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Jim Seida / msnbc.com
Jeremy Wilson reads to his 14-month-old daughter Samantha while his wife Jamie folds diapers in their Anderson, Calif. home. The Wilsons feel squeezed on their $50,000-a-year income.
ANDERSON, Calif. - When Jamie Wilson learned she was pregnant with her daughter, Samantha, she fully expected that she would be a full-time working mom.
But when she tried going back to work, she said it was too hard to be away from her daughter.
“Once she was born, it changed my whole outlook on everything,” Jamie said.
Instead, Wilson, 31, opted to go back to her job with Shasta County Health and Human Services just one day a week. Her husband, Jeremy, works four 10-hour shifts as an analyst, also with Shasta County Health and Human Services, so he can watch Samantha on the day that Jamie works.
That’s left the couple living – with a very careful budget – on the nation’s median income of about $50,000 a year.
TODAY.com’s Life Inc. blog visited the Wilsons in Anderson, Calif., this week as part of our series of stories on what it’s like to live on around $50,000 a year.
The Wilsons say they have a general budget and are careful with money. They also are relieved to have family that can help them out in an emergency.
“We’re pretty lucky in (that) we’re able to cover our necessities, and if there’s something we couldn’t get we’re pretty fortunate that we can go to our families,” Jamie said.
Still, they live paycheck to paycheck and sometimes find themselves squeezed.
“There are times when we get down to a couple of days before the next paycheck when we think, ‘OK, let’s scour the cupboards,'” Jeremy said.
One big expense is food. Jeremy, 30, and the couple’s daughter, Samantha, both suffer from a number of food allergies. That severely limits the family’s diet – and bulks up their food tab.
The Wilsons estimate that a five-pound bag of gluten-free flour costs $14.43, versus $2.12 for a bag of wheat flour. A loaf of gluten-free bread costs double the equivalent wheat bread.
In all, the couple estimates that they spend around $600 a month on food.
To save money, the couple gets what they can at Walmart and online. But Jamie also occasionally makes trips to a nearby health food store, where she can pick up things like vanilla coconut milk, gluten-free bagels, brown rice pasta and cheese substitute.
They even plan those grocery trips carefully; it takes about $7 worth of gas to get there and back.
Health care costs are another huge expense. The Wilsons pay about $600 a month for health insurance, and they also are paying off bills for Jeremy’s appendectomy and Samantha’s birth. Even though they have insurance, they have to pay some portion of their bills out of pocket.
They have a small amount of credit card debt and some student loan debt. In addition, Jamie is taking on additional student loans to get her master’s degree in special education.
Jamie likes the idea of a career that will give her more time with her daughter, although she said the thought of more student loan debt sometimes weighs on her and her husband.
Still, Jamie says she thinks she has learned from the financial mistakes she made in her first marriage, which ended in divorce – and with a foreclosure.
The couple does little things to save money. They bought reusable cloth diapers instead of disposables, and Jamie nurses instead of using formula. They moved to Anderson, in northern California near Redding, in part because it was less expensive than other parts of California.
Her past foreclosure meant the couple could only get approved to buy a $125,000 house, instead of a $200,000 house they wanted to buy. But now, Jamie says she is relieved they bought the cheaper house because it’s easier for her to stay home with Samantha.
Still, the couple says they don’t know whether they can afford to have a second child, especially since Jamie will have to start student teaching in a couple of years and they’ll need child care.
Even a pet is out of the question, for now.
“We would love to have a dog, but we can’t afford one,” Jamie said.
Click here to see previous stories in our "We are the median" series. We’re also sharing our thoughts — and yours — on Twitter (hashtag #median), Facebook and Google Plus. We invite you to comment on our posts — but keep it civil and on topic, please!
Finally, please share your story of what it’s like to be living on about $50,000 a year by clicking here to send me e-mail. We’ll feature some of your stories in future Life Inc. posts.
Leave a Comment:
and just like the distorted unemployment numbers....the inflation index does not include groceries and fuel. That's makes a lot of sense huh? Two critical, must-have, items....not figured into the cost of living.
Just like the MILLIONS who have given up, fallen off the unemployment radar. "Let's just not count them anymore huh, doesn't look good."
I just feel the need to point out that 50,000 dollars a year is 30,000 dollars MORE than what is considered the 'poverty level'. Since I receive just over 8,000 dollars a year, what does that make me?
Wealthy enough to have a computer.
Somebody should tell this family that they might want to think about leaving the ridiculous cost of living in California, and settling in one of the thousands of places around the country where they could live pretty comfortably on $50K/year.
Silvershadows---I'm glad you commented. They make $15k more than I do, live in a house that is almost 2 1/2x as expensive as mine ($52k 2br 1 ba large lot)yet they are complaining? From where I sit (midwest btwn KY & IL) $50k p/yr is pretty good income. I have a daughter & a dog; no cable, internet (I use my work computer during lunch and break to surf) and no car (use public transpo) but I feel I'm doing well @ $35k p/yr.
Over 75% of the people that live in the United States live on incomes less then $30,000. This story has to be a bad joke! Even if you have two members of a family working they still would make less then $40,000 Ask these people how they survive? The real truth is everytime somebody buys a stock somebody will lose their job. And it won't be replaced. The real question is how would this person or persons loss their $50,000 income live. Which will happen if not now later! This story is really in bad taste. The person or the media that did these story is saying if you make less then $50,000 a year you are homeless.
