so down and wish I had a better paying job to take some of the pressure off my husband. MAN...he works so hard to provide for us...and looking for another job right now for me has been hard.
I am having more damage to my body from the RA. I have been blessed at the company I am with...But there is not any room for advancement in my dept without going to another dept or leaving the company.
Here in lies my problem...My boss is great, kind and understanding. My son is on Tranfusion therapy for his Sickle Cell and I have to take him, which means every month I am out at least 2 to 3 times a month. my employer works with me and my schedule. It is so hard to leave my dept because I doubt any other manager will help me like this.
QUESTION...WHAT NEW EMPLOYER will understand and be helpful? WHAT NEW EMPLOYER will give me time in the mornings when my joints are stiff, time to come in late and leave late?
I have been depressed for a while. My husband is a big stickler on the bills and things getting paid on time. He is a great provider...but the stress I feel about discussing bills with him make me even more depressed.
Any way...I am so glad I am not alone. I know we will have to work hard at getting out this DARN hole.
It will get better...probalbly later then sooner. But...it will.
Just remember that all of us are human. Maybe we should have, would have, could have... but that was yesterday. We can only deal with now. Don't beat yourself up with guilt and don't let others do it either.
now & then, I don't where politics might lie, that was great. I'm glad you shared it.
willwin, your problem is exactly what I faced when I was still working. I had to take work off all the time for both myself and my daughter. And, I'd come in late consistently because it was so hard to move. My boss was so great about that. But she was difficult to work for. So, I know where you are coming from. It kept me from looking especially when I had benefits, etc.
So, I endured. But....that said, it doesn't actually hurt to look. You have a job now that sounds pretty supportive. But maybe there is something else out there. In my field, it is very hard because all the jobs are deadline driven and long hours. I didn't feel I could do management any more.
If you make it through the job interviews, and are being considered as a candidate, then you might bring up the fact that you need this accomodation. The other route to go is to pick companies that you might like working for and send them your resume and a cover letter stating what you can offer them and what your restrictions are. You just might find that really cool boss out there.
Now & Then, I must take issue with this information. I am glad that 401K's are doing well. Unfortunately we had to resort to living off of ours when my husband's job was exported, so we no longer have one.Hillhoney, that was a great counter. One thing I really like about being here is all the really, incredibly intelligent people I meet. I truly do not care if we agree or not. But I love to read what other people are thinking. It broadens my mind, informs me, shakes me up.
I love it. Don't hate for it. But sometimes the biggest thrill of my day is when a good discussion on here gets going. I know, I know that I should be following the Iraq one. But I am so far behind on it now.
Glad for strong opinions and women with facts.
now & then, what a great essay.
But things were better than that when Clinton was president.
My 401k is finally 80% of what it was. OK I'll be the 1st to say it. I am a wonderful saver and a jack ass investor.
We were not in a war. My cousin's 44 year husband was not in Iraq. He is a patriotic republican who joined the national guard because they help clean up after tornados and floods in WI. He was proud of his 8 years of army service. He wanted to be a weekend soldier.They keep extending his stay...
The company I work for was not laying off people in the US and replacing them with foreighn workers (who do not pay US taxes). Many of these people are no longer counted among the unemployed..see once you run out of unemployment benefits..You do not count. It does not mean they have other high paying tech jobs.
We are no closer to having health insurance for all. Even with medicare part D lots of people choose between food and meds still.
I don't recall paying plus a gallon for gas in 2000, do you?
My house has at least doubled in value according to my doubled property taxes... But there are 4 houses for sale on my block who were for sale last summer - no takers. I think the property run up is done, which for me is good because it increases my tax bill but does not keep my plumbing in good repair.
Also my step kids are 23 and 28 and I wonder if they will ever get to own a home at todays prices.
Katrina still makes me cry. New Orleans was a fabulous and unique American city. When peoples lives are devasted by nature, this country used to help people rebuild. Home owners insurance used to pay off, so did federal flood insurance but they don't seem to have to any more.
