Is it possible to live on minimum wage?

Kim · **Is it possible to live on minimum wage?**

I just got done reading the book Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich. In the book, she goes undercover and tries to live on minimum wage. I found it really enlightening! It's interesting to get an insider's look on why people struggling to get by are caught up in a cycle that they can't get out of. I'd recommend it!

So, here's my question: do you think that it is possible to live on minimum wage?

OHmom · 12-14-2007, 12:10 PM

I haven't read that book yet, it's on my list I just need to find the time

I am going to say that it IS possible but it takes a lot of budgeting and will power. It's really about living within your means. Another good book is this I browsed through it but it's about a family of seven that are debt free and survived on a 35K salary.

Kim · 12-14-2007, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OHmom

Another good book is this I browsed through it but it's about a family of seven that are debt free and survived on a 35K salary.

I think you're talking about America's Cheapest Family. I actually have that book. I picked it up hoping to learn something new, but all of that information is right here for free on Mommysavers!

brensmom · 12-14-2007, 12:38 PM

honestly i'm fairly doubtful that its possible i think alot of things would have to happen for it to really be possible like the following..

1.no debt what so ever example credit card loans mortgage car payments no bills besides utilities
2. live somewhere extremely cheap or free
3. no medical issues what so ever
4. be very organized and frugal

there are just so many factors are counting if they got assistance for rent or food then maybe yes but otherwise i find i highly unlikely thats not much money after taxes and if they could not afford an insurance plan they risk the medical bills issue wich is bad enough with insurance...but i guess anything is possible if you put your mind to it... i'm gonna check out the book thanks for the recomendation.

callalily · 12-14-2007, 01:38 PM

No, it is not. Especially if you have kids. And if you do make minimum wage, chances are you are on some type of public assistance as well. I loved that book and I really recommend it. It really opened my eyes to what people struggle with. Erin

OHmom · 12-14-2007, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kim

I think you're talking about America's Cheapest Family. I actually have that book. I picked it up hoping to learn something new, but all of that information is right here for free on Mommysavers!

Yup! Sorry my link didn't work. I read about their trip to the grocery and thought it was too much trouble. LOL.

callalily · 12-14-2007, 01:52 PM

I read America's Cheapest family as well. I thought it was very interesting. Especially since the main money saver seemed to be the male of the household. You don't see that too often. Sometimes I think people are so frugal that they miss out on some things that are very important. Here is what I mean by that...
1. Do you turn your heat way down in the winter and feel uncomfortable just to save a few bucks? I would rather turn it up a little and be comfortable. The home is the most sacred place. You should be comfortable and happy there. Save money somewhere else...
2. Do you eat food that you just cannot stand just because it is cheap?
3. Are you so hell bent on saving money that you forget to enjoy life every now and then and splurge and take your kid for ice cream or some random treat? I mean I can see if the money is just not there, but I think it is important to reward yourself and have fun every now and then eve if its once every few months..
I just want to be frugal but fun. For example we don't go to the movies very often but this Saturday morning we are taking the kids to see the Chipmunk movie for a matinee. The movies are so expensive but we like to do things together like that a couple times a year. I want my kids to remember me for spending quality time with them and not "Nickel and diming" so to speak every little thing we do. I live to save money but time is more precious then money. Memories are priceless for kids!

prplhez8 · 12-14-2007, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by callalily

I just want to be frugal but fun. For example we don't go to the movies very often but this Saturday morning we are taking the kids to see the Chipmunk movie for a matinee. The movies are so expensive but we like to do things together like that a couple times a year. I want my kids to remember me for spending quality time with them and not "Nickel and diming" so to speak every little thing we do. I live to save money but time is more precious then money. Memories are priceless for kids!

I am so going to agree with you callalily! We're hoping to take our youngins to the Chipmunk movie, too sometime soon. They've got a cheapie theater near us that usually comes out with new releases a few weeks after their debut and my son is currently scanning the local advertiser to see when it is playing.

But, I will agree with you 100%. I want to be a good mom in addition to being a frugal one...I just have to remind myself of that at times.

OH, and to be on topic: Do I think you can live off of minimum wage? With Children? No, not without some form of assistance. With Medical Bills? Never.

I'm quite sure it can be done and has been done, but it would take a very healthy and willful individual to get it done, IMO.

That's my two cents, for what they're worth.

chopey · 12-14-2007, 03:27 PM

To be able to pull it off (especially with only one income of minimum wage which is $5.75/hour here) you would have to have absolutely NO debt. There's just no way you can make less than $800 a month go anywhere with a house or car payment or credit card or medical debts. No way, no how, not without tons of help.
To say someone could do it, without assistance, and with no debt, would be saying pigs can fly. You'd have to have the most will power a person has ever had. I just don't see it being possible....

MaryinPgh · **Another good read**

If you liked "Nickeled and Dimed", you'll like "Myth of the Welfare Queen" by David Zucchino. A Philadelphia journalist (Zucchino) follows two welfare moms for a year in Philadelphia. Their struggles are amazing. This is not a book to read to get ideas about how to save money (trash picking, fishing in contaminated rivers, etc.) but rather to learn about the how these women survive.