First of all, not all of California is as pricey as Los Angeles or San Francisco. Secondly, Dr. girlfrieend and Silvershadows, you can't compare locations. The cost of living varies drastically.
I have to laugh at the grocery bill----they have a baby! How much is she and her mother eating? Wait until the kid grows and they have another one! I have two teenagers....omg......I spend anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500 per month depending on our needs. Naturally the higher number would include some spurges and the lower is living without any luxury. This does not include school lunches! I say this due to the fact that not only is it location that factors into the equation, but the ages of the kids. Their needs change as they get older. It seems when they are in diapers and daycare the cost is high and again when they are enter middle school through high school. Do we really need to feed and clothe them? :)
Most libraries and some other places have computers available to the public.
Good responce Elk, and better luck next time you feel the need to slam someone else Pete.
Don't have kids until you're rich enough. An extra mouth to feed isn't exactly what you want when you're already trying to support 2 people with $50K.
Silvershadows, that makes you a moron. Go out and get a job, that's how most people increase their income. Oh, you're on SS? Oh, that means you CAN'T work??Idiot, I have an aunt who is 75, she stll works, doesn't complain that she's old and can't, just because she's able to draw SS. I will probably be working long after SS says I can retire because no one can live on SS. Besides, SS was never intended to be a retirement income, only a supplement. Babysit, crochet for Christmas bazaars, there are all kinds of ways to earn extra income.
Flamingo, Im going to learn you some knowledge. Check out the link below
Ok well apparently they wont let me post the link but go to:
ssa.gov/retire2/whileworking.htm
Yep gotta love the liberal fact checkers!
No news here. It sounds like you have a young couple working hard to achieve their dreams. They are not complaining; they are making things work.
Most of you cannot grasp that our parents did the exact same thing. My folks got married at 21, rented for a few years, started having kids at age 25. We lived in tiny houses until my dad made a little more money. We ate out once a month. We had only one car. No central air conditioning. We wore hand me down clothes that my mother mended. We children went to the local community college and then the local State U. All 3 of us have college degrees and jobs now. My best guess is after inflation, our family likely made 40 to 50 grand in today's dollars. We were not poor, we never felt poor. People just did not spend and waste the way they do now. Our neighbors were about the same as we were. Nobody ran around blaming the government because they did not have more "stuff".
Most of you can't fathom life without cable tv, cellphones, eating out multiple times a week, etc. Where did anyone promise you a life of luxury? Even the base model cars with power locks, windows, a/c, auto trans are far nicer than most cars in the 1960s and 70s.
I enjoy reading these stories. Don't know why we have to blame anyone. Talk to your grandparents about the great depression before you start whining.
Amen Gary!
My great-grandpa was a train porter during the Great Depression and managed to have a home, rent out half of it, and support his wife and three children quite nicely.
I agree that folks now are great, entitled whiners.
Sorry to say, but I live very frugally, a very basic cell phone (emergencies), basic cable (otherwise I get no reception) I have a very modest house and a paid off regular car (everything manual). I make a little over 28K a year and it's hard, food is very expensive, clothes are too so I'm glad my kids are still little enough that don't mind getting hand-me-downs. I buy almost everything used/off cragslist/thrift store or on sale. As the only income I'm obligated to work while my kids attend school. I paid 600 a month in insurance and still, if I need to have medical work done, I still have to pay 200-500 in copays. I do have a fair life insurance policy (for my kids mainly) I contribute to my 401K (I don't want to be a burden in my senior years). Things cost more now, medical, food, insurance, etc. While our parents and grandparents had it hard, now is not a walk in the park either. People like me, who make enough to survive but too much to receive assistance are hit the hardest.
I didn't read the article to be that these people were complaining... Rather just explaining how they do it. The bottom line is, in California you can live on $50k a year. Yeah, they could move to Mississippi or someplace with much lower housing costs, but they are making it where they are. You could no doubt write an article on how people make it on $35k a year and find many people across the country who make it work.
A lot of it comes down to choices and the impact of your choices on your expenses. Take housing. You can spend a lot or a little. You can save up a down payment or finance it all. You can decide you "need" granite countertops and stainless appliances or settle for formica and white appliances.
You can buy a new car and make payments or save up for a used car and pay cash. I make great money but CHOOSE to drive a 2001 Camry that I bought for $5k a couple years ago. It's nice, comfortable, and drives great. I carry only liability insurance on it which saves me even more money. Bottom line, EVERYONE drives a used car.
Hey, I just want you to know that buying thrift for clothes is the smartest thing to do anyways. Your kids won't mind...and by the time they are teenagers, spending 40 dollars on a pair of jeans you can buy for 5 dollars will seem as ridiculous to them as it does to you. I have a thrift store near here...and the rich folks just throw stuff away. I have a ralph lauren little black dress that I picked up for 6 dollars. 6 DOLLARS. That they probably spent a ridiculous amount of money on...AND it still had the tag in it. Food is ridiculous. I would say my husband and I make around the median....and as for living on it. You have to remember, these people don't get government medical assistance...so they are paying for their own dental and medical. That is around 800 a month to a thousand a month....times that by 12 and they are right there in the neighborhood of 38000 dollars, not to mention they actually have to pay taxes. And no, they shouldn't hold off on kids till they are rich. I have seen the product of money driven adults. Those kids have no respect for their own things or the things of others. No morals. I think the type of person having the child is more important than the money they make. Good for this woman for staying home and raising her own kids. Good for them for putting priorities first. I wish them well.
