primitives live week-to-week

[franksolich]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002691474

Oh my.

panader0 (8,589 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

Does anyone else out there live week to week like I do?

It's an accomplishment to pay my bills. Work is scarce, I'm getting older (61), and that makes work harder.
Luckily, I own my house and land, but land taxes make me feel like I only rent my land from the county. If I don't pay, they take it away. I make out, Jeannie has a decent job, I can still work when there's an opportunity. But it is week to week.

Oh my again.

I thought that wasn't supposed to happen with the Magic One in the White House.

One wonders what's up with that.

AnotherDreamWeaver (1,120 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

2. I started Social Security as soon as I could

We get by month to month. Someone planted Chestnut trees here over 100 years ago, and we can sell them at the farmers market in the fall. That is our money to pay the taxes. I get a job or two a week weed eating in the spring and helping neighbors to get by. Join the party of 'just getting by'...

underseasurveyor (6,249 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

3. Yup

And yesterday I was let go. 150 dollars in the bank and one last small check to come. I have no idea what the **** I'm gonna do. I have a couple of days work here and there but my steady part time job just went by the wayside

You're not alone.

longship (11,222 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

7. Month-to-month because that's when I get my SS

But that's only a grand. I, too, own the property. But out here in rural area, there's maintenance. My septic is shot, roof leaks, garage door's fscked. My 24 year old Volvo has served me well, but I can no longer afford to fix it. And, yes, I am behind on my property taxes. At least I had heat all winter due to planning ahead and getting my heating oil delivered early, when I could save a few bucks.

Oh boy! Whatta life.

RebelOne (23,394 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

25. Yup, me too.

I live month to month since I am also on SS. Fortunately, I receive more than a grand. I live in a mobile home which I own, but I am in a mobile home park, so I have to pay monthly lot rent. My only other bills are utilities, cable, phone, Internet and home and car insurance. I have a 13-year-old car that runs fairly well, but the A/C went out just in time for summer. Fortunately, I don't drive that much, so I will make do.

hfojvt (28,560 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

8. I don't and I never have

I have done without for a time though. No phone, no cable TV, no cellphone, no water, no hot water, no car, no eating out, etc. Most of that stuff I do not want anyway. I would love to get rid of the phone, except that work requires it. Of course now they gave me a cellphone so maybe I can, but then I think I might need it for campaigning somehow.

Anyway, I don't think most people need to live like that, that people can and should save more. Doubtless there are some, even many (I mean even 2% of 100 million households IS 2 million households which is a lot of people) who have a huge misfortune or a string of misfortunes or some bad choices hit them and knock them down, but I doubt if that is true of most people. It seems to me that most people do not save as much as they could.

I would not, and have not, lived without a cushion. I would do without some things for six months, or a year, until I had a cushion before I lived without one.

But, heck, most people seem more successful than I am as well. Most people get married, have sex, and have children. I've failed at all of that and maybe being a miserly old cuss had something to do with that (somehow). Or maybe being in a relationship would make saving almost impossible. Lord knows, even the one girlfriend I sorta had cost me a couple thousand, not even including the $500 I put into her daughter's college fund. Still, I would expect there to be big savings from having a partner. Splitting housing costs, splitting utility bills, etc. My utility bills might go up by 30%, but then my half would only be 65% of what I was paying now.

But obviously too, not having a job would be one of those misfortunes that made saving or having a cushion almost impossible and there is 8% of the population (or more) in that particular boat, but I do not want to still be working when I am 61. At least not at my current job.

jtuck004 (3,472 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

13. That seems at least insensitive...

"Anyway, I don't think most people need to live like that, that people can and should save more."

Seriously? Mom with two kids, working for $14,000 a yr at Walmart and in your brilliant analysis she doesn't ****ing save enough?

It was just reported that half - HALF - of ALL families in the Boise school system qualify for free or reduced price lunches - that means their family of 4 is living on less than $41,000 a year. Should the kids tear off half of their food card and put it in the bank - because they can always eat later.

