Notice the new blog name. Did you know almost 60% of people will live at least one year below the poverty line between the ages of 25 and 75? The poverty line (as used to defer federal loans based on economic hardship) for a family of two in California is $1100 per month. Obviously, I'm below that line. But, it isn't as bad as the word "poverty" makes it seem - as long as you don't have kids or anyone else relying on you.
We aren't living in squalor or anything. We have a cupboard and a little fridge full of food, we aren't starving. A few months ago, when I still had a job, we got a new TV. In January, we took a little trip up to Portland to visit our buds (booked when I had a job). Sure, I know the exact day I will run out of money, but it definitely isn't bad.
But, the reason we can afford to do that stuff and be okay even though we have no income is because we've embraced being poor. We don't buy stuff we can't afford or don't need. We have no credit card debt.
I've been poor so long now, poor is a part of my identity. And, I think everyone could use a little poor in them (uh oh, smells like a socialist to me!). Being poor has taught me a lot, and that is the new theme of this web log.
We aren't living in squalor or anything. We have a cupboard and a little fridge full of food, we aren't starving. A few months ago, when I still had a job, we got a new TV. In January, we took a little trip up to Portland to visit our buds (booked when I had a job). Sure, I know the exact day I will run out of money, but it definitely isn't bad.
But, the reason we can afford to do that stuff and be okay even though we have no income is because we've embraced being poor. We don't buy stuff we can't afford or don't need. We have no credit card debt.
I've been poor so long now, poor is a part of my identity. And, I think everyone could use a little poor in them (uh oh, smells like a socialist to me!). Being poor has taught me a lot, and that is the new theme of this web log.
I like this.
ReplyDeleteAWESOME! I was so excited to see your new post. Can't wait to read more. Totally agree - everyone needs some poor. Maybe if some of those big wigs really knew what it was like, they would have more empathy.
ReplyDeleteI'm below the line these days too. It's not bad though - for some of the same reasons you mentioned - i.e. no kids, no debt (except my outrageous student loans) and I have some savings.
Write more now!