LiarsDems&Repubs banned, multiple of ruaZioNazi2, also banned. Don't register multiple accounts.
FlamingoRoad, you're suspended for a day for violating #1 of the Code of Honor. You're welcome to comment on other Viners' personal anecdotes, but don't call them names.
I get really tired of people comparing incomes today with what people earned and how they lived in the 50s. In the 50s the average family:
It seems ridiculous to me that people say in the 50s people lived much more simply on less. Yes, life was much more simple then! Adjusted for inflation, they could afford to live on thousands less than a family today. To say otherwise is sticking your head in the sand!
Health insurance for $600/mo. for a family of 3? Must have an incredible deductible on that policy.
On the upside, at least they are wise enough to plan their family. It's annoying how many people propagate when they can't afford to provide for their children. Then ask the taxpayers to provide welfare assistance in the form of food, health and living costs.
My thoughts exactly, if they cannot pay for the kids adopt them out, why do we have to pay for their one night mistakes again and again......
This needs to stop,
Its all those Baby Daddies out there 6 kids with 5 different women and no one makes them pay except the tax payer.
$600 per month for health insurance is about the norm anymore. My husband and I pay almost $800 and it is just the 2 of us. Our deductable is about $1,500 each.
First off I wish we had 50K coming in the door. It's pathetic, we've become so urbanized in this country that we reproduce according to income and if you don't want to be forced onto welfare or have some smarta$$ making "Baby's daddy" or "dead beat" comments you better hope everything works out your way..
By the way when you're planning your family get out the crystal ball and check ahead on things like inflation, wages being stagnant, recessions, Wall Street greed crashing the system, greedy banks , and retirement fund managers walking out with your money.
If you can't count on anything anymore in this country,then why bother to try to get anywhere. It's all about the corporations and the wealthy anymore. Soylent Green anyone?
You know what? When I had my kids, I could afford them. I could afford to raise them, to love them, to give them what they needed, and not rely on other people to help. I worked 50+ hour weeks at a good job, made enough to cover our bills, own a little house, and pay taxes. I didn't take out large amounts of debt, I invested and saved, I paid my student loans on time.
Now?
My house is underwater on the mortgage because values were artificially inflated on my small, 3 bedroom ranch. Which I'm now renting out, by the way, at a $10.00 per month loss under the payments.
I'm renting it out because the only job I could find after my old one outsourced was 3 states away, and pays roughly $20,000 less. Same job. Just was told "We can go on the street and find someone to take what we're offering...do you want to work or not?"
We shop at thrift stores now, not even able to afford WalMart...used to be a JC Penny family. You ever had that fun moment where your daughter comes home from school crying because the jacket she's wearing to her rural, small public school is the same jacket her classmate's mother donated last week? Didn't think so.
You know what? The economy is in the toilet because of at least 3 generations of rampant greed and destructuring for a quick buck. Now, these same people who screamed "DAMN THE IMPENDING FINANCIAL CRISIS! FULL PROFIT AHEAD!" have the unmitigated GALL to classify an entire generation that has to live hand to mouth, only able to make ends meet because of assistance programs, as layabouts?
Why do I have the internet? Because it's impossible for me to work without it. Trust me, if we could dial back technology so I could cut the $50 per month it costs, I'd drop it in a heartbeat...if it'd get us closer to not having to ask for and take help, and see people who have never known the pain of an empty stomach and the shame of knowing no matter what, you just...can't...do...enough judge me.
I assume you're a baby-boomer. Go talk to your parents. We have more in common with those who suffered through the Depression than we do with your entitled "ALL FOR ME" generation.
You know what, though? I do agree with you on one thing...
You're an ass.
* Shouldn't have bought an over-inflated home
* Be glad that you are getting all but $10.00 for renting your home.
* Your kids will get lice if you get them second hand jackets. (take that jacket away when its cold out and see if your kid wants the jacket back)
* Life is tough, even for the 50k crowd. People should be looking at why they don't make more, analyze the decisions they have made, regroup and try again. I hate hearing stories like yours, it's heartbreaking, but we as a nation need to step up and make things happen for ourselves without relying on government for the answer.
I thought 600/mth for food for 2 adults and a baby is pretty high even if 2 of them have allergies.
Over 75% of the people that live in the United States live on incomes less then $30,000. This story has to be a bad joke! Even if you have two members of a family working they still would make less then $40,000 Ask these people how they survive? The real truth is everytime somebody buys a stock somebody will lose their job. And it won't be replaced. The real question is how would this person or persons loss their $50,000 income live. Which will happen if not now later! This story is really in bad taste. The person or the media that did this story is saying if you make less then $50,000 a year you are homeless.
My husband and I are empty-nesters and our health insurance costs us $400 a month for just the two of us. $400 a month for health care we're not getting because we can't afford to pay the deductibles and the co-pays. $400 for health insurance we don't need because we're both relatively healthy people. $400 a month that we would not otherwise spend if we weren't forced to by our government, which is taken from us and used to cover other people's health care bills while we continue to go without healthcare ourselves. And people wonder why so many are committing suicide lately? What's the point in working your ass off when you never get anywhere because the government steals from your pocket to support total strangers?