In-****ing-credible that person could think this living in a country where there are 12 million unemployed, another 8 million who want and need full-time work but cannot get it, another 2 million whose spirit hurts so bad they can't face much more rejection, and another 86 million not in the labor force among which at least 15 million, or maybe twice that many people, will re-enter the work force when the depression ends. Government reports tell us there along with 2 million people in foreclosure that have not paid a payment in two years and another at least 9 million, and perhaps 12 million underwater with their home loans, a record number of people on food stamps...

while our senior population is going from 10% of the population today to near 20% in about 20 more years, and 10% of them live in poverty today because they were never paid enough in their lifetime to have anything when they had to leave work, or a Mi$$ Rmoney came in and stole all they had worked for for 20, 30, or 40 years...

and they just need to save more?

Horseshit.

^^^Well, not buying dope does wonders for cutting the budget.

badtoworse (2,224 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

22. He's 100% correct about saving

Obviousdly, if you have no income, you can't save, but too many people have saving too far down on the priority list. it should not be viewed as an option - something should come right off the top and into a savings account.

I disagree that having a partner will reduce your costs - it hasn't been true in my 18 years of marriage.

jtuck004 (3,472 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

24. Oh yeah - the Joe Arpaio Diet Plan - beans and water.

View profile

Screw having a house, put 'em in tents on cots. And clothes - way too much - just stick em all in robes - they're animals anyway, right? It's not like they're our neighbors. So don't waste money on underwear...

Yeah, I feel ya'. You are 100% right as well - people can save money. But this isn't really about people with money who have it to waste. In the original post it's about the seniors who worked for 60 years, either in the workplace or perhaps taking care of a home, and are now one of those who live in poverty so that others can afford their multiple homes, car elevators, private schools.

There are those who are saving - the average for 401k's was about $49,000 a while back. But at the same time the median value was $2000. So half of all of us are hitting 60 with little more than Social Security. Hard to understand when the fastest growing job segments are the lucrative home health aide and travel industry jobs such as wait staff or housekeeping, eh?

People can be cruel and thoughtless in not considering the circumstances others have to deal with, and I am just astounded that that people don't seem to realize or care about the millions in dire circumstance, or about the decades people spent being taken advantage of by others, or by a government that abandoned its people to allow banks to perpetuate an ongoing fraud that may still destroy this country.

There is not enough opportunity to overcome the structural barriers because the investment that would otherwise go into our country is being used to support the assets of the wealthy by the banks, with the help of their friends in government.

Contrary to the popular opinion of some I think the fault actually lies with how the economy is structured to take away the possibilities of wealth creation from most people and funnel it upward, not with the person of low-income.

But I don't want to leave the impression that there is no hope. There are always people with vacuous phrases such as "People should save more".

Maybe they can eat that.

^^^bold area, above; one wonders if the primitive's talking about the government.

Selatius (19,717 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

18. From my experience, there was no financial benefit to being in a relationship. I spent more in them.

You enter into a relationship for personal or emotional reasons, hopefully the right ones.

Money had nothing to do with it. A good dinner, a movie, a little recreation for the missus, these cost money.

Fine clothes, shoes, purses, decorations for the place, holiday gifts, Valentine's Day blowouts and more gifts, etc.--these things drain a budget. That, and going out with the missus for a few drinks on the town to celebrate some more can run up a hefty bar tab.

On that score, she benefited as well when there was a "ladies night" at certain bars and dives. Then, her drinks were free. I paid for all of mine and the tip.

It was good times. Yes, it costs money, but I wouldn't take it back. I learned a lot of the world this way. From a financial standpoint, I was screwed to hell and back, but whatever. Youth is a luxury of the naive. We all wanted that pretty woman on our arm.