The budget was balanced even if Clinton could not keep his pants zipped.
I think I will vote democratic in the next presidential election, but I'm not sure the democrats are all that much better than republicans when it comes to taking care of the people who vote for them. Seems they too prefer the special interests that fund their campaighns.
Like Deanna I am really pleased to be part of a group that will really talk to one another. At least that part of America is still going strong. So there is still some hope. Discussion not mud slinging!
Well said Marian.
republicans vs. democrats....poo! things were better when I was working 40 + hrs a week and so was my husband and paying the bills was easy..
but..on the flip side...things are better now that I get to take care of my kids..and bake brownies with them in the evenings..and help them with homework..so yeah..we are broke..but we sure have learned alot of hard but important lessons in the past year...and when we do pull out of this slump we are going to be alot wiser for it..
and hopefully my kids will not have the bad habits that my husband I both had...being the spoiled rotten brats we were growing up....
Money sure does help...but if you talk to God often, and try to be a good person every day....you will always find a way to get by..
Crunchy, I think it is wonderful how you have changed your life. I remember what a struggle it was for you before quitting. Your health is bound to improve when you are finding your happiness. That sounds great.I have just sat and read through this whole thread. I am amazed at what resourseful, resilient, strong, intelligent people you all are. I can't relate to most of what you are having problems with politically because I'm here in Australia. The struggles you have all had (and are having) with medical bills and social security amaze me. I can only imagine what you are dealing with on top of this ugly disease that we share. The stress must be immense.
We fortunately have a great Medicare system and Private Health Insurance is affordable for those with average jobs. Even if you don't have private health, you are in the Medicare system, you might have to wait but hospital and surgery are basically free. Once you reach about 00 in prescriptions and the same in medical bills, you get them at the pensioners rate. That means scripts are about . That means dr.s visits are about . That's for everybody. If you are unemployed you automatically get a pension and everything is free. The only thing that we don't have is Disability unless you are single. I could not get disability because my husband works. I qualify for nothing except the cheaper benfits that kick in after 00. No govt benefits as long as one person in the home is working.
But the fights and knock downs that I have read here and the getting up again and doing it all over....you guys need to be proud of yourselves. You have the guts and chutzpah that inspire all those who listen to your stories.
Again, you amaze me. I'm proud to be part of this group.
Not quite any more, but close.
Way back when Mark stopped being a cop and started teaching it was very very very bad. He subbed for a year and we were elligible for freee cheese and free lunches for the kids in school etc. We used up our savings and maxed out what little credit we had. We had 3 kids, and the expenses you have with a family and he was earning what a brand new beginning teacher would make, and they usually dont have a growing family.
Fast forward 20 years and we are doing ok.. A little, (and I mean LITTLE) savings. Mark is a teacher, with tenure in a good district. it pays less than any district in this part of the state, but he has a decent job. He works summers too and teaches at a local college part time too.
We can afford to get things done on the house, we even can afford to take a small vacation every now and then. We have paid off the house and have almost no debt. BUT we are now raising 2 little kids again soooo all those expenses are back. Our credit is shot, due to the wretched problems we had, and how long it took to get caught up.
Luckily we have excellent insurance and Mark will have a very good pension.. legally he can retire in 9 years. We doubt he will though. he is 57 now, and he fgures he will work as long as he is able. If his insuance changes, or his diabetes worsens, we could be in real bad shape again easily.
It scares the crap out of me.
Check it out, it's for ANYONE. Crunchy posted it a while back, but I'm going to keep posting it until it's a household name with us.
JUST BECAUSE it doesn't list your state on the menu, doesn't mean it's not avlb!!! Look up your "host site" (at the top of the menu page) and go to your local church's website. For example, FL is not listed as a distribution place for the Feb menu, BUT there is one church in my area that is partcipating. This is a GREAT help folks!!
With struggles for money and what not, every little bit is a blessing!