Its hard to understand what MSNBC is trying to do with this article. As many have said a lot of people, about 80% of the population live ON LESS THAN 25000 a year. whats the game MSNBC?
MSNBC, this article is BOGUS because so many as I said 80% of the population LIVE ON LESS THAN 25000 A YEAR!!! BOGUS MSNBC BOGUS ARTICLE!!!!
And thats my opinion
Except that many people work and pay taxes for years precisely so that when they find themselves in dire straits and need assistance, they can get it. The safety nets exists for a reason, and contrary to "the American Dream", in reality sometimes there is NOTHING you can do but slog on and take whatever help there is to get by. What good is pride when you and your kids have to eat?
BronyLaw, thank you for your post. There are so many of us out here that work hard and still need a little help to survive. Its not easy to make ends meet for a family of 5 on less then $20,000 a year. No, I don't have internet at home, I'm on my lunch break at work. No cable, no car payments (they are both over 20 years old) Just the very basics for us. I'm not complaining and I appreciate the little help with food that I get. Too bad people aren't more compassionate. Maybe they live in the world of GW Bush and his "have's and the have mores".
I suspect this much just be the portion that the employer doesn't cover.
Those who are having a tough time affording food are complete and utter failures. The losers of society are now getting their well-deserved comeuppance.
this article is about living on a certain income not POLITICS. Cripes, can't you stay on target...just like your fox news friends.
I am grain and dairy intolerant too. best to just follow the paleo plan and not even bother with the "alternative" products. they are way too expensive and you just don't need them. you can bake great little indulgences using almond or coconut flour when you need a sweet.
We live on 50k in Mississippi where costs are lower. I think we are doing well. We pay the bills and put a little back. We have family to help with childcare or we wouldn't be able to make ends meet. I've gotten by on a lot less.
Median in Ole Miss is 36K. I guess you are doing well.
My wife and I make just over 50K a year combined and we have three kids. Budgeting is the key. We worked hard to pay off the house (after adding more rooms to it) in 13 years. A college fund for kids is well underway using nothing but a bank. It can be done--easily, if one is wise enough to avoid buying things that aren't needed (or cadillac versions of items when simple chevys will do).
and that's what people never learn
Bonum sit!
Depends on where you live. Our area, the median income is more like $80,000. on less than $50,000, we are struggling.
I don't understand the point of this article. Are we supposed to feel sorry for them? Staying home is a choice, buying a home is a choice, incurring more debt for a future teaching job in California, again a choice. A foreclosure, a questionable choice. We live on less than 50K, have 2 dogs, one child, 140K house, pay our health ins, home owners ins, life ins, have 30K ins student loan debt, medical bills from an appendectomy and wrist surgery and we REFUSE to incur more debt! I am divorced and remarried. I am working part time while starting a small business, my husband works full time. Is it tight, ABSOLUTELY. Is it our choice to live this way right now, ABSOLUTELY! The federal government requires at least 35% of our income, state govt at least another 5%. That is where the most pinch lies in our budget. I'm not whining to the Today show about our choices, but I would sure love to see a piece about how responsible the spenders are with the 40% that is taken from my take home pay. It would be a heck of a lot easier to pay down our debt if we had 40% more of the money we actually work for. Oh by the way, my numbers ARE NOT off and I would love for a reporter to sit down and do the math with me!
no one asks you to feel sorry for any one?? read the damn article its a survey !!
THNKPLZ - why is your tax bill so high? Can't you deduct health care costs, interest on your mortgage, child deduction, etc.? Maybe you should see a financial planner or use a different CPA. I'm single, don't have the benefit of a deduction for each child, have a mortgage and have to pay out-of-pocket for health care insurance. Our state taxes are high. I earn more than 50K but don't pay anywhere near 40% of my income in taxes. Something is wrong with your scenario.
Get a better tax preparer. Or get a better story.
I was thinking the same thing, 40% seems very excessive
Not really. FICA is 15.3% (13.3% this year). I pay 7% sales tax on top of that. I pay property taxes on my house and our cars. In my state, I'm in the 7% bracket, 25% to the feds. After deductions, I get down to 5.3% to the state and 19.8% to the feds. By my calculations, I pay 40% without even factoring in sales and property taxes. My guess is that you were only thinking of income. We pay a lot more. As a self employed guy, I also see the other side of FICA taxes which most employees don't. It's part of your tax bill, since your employer pays it to keep you on the payroll. Trust me, it's a factor. Just like unemployment insurance and health care.
She shouldn't be paying nearly 40% in taxes on a combined income of less than 50K tho. The Income tax is 15% for anyone making less than 70,000. Even with state, property and sales it's less than 40%.
AND she has a kid? Come on now...
With a family of three making 50K and the deductions and credits available, they will be getting their income tax back.
No way the government takes 35% of your salary in taxes. Are you one of "those" who thinks they know how to prepare their yearly taxes? So sick of everyone blaming the government for everything. I make far more money than 50K, and it's just my husband and myself. We don't pay 35%.