Having said that, though, I would say you've placed perhaps a little too much emphasis on pure cash. Saving is good, but if it comes at the expense of foregoing any pleasurable or meaningful experiences that life could offer, well, I'll just say that I'd leave all of that to the Ebenezer Scrooges of the world who'd rather consume all their days pinching pennies and dollars than stopping to enjoy the roses just once, but they can't. Their roses are all dead and dried because they haven't the time to water them.

hunter (13,451 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

49. Why should I lend money to crooks... er... um... "save?"

I'm investing my personal energy in community and goodwill... that way maybe I'll always have a sofa to sleep on, or a place to pitch my tent.

In my personal utopia I have no contact with the inhumane and environmentally destructive U.S. dollar economy. Presently I strive to minimize this contact.

Money is toxic.

^^^then why do the primitives want everybody else's?

donco (790 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

10. WEEK TO WEEK??

some don't make it to Tuesday.

I repeat.

I thought that wasn't supposed to happen with the Magic One in the White House.

One wonders what's up with that.

Walk away (2,672 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

15. I live week to week and my mortage and property taxes are about $3000 a month.

I amaze myself that I manage it.

I used to have equity but those days are over. My health insurance is astronomical and it covers shit.

One accident + one economic crash and a dash of Teabagger sponsored "death by lack of health care" and I look into the abyss every day.

I am learning to ignore it.

Ichingcarpenter (26,078 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

21. $3000 a month? Try living on $1000 a month

Which pays for food, rent and utilities. I've learned to sew and repair my clothes, I don't have health insurance either. I'm not slamming you

Walk away (2,672 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

44. I have work very hard all my life to get a little security...

I have none and can lose everything tomorrow. Just as fast as you could. What is your point? That I am somehow rich because you live in a less expensive place? I live in one of the most expensive counties in America. It's where my business is. My business is in my home. Without my home I am unemployed. I cannot move. My mortgage is underwater. My expenses are more that the money coming in and so you may actually be living better than I am.

There are people living on the street. I am not comparing myself to them. I am, however, a little pissed that I have been working, paying taxes and insuring myself for forty years and my medical needs are not covered. Should I accept that because you are not in my situation?

I haven't been to a dentist in 4 years, I don't buy clothes at all and just repair my old cloths and I cut my own hair. Try living 5 mins outside NYC on four times your salary.

Rain Mcloud (42 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

17. I go month to month as that is how the award winning school district that I work for pays.

I make about $10,000 less per year than my brothers in the private sector for comparable experience and 20-30,000 less than US Government and Union guys get under prevailing wage.

The Superintendents are of course members of The Chamber of Commerce who pull down with Benefits nearly 300,000 per year each.

The School Board voted the head honcho a 2.5 million dollar bonus which he will defer till retirement.

A simple yearly cost of living raise for the uniformed would be nice but I suspect it would cut into the administrator's yearly pay raises,either way we don't get one.

I guess i know how you feel but at least i don't feel so alone.

Thanks.i guess.

You're welcome.

Initech (32,041 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

30. I'm 31 and I'm working paycheck to paycheck - it sucks.

And on top of that I haven't had a significant raise or promotion in years and no matter how many responsibilities I take on or extra hours I work I'm still stuck in the same position with the same pay. I'm badly looking to change my job and I've even enrolled back to school to do so. It sucks believe me.

And what pisses me off is no matter how many times you complain HR will *ALWAYS* paint you as the victim. And then I found out my German friend gets six whole weeks of paid vacation.

notadmblnd (15,898 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

31. Of course. I'm 53 and decent jos are scarce the last couple of years, I've been cleaning houses for 12.00 an hour to make ends meet. On a good week I average 30 hours plus mileage. That and the small pension my husband left me is what covers the bills. However, there is nothing extra. I only buy sale items at the grocery store and some weeks only bread and milk get bought.

The good news is, I have an interview tomorrow for a job in my former field. Full time Desktop Support position, the pay is more and I won't have to be on the road all day wearing out my car whose engine I just had to replace.

I am so grateful that I have friends and family that have helped support me through these difficult times and I'm hopeful that I will be able to start making a dent in what I owe to many of them.

