Posted on 06/25/2013 8:34:46 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
Why is it that my parents never had a lot of money but didn’t run out and wildly spend all of it before they received?
Different ethic. Today’s people expect the government to be there with money when they stub their toe.
Welfare check to welfare check?
Their kids have Obamaphones, and free school breakfast and lunch.
No Worries!
Vacation? What’s that?
Your statement describes almost everyone we know. Then they are snide because we have the money to buy larger items that we want.
I was at Big Lots the other day with my best friend (who is always in dour straits monetarily) and I put a solar light back on the shelf....it was $20. She said buy it. I said no we are out of money for the month, I stick a bunch in savings and refuse to touch it. She said....OMG you just made an offer of $30k for a car, buy it! I said no, that’s why I can afford the $30k car, I don’t spend a bunch of money on crap.
She rolled her eyes and walked away.
I know of one family who is on the dole many times over. They shopped around to find a doctor who got them on a gov program to get $2000/mo. free meds plus who knows how much more. They rent all their stuff or finance it with no down payment and it’s constantly being repossessed. They move all the time because they don’t pay their rent. She’s on SSI but takes temp jobs until they fire her and/or she reaches her limit of working and then gets on unemployment. The list goes on and on. But they’re always going on vacation. Had a cruise for Christmas. Silly dumb me for not learning to play the game. Last time I had an outing was the last Harry Potter movie, at the matinee price and no popcorn.
Forgot to mention the obvious - yes, they voted for hussein.
For a long time I was one of these paycheck-to-paycheck types. Only last year did I finally pay off all the credit cards, close them down, and start putting money in savings. Right now I have about a 3 month cushion, but of course the goal is much higher. Still... it feels good. The more I save, the easier it gets, and the more rewarding it is.
In the Indianapolis area, we've been bombarded lately by local media, about how there are so many hungry children around. They're even hungrier now, because school is out, so they don't have a chance to get their government-supplied breakfast, lunch, and after-school snack.
The article touted one of the local programs that will essentially feed anyone that shows up--maybe down at one of the city parks, or perhaps at some kind of shelter. The article lamented that "not enough people knew about this program, so they're unable to take advantage of it." A counterpoint argued that people knew about it, they just chose not to walk to wherever was handing it out.
This news leaves many of us scratching our heads--how could these kids be so hungry? Are these the poorest of the poor, who's parents don't even have enough left over after their government assistance programs? Aren't there programs like WIC, and EBT, that give money to these folks? Are they actually buying groceries and making meals? Do they understand that concept of having leftovers so you can make a second or third meal out of one? Do they understand that buying (or making) loaves of bread gives you bread for a week or more? Or, are they buying ingredients for "quick" meals - pre-made spaghetti-O's, frozen pizzas, pre-made meals? Or worse, bags of junk food, and other processed stuff?
I don't mind helping those genuinely suffering, but I find it hard to believe that kids could be that hungry. It's almost as if their parents don't care at all.
Every family makes their own decisions on such matters. And how much money anybody needs really depends on their own choices. For some people saving no money at all is fine from their point of view, since if Dad loses his job everybody is SOL, and that's just the way it is.
My point was that there are many trends in the economy which have increased the amount of money families need to have in savings, and that it is increasingly difficult for many families to save the required amount of capital.
I was thinking mattress
A floor drop safe would probably be best.
No dependence on another entity, and unless your foundation is totally washed away, it’ll be there.
Hang in there. You're of a generation that learned survival skills, and you'll be able to put it together.
This might sound really unconservative. But you didn't make this situation; you're a victim of it. If you are eligible for food stamps or any other programs, take them....you've paid taxes your whole life.
Another thing at which a lot of my over-50 neighbors have had opportunities with is local jobs. If you see a sign for a cashier, or manager/clerk at at a grocery or discount store, etc. apply! A lot of these places like older stable workers.
Best wishes,
grania
Invest in a good floor safe. in concrete. a wall safe can/will be ripped out and box safe can be carried (or towed) away. a waterproof, floor save installed into the foundation of a closed or garage is the best option and easily concealed. IMO.
As a fellow Indy resident, I agree with your comments 100%.
The reality is that some percent of these kids ARE hungry because their parents are second or third generation welfare bums with zero skills for work or parenting.
Amen...you may have noticed a LOT of older employees if you look around...my wife and I will actively seek out older employees when we need help...better work ethic, more knowledge, eager to help. Wise businesses seek out older workers.
Keep up the hard work. It will be worth it....
Still, things are kind of awful. God is allowing one problem after another after another. I have no idea why He's doing this; all I want is to work, as the Bible says we should. He has to keep my old car running or I can't get to work at all. I nearly lost my job last time the thing broke down. (New head gasket, water pump, and timing belt: $2000.)
Who cares about Moran's comments?
Thanks for your story. I need the inspiration. Just finished Financial Peace University a few months ago. One thing I learned there (not really touched on in the course textbook) is that it takes about seven (7) years to implement all the steps in the Dave Ramsey FPU plan, and many people get discouraged at how long it takes.
You are very close to a reprieve. God Bless!
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