ANOTHER freaking article... Now I'm convinced this is being shoved down my throat, I'm also convinced that I'm supposed to feel sorry for them. Not gonna happen, first of all you choose to live in CA which is a high cost of living state. No one is forcing you to live there so stop complaining about what it costs. This continuing attack on wealth and prosperity is so exhausting. 35% of the poll claim its hard for them to find and buy the food they want and need??? I call BS... If you have a computer, internet, and can vote on the poll I HIGHLY doubt you are so hard up that it's hard to buy food. If thats the case then get rid of the computer for starters... If you can't afford food you can't afford technology. Oh... I forgot, someone convinced you that you are entitled to both...
Jeff, quit your bitching. I saw nowhere in this article where they were asking you to feel sorry for them. That is in your head, just because you like to bitch. Get over it.
Hey Jeff, you know, a cheap computer is like $300 and you buy it once. Some people have the same computer they have had since high school. I have keys falling off my keypad.
I also dont see anywhere where you are supposed to feel sorry for them. I took it as more of an "advice" article.
Get over yourself.
jeff heaven forbid you ever loose your job. you are talking nonsense read the damn article.
Jeff, know idea what article you read. Never asked to feel sorry for them. I do think a median income family of 3 should be able to have food and technology.
I'm guessing Jeff is a Larry Kudlow viewer.
Christ, Conservatives are so tiresome. I'm so sick of their whining about how they don't care about others. That's clear from your politics...you don't care about anything but lining your own pockets at the expense of others.
I'll throw in that there are places with free public access to computers and the internet.
Conservatives don't care about anyone? That's a stretch. I don't know how you get there from just wanting the government to live within their means like the majority of Americans do every day. But if that's uncaring, whatever. We can't continue to borrow 40 cents on the dollar to fund all of our programs. Uncaring or just plain old common sense?
You ever tried to have a kid in school without the internet? How 'bout most jobs that now require after hours work and access to email? What planet do you live in that the internet is still a luxury?
Seriously, I got rid of cable and a home phone, but kept the internet and my cell, because they're both pretty essential to, well, living in this day and age, for anyone who isn't a complete shut in. Not to mention the internet replaces a LOT of more expensive entertainment choices.
Try finding a job without a computer and internet, these days. And don't say go to the library because they are being closed due to lack of funding or the hours of operation have been cut, as we speak. Maybe get rid of the cable tv or the cell phones, but how do you function in today's world without the internet.
Jeffrey,
Yesterday you made an azz of yourself, but then seemed to redeem yourself so you were upgraded to half an azz. Today, however, your colors shine brightly and you are, indeed, a total and complete AZZ!!
try liveing on $12,000 like we do ........................
I cant see how you could possibly do that unless you arent counting the food stamps low cost housing etc
I agree with James. $12,000? Really?
That's what I live on $12,000. I get $1100 a month in disability. Medicare takes a $100.00 a month. I live in Florida and I was told I get to much money for food stamps. I own my home and my 10 yr. old Chevy is paid for. My son pays for my internet. If I got $50,000 I'd feel rich.
I just got laid off and was told I didn't make enough money to qualify for unemployment, so I am making ZERO. I worked at my job for $19.00 for five months until I got laid-off, and that was not enough. WTF?
They shouldn't really count disability payments when servicing you for welfare benefits. It may be the fact that you own your home, I know in NY they ask about that, and if you own a car, but they don't generally consider disability or unemployment when factoring benefits - dated someone from the DSS. Is it SSD or private insurance? Because if I recall correctly that's almost an automatic qualifier. If I were you I'd ask for a hearing, you sound like exactly who the system is supposed to be supporting.
In Oregon with my income of 14k a year with myself and a teen they offered me $16 a month in food stamps. Sadly the administrative cost of giving a family $16 of food stamps a month is probably higher then the benefit amount. I know plenty of other people under the FPL that receive $16 a month in assistance or nothing. What is one supposed to eat for $16.... Its a gallon a milk, block of cheese and some eggs or I guess 80 packs of top ramen at 20 cents each.
I believe her when she says she is not eligible for food stamps. I am not eligible for the Oregon Health Plan either, the cut off is an income of $960 a month. How is someone with an income of 14k a year going to afford to buy private health insurance... I have received multiple quotes for health insurance for myself and they all want around $800 a month because I have pre-existing conditions.
Same story here in WA State... I am living on $1300/mo with a teenage child. Unheard of rent of $500/mo (no... NOT subsidized) but not a great area. We no longer have a car; needed to get rid of it in order to meet food & utilities. Yes, we have a bundled phone, Internet & satellite tv service for $107/mo. Why? For safety reasons & unlimited long distance we have the phone - it's actually cheaper than the cell phone. I have a cell that I pay approximately $20 for every six months for service - that is how little I use it. Internet has become a necessity... My child is now enrolled in online classes vs. the horrible public school system available to us. TV... Well, we've debated and debated about getting rid of it as most of it is junk... But, it is the ONLY form of entertainment we have. We walk everywhere or use a discounted bus pass. We do not go out to eat. We do not go to the movies. My child is not in sports (can't afford it). We have a cat that I can barely afford to feed each month but am determined to keep as he means the world to my child. We did qualify for $16 in food stamps but that was stopped as we started to receive $242 in child support (finally). Grew a veggie garden this past summer. Clothing (except for shoes for my son) is always purchased via secondhand stores. Family help? No. Yes, we are making it on a very low income and I try to earn additional money whenever I can... most of which is needed for medical bills not covered by insurance. Are we REALLY "making it"? No way. We are all hurting a great deal. I know this sounds like a complaint - just sharing my reality. We are all in this together... wish I knew the solution... I've lost all hope and that's a hard thing to "hide" from your child, a teenager, when all I want to do right now is inspire him toward the future...