KatyaR (2,429 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

32. You are not alone.

I haven't had a promotion or a decent raise in years. I do fund development work that an accountant should be doing (in the last year I've handled over $5 million in donations) as well as high-level administrative work but only get paid half as much. I'm told that I'm really smart and talented, but there's never any money for me to have a raise, and no overtime or bonuses either. Last year I had to buy a car after my old clunker bit the dust. Car payments and insurance now eat up what little money I had for things like food and clothing. I haven't had a haircut in almost two years, and no new clothes or shoes in almost three. Try finding another job when you're in your mid-50s and look like that.

My employer's moving the HR services to a PEO, I'm sure our insurance costs are going to go up, I don't know how I can afford to pay any more than I am now.

Now my crappy apartment complex is for sale and we're afraid that it's gonna get turned back to the bank and we'll all be out on the streets. If that happens or even if they just raise the rent, I'm done.

Right now I have $80 to my name, and I owe almost $50 to the state for a car tag. No fallback, no savings, and no family to help. I haven't had a vacation since the 80s, hell, I can't even drive across town to see a friend or go to the movies. I go to work, the market, a couple of errands, and that's it. I can't afford a full tank of gas. I haven't been to the movies (and there's a theatre 2 blocks away) in probably four years?

For people who say "you should always save," I say shut the hell up and stay out of my face. The last time I had a job that gave promotions and decent, LIVABLE raises was back in the 80s. Try living on what you made 30 years ago when everything has doubled or tripled in price or more and see how well you do.

And there's no light at the end of the tunnel anymore. Bain Capital bought it and sold it off for a few bucks.

Zax2me (1,778 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

35. Obama says things are turning around - and I trust him.

PLEASE, just a little more patience.

Next term.

unreadierLizard (38 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

45. We do!

I'm 20 years old and unable to find a job, since apparently even working at fast food places require "experience".

Mom's a stroke survivor who gets disability - which is a joke, because most of her money is taken by her pension and the non existent child support my father hasn't paid in years.

85 year old grandmother is here too - she helps with her pension but it's basically day by day.

lunatica (22,190 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

48. My money runs out mid month

I still pay a mortgage and taxes and the Homeowners Association which takes up 2/3 of my salary. The rest pretty much goes for food for two people and two dogs. And I'm one of the lucky ones who was laid off and fortunately rehired. I did have to go through a bankruptcy and near foreclosure after my mother died and her income stopped. I was able to get a mortgage loan modification so I could keep the condo so I pay less than I would if I rented. I live in the SF Bay Area and work in administration at UC Berkeley.

But I can't deal too much with those extra unexpected expenses like someone busting my passenger side window. But I own the car so that's good. I just tape up the window with see through plastic, and drive only when necessary. Gas is too high to do otherwise. Paying things like car registration puts me even further in the hole, but thankfully that only happens once a year.

Again, I repeat.

I thought that wasn't supposed to happen with the Magic One in the White House.

One wonders what's up with that.

[Big Dog]

Zax2me (1,778 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

35. Obama says things are turning around - and I trust him.

PLEASE, just a little more patience.

Next term.

Taste the rainbow, bitch!



DUmmie sux2beU, if you pin your hopes on any politician, you can look forward to a lot of nights with an empty belly keeping you awake.

Here is the advice you should have received from your father: Work hard, work smart, live simply, save what you can, use your imagination, and don't expect anyone to deliver you from the life you create for yourself.

[jukin]

I never heard such sob stories during the Bush prosperity years. Now under a devout socialist/communist America is doing what any country under the failed ideology does, create misery and death.

[Bad Dog]

I'm more miserable than you are - No I am!!  A giant bunch of mewling, puking, whining, useless skin.

[dane]

This would have been a great thread for Bobbolink to appear.

[Celtic Rose]

It seems to me that if you are living week to week long term, you should change something about how you are living. 

[BannedFromDU]

It seems to me that if you are living week to week long term, you should change something about how you are living. 

