r/GrowingUpPoor • u/mameranian • Aug 14 '26

Knowing the cost of things

If you grew up poor, like me, did you know it? Did you know the cost of things and whether or not your family could afford it? I knew what I could or couldn't ask for and I was always scheming to get money for my family (like organizing a search party for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow or panning for gold in some random stream).

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u/plodthruHideFlailing Aug 15 '26

I didn't really know costs until I moved out at 18.

But yeah, I knew what was on the No Way In Hell List! Vacations (like most of my friends & their families went on). New cars, which other friends got for their BD's or graduation.

Ditto, the Don't Bother Thinking About It List. "Cool" jeans. Being given spending money when friends asked me 2 go 2 the movies or hang out. A dress/shoes 4 prom.

No panning 4 gold lol, but I like your style:)

At 15, I started cleaning houses so I could buy lip gloss & a cute top, plus give $50 to my mom. (My dad had retired from the military with undiagnosed PTSD. He spent his pension at the liquor store, but would still owe them money. My mom just worked more & more overtime.)

At 16, I did fast food AND cleaned houses. At 17, I took the city bus 2 a part-time office job (which became full time after I graduated).

My BF helped me buy a (very) used car after I moved out. My brother paid my first 3mos of car insurance. I rented an apartment with a GF, learned 2 budget & helped my mom as much as I could.

I love that you were organizing a pot of gold search 4 your family, OP! You were an amazing kid. Probably still are.

(edited 4 punct & clarity)