Yea I guess it really does matter which state you live in, in NY you'd probably get between 100 and 150 dollars a month. Yay NY I guess.
What!! My wife and I survive on 25k we would be living high on the hog with 50k
I admire your frugality. Unfortunately, here in NYC you and your wife would be homeless with that income. A household gross income of $50G would be insufficient for even the most resourceful family of 3. Bills would have to go unpaid. That is if you could find a landlord willing to rent to you. Its a pretty harsh economy for wage-challenged.
Anyway, I hope your situation improves.
Try living in a county/state where two-bedroom "starter homes" go for $400,000. Regional differences in cost of living are vast in this country. The people in the article live in California, which has high costs of living.
I am not an extreme coupon-er, but I do use them and with the food prices rising and now companies are changing the value of coupons,it's getting harder to plan for a month.
My husband gets paid once a month and we often find our selves making hard decision the last week of the month.
Meat prices are out of control. Almost double it seems in 2 years.
And forget about buying fresh fruits and veg. Some produce is more expensive than ground beef.
Busteroo- if you are relying on coupons to buy food, then you are not planning your meals appropriately. Most coupons, not all, are for processed foods that are priced high and have little nutrition value. You can cook for much less if you cook from scratch. A bag of dried beans is cheap compared to canned beans and can be cooked overnight in a slow cooker, then used in dishes such as chili. You can go on-line and find countless recipes for homemade cleaning products that are better than the manufactured variety. I never use Windex or other such products because good, old ammonia and water work better.
Coupons are not the way to go. I agree that most fruits and vegetables are ridiculously high in price, but buying local produce and buying produce that is in season will help lower the cost of those foods.
ABC I don't buy processed foods with coupons. I use them for staples, things that will last in my pantry.
And non-food items like soaps,toothpaste etc..
Might seem counter intuitive, but investing in a deep freezer, especially on a monthly income, is a great way to plan longterm. My local grocery store has all fresh chicken products 40% off this week, and generally once or twice a month fresh foods will drop drastically in price, as they near the sell by date. Remember, if you freeze it, it'll last for months.
Can probably find one used on Cragislist for 50 bucks or so.
I think it all depends on where you live and work. $600/month for healthcare for a family of three is about right.
its called living on a beer budget and drinking expensive wine
I' love to have the problem of how to live on $50,000 I work 7 day most weeks I have a college education and am still only making a little better that $20,000 I live in a one room apt, have no health or dental insurance. It take better tha half of my take home to pay the monthlies. I am basically ok with it but I'd love to find a better way to live
Clairbear - Thanks for the comment. Reality is in think most people are like you, only it never seems to get in these news articles. Would be nice to see amount of people within various pay ranges. (could google search or whatever). Seems people making 50k or more are complaining more than the 25k,
clair what course did you take in collage basket weaving?
So much for getting educated or retraining.
I'd bet Clair is a social worker, overworked, underpaid, unappreciated. Clair, go back to school, get a nursing degree. The work is similar, the pay is much better. You might even be able to get grants to go back. Then you won't have to serve a population that thinks you're crap anyway
Flamingo is probably spot on, there are plenty of people with college educations that work in healthcare and social service fields that get paid only a few dollars above minimum wage.
Bob, if people making 50K are complaining more than people making 25K, it might be because they thought they would be doing better at 50K than they are able to.
I applaude families who find innovative ways to make $50K work in high cost areas like CA and NY. And I read above where $50K is easier in lower cost of living areas like Mississippi (see above #4).
What is more important is how do the innovators (families of four) make it on 15K to say 35K, these are the people who need to hear ways to make ends meet regardless of where they live.
If I were making 30K and read this article it would pxss me off.
Navykoz - Right on !
Anderson California is not an expensive place to live. $50000 is a lot of money for the area.
sorry navykoz. people who can't afford to stay above water on their own and then still have 4 children are not innovators they are idiots. it is selfish to bring kids into this world when people are scrambling to make ends meet. i am glad to read the newest statistics that people are getting smart and waiting to have kids so they can take care of them properly or just not having them at all. As for the couple in the article, they are doing what they can to make ends meet but they would be stupid to consider having another child in their present situation and then expect handouts from family, friends and we taxpayers.
Why are you assuming they weren't making more when they had the kids? Most people I know raising kids on @!$%# incomes either lost a job, or went thru a divorce, so now it's only the one instead of two.
Flipside of that is people who live in states where's it's all but impossible to get abortions, which not ironically have larger populations of poor families.
WHAT?! They are RICH, what do they have to complain about! the Average is 30K
comparing to Donald Trump yes they are roughing it! bunch of whiners.
I agree....We are a family of four. My husband is working on a Ph.D and we live off of 19k a year....talk about budget. If I had 50k a year....I wouldn't budget anymore.
How appropriate, B of A runs an advertisement in this thread. Good call MSNBC, what a bunch of losers.