     Starting with hi-speed internet and all the accoutrements...computer, router, printer, and so forth.

     I don't believe that they are in such dire straits, and if they are, they should stop posting on the internet, DEFINITELY stop giving money to Skinner and 0bama, and go find a job. There are jobs out there, DUmmies. You might just have to lower yourself to do something other than programming in dead languages or writing poetry.

     

[Ballygrl]

So many people that complain have new or newer cars, new computers, fancy cellphones and brand new flat screen big tv's, they wear expensive sneakers and get their mani and pedicures, then there are others whose oldest truck is 20 years old and whose newest car is 10 years old, take hand me down computers, have a prepaid cellphone plan, got their 52 inch TV from a relative when they decided to upgrade, get their sneakers at Payless, Target and or Walmart, and they do their own mani pedicures. Guess which 1 is me?

[Evil_Conservative]

Most people get married, have sex, and have children. I've failed at all of that and maybe being a miserly old cuss had something to do with that (somehow)

Broke virgin. 

Okay, I am sorry... but that was really funny.  I LOL'ed for real.

[Evil_Conservative]

Fine clothes, shoes, purses, decorations for the place, holiday gifts, Valentine's Day blowouts and more gifts, etc.--these things drain a budget.

You obviously date the wrong type of woman. 

[BannedFromDU]

So many people that complain have new or newer cars, new computers, fancy cellphones and brand new flat screen big tv's, they wear expensive sneakers and get their mani and pedicures, then there are others whose oldest truck is 20 years old and whose newest car is 10 years old, take hand me down computers, have a prepaid cellphone plan, got their 52 inch TV from a relative when they decided to upgrade, get their sneakers at Payless, Target and or Walmart, and they do their own mani pedicures. Guess which 1 is me?

There is never so much bellowing on DU as when someone dares to say how rich the "poorest" Americans are. Yet it's true: they all have all the bells and whistles, despite their incomes or lack thereof.

[Evil_Conservative]

So many people that complain have new or newer cars, new computers, fancy cellphones and brand new flat screen big tv's, they wear expensive sneakers and get their mani and pedicures, then there are others whose oldest truck is 20 years old and whose newest car is 10 years old, take hand me down computers, have a prepaid cellphone plan, got their 52 inch TV from a relative when they decided to upgrade, get their sneakers at Payless, Target and or Walmart, and they do their own mani pedicures. Guess which 1 is me?

I've never had my nails professional done.  We're not dirt poor and we're not rich.  There are just a thousand other things I'd rather spend $40 on.

Bally, you & I shop in the same stores for everything for the most part.  I'd shop at Payless more, but our closest one closed down about six months ago.  Most of my clothes come from the clearance racks.  My daughter gets half of her stuff from clearance racks too.  My MIL found her swimsuit for $5 this year and she bought her a 4T... so she can wear it next year too.

I felt so guilty buying a $2.25 container of ice cream at Walmart today.  I just really wanted ice cream and my husband told me it was okay... but I felt so guilty.  haha

[Ballygrl]

I've never had my nails professional done.  We're not dirt poor and we're not rich.  There are just a thousand other things I'd rather spend $40 on.

Bally, you & I shop in the same stores for everything for the most part.  I'd shop at Payless more, but our closest one closed down about six months ago.  Most of my clothes come from the clearance racks.  My daughter gets half of her stuff from clearance racks too.  My MIL found her swimsuit for $5 this year and she bought her a 4T... so she can wear it next year too.

I felt so guilty buying a $2.25 container of ice cream at Walmart today.  I just really wanted ice cream and my husband told me it was okay... but I felt so guilty.  haha

I only had my nails done a few times professionally and basically said screw putting out that extra money. We're not dirt poor or rich either, but we also don't go out and spend unnecessarily. I want a ROKU out in the kitchen, I have an old 19 inch TV in the kitchen and it doesn't have the connections that you need for the ROKU, the TV's old so I'll wait until it breaks before I go out and buy a new 1. I went to Walmart today just to browse and saw some Danskin shorts for summer, they were $5 each, so I picked a few up, no way am I going to pick up shorts for $20 or $30, that's outrageous. Our clothes are clean and we always look nice when we go out, we're happy with that. Oh, and $2.25 isn't a lot at all for ice cream, that's about the price we pay at Aldi's when we buy the 1/2 gallon container.

