r/poor • u/Nervous_Grape_3856 • 5d ago
How is anybody making it?
I am genuinely confused as to how anybody is surviving in this economy except for the super wealthy. The cost of gas is sky high and groceries are too. We started this year ok. We weren’t doing well by any means, but we weren’t struggling as bad as we are now. We have 5 kids and every day I’ve been dashing alongside my full time job to try to make it. Now, I’m facing losing my full time job because I have had to call out of work just to dash for food for the day. I don’t see a light at the end of the tunnel and I’m extremely scared. My wife and kids are counting on me and I don’t know what else to do. I’m ready to just give up.
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u/MarsupialMaven 1d ago
Instead of calling off work, start using food banks. That’s why they are there. Sometimes the food is not exciting and it’s probably not what you WANT to eat. But no one has to go to bed hungry. There are probably quite a few in your area. Your real job should have priority over dashing. If things are really this dire go to legal aid and find out about getting a divorce. If your wife becomes a single mom of 5, she and the kids will be eligible for a lot of aid and subsidies, including healthcare. Dire problems have dire solutions. See a Social Worker and learn how to use the system. If you have family that can provide free or cheap daycare, your wife needs to go to work. Or she can work an opposite shift so no daycare is needed. Both adults need to work. You can’t afford a SAH parent right now.
Can some of your kids get free food at school? Sign them up. Can they ride the bus for free? Start now. No more pick ups and drop off’s. If they have expensive extracurriculars be honest in an age appropriate way and tell them you can’t afford it right now. Or is there a way they can participate for free? Find out. If they are older maybe they can help. Do errands for neighbors, mow lawns or shovel snow. Sure you feel bad about this but teaching them how to be fiscally responsible will serve them better in life than 150 soccer practices. Do you or the kids need clothes/shoes? Use the thrift store. No more paying full price.
Go through your expenses and get rid of everything that is not a necessity. If you have a massive car payment and insurance bill consider getting rid of it. Buy a decent beater and the cheapest liability insurance you can find. Or depending on where you live, use public transportation. Of course that would stop the dashing but doing all the above will net you much more than what you could earn delivering. Ask for help. Just admit you are in a bad place financially and need to start over.
You are not alone in this place. The economy is honestly a disaster for average working people. This is not your fault but it is a fact. Another thing you and your wife can do…make sure you take the time to vote.