If not for the Military pension my husband receives for 20 yrs in the Navy, we couldn't make it.
Not to mention the Health ins we have because of his service. If I posted what we pay annually for the two of us smokers for full coverage, most would be outraged.
And rightfully so, everyone should be able to have the insurance we have and it not bankrupt a family.
Smoking takes a lot of money, too. Oh, I forgot. You can get your smokes at the PX -- no taxes so they're fairly cheap. Sorry, I know it's hard since my husband smoked for 55 years, but you both need to quit smoking. The rest of us are paying for your habits, both for the cigarettes and your health care. I appreciate your husband's service, but feel the two of -- and the rest of us a tiny bit -- would be better off if you both QUIT SMOKING.
I agree completely.
We went to rolling our own about 6 months ago. Cut the cost and cut our smoking down due to effort to keep them rolled. Odd deterrent I know.
I wish 5 million smokers at a minimum would agree to quit smoking this Jan 1, 2012. We are feeding one of the most insidious top 1% companies in this country.
Their product Kills. I know how hard it will be . I have smoked for 34 years.
But I am going to stay motivated by thinking about how we as Americans can do just one thing individually to try to affect a change.
Please join me in bankrupting tobacco.
The hardest part of quitting is actually wanting to. As a former smoker, I went to Smoke Stoppers, I was hypnotized, etc. because other people wanted me to. The day I truly wanted to quit, I quit. It was difficult for the first week. almost impossible. After the first three days it got better but still, six years later, when I smell smoke, I want to light up, but I don't. The easiest way to quit is to never start. Good luck in your endevour.
I just want to say please stop smoking. My husband passed away in 2005 from Stage 4 throat cancer. He was only 55 yrs. old. Smoking killed my mother in 2004 she was 68 yrs. old. I never did smoke. My father quit smoking 30 yrs. ago and he's still alive.
Busteroo, I am so there with you. My husband and I smoked for over 30 years. When he lost his job in 2006, we quit smoking because we couldn't afford it anymore. He has a job now making a quarter of his former salary, so we still couldn't afford it, even if we WANTED so smoke now.
This is a CHOICE. We make the choice to buy cigarettes. We make the choice to take one out of the pack. We make the choice to light it up. At every step along the way, we make a choice.
Now, make the choice to bankrupt Big Tobacco! While we're at it, at all voting times, RE-ELECT NO ONE.
I smoked for 27 years. Started at 13 and stopped at 40. I was up to 3 packs a day. The Lord sent me an angel who put me on her prayer chain, gave me detox herbs and a natural colon cleanser and made sure that I got out of bed every morning and walked- 3-6 miles a day! The first week I smoked so I could finish my carton. After that I refused to buy any and I have been smoke free for 10 1/2 years now. It can be done.
Um, Monica, I believe the median household income is just shy of 50K. That's probably why the story is about living on 50K -- just a guess.
Median means the midpoint of the range of incomes. I am not sure how you define rich, but to me it is the higher end, say the upper 10 percent? That would be people making above roughly $120K. For the upper 5% that figure would be around $170K. And of course the top 1% would be in the neighborhood of $300K and up. These stats are based on data from around 2005, which is the newest I could find, so the threshhold incomes are likely higher now.
You all want to bitch moan and complain about smokers but give drunks a free pass. Alcohol kills more people then cigarettes and I am meaning people who don't even drink are getting killed by these people who drink. There bums and self absorbed asses who think it's ok to drink then drive home from the stupid bar or drink at home then leave to get more booze. No one says anything about them but as soon as someone says they smoke you all want to rip them a new one. Alcohol cause's serious problems to the liver which in turn cost us tax payers more money cause these alcoholics want to drink there life away and then kill innocent people with there lame choices. Ever notice a person who drinks and drive and cause an accident they are the one who lives but the people they hit are killed and they go and do it again. They cost the state millions a yr for the civil servants to come out and clean up after them (i.e. ambulance, fire, police).When was the last time a person smoking a cigarette caused a traffic accident? Don't worry I'll wait. Just the other day i seen someone with nike's on wearing name brand clothes and using a food stamp card then buying alcohol with cash and the stuff they bought with food stamps was junk food. So before you all go bashing just on smokers and saying bankrupt tobacco company's what about all the harm alcohol is cause yet no one says crap about that if anything make alcohol illegal again and bankrupt all the alcohol company's.
In what world are drunk drivers getting a pass? The OP mentioned a smoking habit that's expensive, not weekday shooters at happy hour.
Christ on a crutch.
The person you saw probably does something illegal for cash, considering the low income requirements you have to meet to get food stamps (if you saw anyone at all...). That is not the norm. The norm is a single working mother with a couple of kids. Who may or may not still be buying her kids junk food, because sadly it's usually cheaper and quicker/easier to make.
My response was not to the op but to Humanikin who is saying that only smoking is bad and i was making a point that alcohol is 100 times worse. I am sorry you missed my point feel free to re-read it again so you may understand my point. My point is alcohol kills more people the alcoholics and innocents alike. Cigarettes do kill but mostly the smokers them self's the non smokers have a choice to move away from the person that is smoking. If they chose to stay by the smoker it is there fault for breathing in second hand smoke. Victims of drunk drivers do not have that choice so all in all alcohol kills more people and should be banned not cigarettes.