[obumazombie]

That looked like it generated some strong embers.

[BadCat]

Poor dummies...still paying for their poor choice in life.

I'm just back from playing golf at a "world class" golf course, it cost $150 to play there.  I play with Bridgestone 330 golf balls, if I lose one, it costs $4.

How many dummies could I feed with that?   Who gives a ****?

[Ogre]

Typical DUmmies, refusing to take any responsibility for their financial situation.

These dumbasses want to run the country, but they can't even manage their personal finances.  How f-ed do you thick we would be if they ever managed to come to power?

To any lurking DUmmy, you didn't get into financial trouble overnight, you can't get out of it overnight either.  It takes hard work and dedication to establish a solid financial base, qualities of which you don't have any clue.  If you are already at retirement age then short of a miracle you are ****ed.  

Suck it DUmmies, suck it.  

[GOBUCKS]

I have always wondered how these starving, destitute, deadbeat, democrat DUmpmonkeys manage to afford computers and internet access.

Is there some new government giveaway for that?

[obumazombie]

I have always wondered how these starving, destitute, deadbeat, democrat DUmpmonkeys manage to afford computers and internet access.

Is there some new government giveaway for that?

Peggy Joseph might need to be consulted.

[BlueStateSaint]

Poor dummies...still paying for their poor choice in life.

I'm just back from playing golf at a "world class" golf course, it cost $150 to play there.  I play with Bridgestone 330 golf balls, if I lose one, it costs $4.

How many dummies could I feed with that?   Who gives a ****?

Works for me! H5, too!

[dandi]

I have always wondered how these starving, destitute, deadbeat, democrat DUmpmonkeys manage to afford computers and internet access.

Is there some new government giveaway for that?

B-b-but, they need the computer and internet to network with doncha know? Just in case a nonexistent friend emails them with an offer for a nonexistent job that they can answer with a nonexistent "no" to.

[DumbAss Tanker]

It seems to me that if you are living week to week long term, you should change something about how you are living. 

That failure to grasp that concept seems to be at the root of their problems...in most cases in that thread, it seems to be a failure persisting over 40 or more years...

[Evil_Conservative]

Poor dummies...still paying for their poor choice in life.

I'm just back from playing golf at a "world class" golf course, it cost $150 to play there.  I play with Bridgestone 330 golf balls, if I lose one, it costs $4.

How many dummies could I feed with that?   Who gives a ****?

How dare you!  You golfed away a few days of groceries from some DUmmie!!

[obumazombie]

How dare you!  You golfed away a few days of groceries from some DUmmie!!

I love how Bill Schulz says that !

[USA4ME]

Further evidence to me that liberals didn't prepare for the economic downturn that we, as conservatives, knew would result from Dear Leader being in office.  Now on the brink of their lives getting even worse in the next four years, they'll foolishly pull the lever to begin their own lethal injection.

.

[I_B_Perky]

I never heard such sob stories during the Bush prosperity years. Now under a devout socialist/communist America is doing what any country under the failed ideology does, create misery and death.

I sure as hades did. One dummie that always stuck out to me was a guy that went by the handle of Mrh. Maybe it was Mrhe. Can't remember now. Anyway he was supposedly an engineer down in Texas. I think it was Petroleum Engineer. Said he had been out of work for 5 years after 40 years in the field and it was all Bush's fault. This was like 2006. I always suspected he was a gas station attendant.

Somehow I suspect that the dummies would be unemployed and living week to week if the economy was creating 2 million jobs a month and real unemployment was at -20 percent.