Well, I make $9,000 a year, and I am on assistance and I don't splurge and fill my buggy up with non-essentials. I am the working poor...the underemployed. I got stuck in Appalachia and when you are this poor, trying to dig up out of a hole and move somewhere the prospects might be better, it's a lot tougher. The only thing I can say is that the only debt I have is a student loan which is almost paid off, and some medical bills which probably will never be fully paid before I die. I also have a roommate; I car pool; I use public transit; I try to be green; and I try to eat healthy. However, it's a lot cheaper to eat junk. Oh, and I'll be working until I am 80 because I've got zero in retirement.
This has to be one of the most idiotic stories posted on-line in a long time. Not only Allison Linn can't get the year correct (2011, not 2012) she is trying to mimic the "Occupiers" catch phrases as if that will make her sound more intelligent. If you can't live on 50k a year, your priorities are upside down.
My family owns a small bank. We live comfortably on around five milllion dollars a year.
Our kids go to top universities and stay on campus with full meal tickets. One drives a new Mustang GT and our daughter likes her Land Rover.
Too bad about all the sob stories on this board about who lives the most frugally like it's the new badge of honor. Kind of funny really.
See you in Vail. Or not.
Don't be too smart assed. I have known people who have made millions and lost it. You are blessed if you are still able to buy what you need and a few of what you want.
I think you need to send some of that money to Appalachia and see what good it can do for some ofthe starving kids there. That would do more good for you than a trip to Vail. Jerk!
I hope you are kidding!!!!!!!! If you are not, you are truly a CRUEL human being! Why don't you live with me for one month and just see if our little sob stories are true!!! You've made me furious!!!!!
Another thing, ITCOMMANDER, I hope you break both legs in Vail and I hope a million fleas infest your armpits. I bet your kids are as spoiled and ROTTEN as you are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This story rings true for me, I make 52k from my salary in ATL. I live between the Airport and Downtown. I make about 13k from a side business. I have no credit card debt and just finished paying school off. My only debt is about 115k left on my house which i double pay the mortgage every month. If you live without credit card debt and do everything in cash 50k a year is pretty tight. As a 26 year old white male with no dependencies 34% of that goes right to the gov, even more %wise from my side business. My vote goes to whoever stops bleeding the stone on taxes, pure and simple.
Right now, the Republican congress is fighting tooth and nail to block the payroll tax exemption, mostly because they don't want their millionaire buddies to lose their deductions. If the payroll tax deduction fails, you will see your taxes increase from between 1500 to 2000 a year. As a single person with no kids, I'm in the same boat as you. Not having kids was a choice I made, but it doesn't matter, you pay for everyone else who keeps reproducing without the ability to pay for them.
Sadly, i just feel more than anything that this country punishes people for being successful. I went out and achieved a meaningful degree at a private university on my dime and have gone on to be employed since the day I graduated. I get raises, I make business happen, and for what? My gf and I were at the grocery store and we both just looked at the barren cart and the receipt after the fact and realized you just cant get much food for 50$ bucks anymore. So depressing, we are srsly considering moving to costa rica, she flies for free with her Delta benefits and I work in IT so working remotely and cashing checks from my side business (which is self sustaining) would allow us to live very well there.
I lived comfortably also until I was told I had uterine cancer. And now I'am on disability. Count your blessings Commander @!$%#. You never know what can happen to you.
Badger,
Why did you mention your race? I don't understand how that point was germane to the amount of taxes you pay? Do you pay more due to that tidbit? Just curious.
Seriously ltcommander72? Why are you even posting on this board if you make $5 million a year? You clearly don't have to worry about budgeting. Did you simply want to flaunt how much money you make?? Until you start living like the majority of the American people, don't tell the rest of us that our stories are a sob story. You would be doing the same thing if you lost your money
@Independent thinker
Hey, I'm atheist too, i should have mentioned that I suppose. Why not mention it? It helps people identify with me. As a White American is it a crime to mention that I am totally just part of the majority of middle class white people in this country? And that middle class is quickly becoming slang for not enough money(regardless of which race you are in middle class). I guess I am just saying dont look for controversy where there isnt any. White isnt a bad word. Neither is Black, or asian, or Canadian...oh shoot, hope someone doesnt read into me not capitalizing asian. Anyone curious why i didnt capitalize asian? or i?
Geez Mr. I' m RICH. Maybe u should try living like the rest of us - then u would not call our stories SOB. As for your trip to Vail...........
Since your so proud of yourself maybe you'd like to post the name of that bank here so that your customers who you are so quick to make fun of can make an educated decision whether they want to continue doing business with your bank. Yeah the ones youve been ripping off to support your lavish lifestyle.
Lets see what your lifestyle looks like when they all leave.
I noticed that you didn't say I own a bank. That means you didn't earn anything. It's called "old money". I wouldn't get too cocky. A lot of bank closures lately.
Amen!
wakeup people this poster is just another brainwashed liberal spewing class warfare and hate. i guarantee there is no family own bank. this is the type of cr@p that rots people's brains. liberal fools.
Ummmm, me thinks I smell a troll!!! The people that I know that have this kind of money would not get on here and brag about it!!!
He's either a troll or he doesn't care enough to close his posts with /sarcasm>