| Jun 7, 2007 @ 6:21 AM |
Can anyone live on less than $20,000 a year???
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luneib
Posts: 732
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It seems most of the places around here don't want to give you the hours you need to work to survive and $15,000 seems the norm for jobs offered. Right now I am on unemployment, would rather not be, had an interview yesterday, I was told it was for 29 hours per week, grrrrrrr. I am phoning more places today, this is ridiculous!
I am good at stretching a dollar, but I would definitely have to work a 2nd job in order to survive if the one I interviewed at yesterday is offered, I should know by next week on that. I'd rather just find one that is at least a 40 hour work week. Companies don't want to pay medical benefits anymore, one reason they are doing this. 
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| Jun 7, 2007 @ 6:34 AM |
Can anyone live on less than $20,000 a year??? |
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luvmycats
Posts: 10,208
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Oh hun, my son and I survived on less than $14,000.00 last year. Did without some wants, but we had what we needed. 
The cost of living is probably a lot higher where you live though. 
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| Jun 7, 2007 @ 6:37 AM |
Can anyone live on less than $20,000 a year???
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twotall911
Posts: 13,048
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sure
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| Jun 7, 2007 @ 7:03 AM |
Can anyone live on less than $20,000 a year??? |
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thegoodideaman
Posts: 1,915
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if by "Living" you mean not starving to death, then yes, lots of people do it... 
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| Jun 7, 2007 @ 7:13 AM |
Can anyone live on less than $20,000 a year???
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7times196
Posts: 571
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It happens all the time and besides what you mentioned also why companies use temp services now, they won't have to pay benefits.. Hell our company doesn't cover the benefits besides about 5 % we have to pay for the rest..
I work 2 jobs and have other side businesses and bust my ass for the things I have and figure if I don't nobody will do it for me.
You can survive on that money but have to ask yourself are you ready for it? You need to make changes and really lay out needs and wants
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| Jun 7, 2007 @ 9:16 AM |
Can anyone live on less than $20,000 a year??? |
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your_princess
Posts: 3,389
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I made a little over $20000 last year, and was fine and can actually say I really have no credit card debt either. Just have gotten good at managing and budgeting my money and figuring out what we need and what we want...I have learned to cut corners, when clothes shopping refuse to pay full price, sale or clearance only. Generally only buy the generic brands of food, which cuts a huge chunk out of my grocery bill and as far as utilities kept the house a little cooler in the winter just added more clothes and in the summer run the AC only when I can not even sit without sweating, and learned to keep the lights off unless needed. (hard habit for me to break) Doing so with the utilities i cut them down by about $50.00 a month...that adds up! However what works for one may not work for another...
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| Jun 7, 2007 @ 1:54 PM |
Can anyone live on less than $20,000 a year???
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daisy315
Posts: 4,945
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been doing it for over 30 years.. it's not easy, but with some creative spending.. even with my medical bills and the cost of my meds, I have been doing ok. And my sis has helped me alot lately.. when my car hit the skids she sent me a check for 1000.00 bucks.. and I can bring in a little extra with my cheesecakes..
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| Jun 7, 2007 @ 1:59 PM |
Can anyone live on less than $20,000 a year??? |
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Snappygoddess
Posts: 5,094
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Most of my adult life has been spent living on less then that..until the last few years... and it can be done. You do what you have to do to survive and if you are lucky...your hard work pays off and you finally get a little higher up the ladder
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| Jun 7, 2007 @ 2:41 PM |
Can anyone live on less than $20,000 a year???
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your_princess
Posts: 3,389
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i also think it depends where you live as someone already said. Where I grew up the housing market is only $60,000 for a decent home and many live fine off $20000. Depends a lot of the cost of living for the area...
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| Jun 7, 2007 @ 6:12 PM |
Can anyone live on less than $20,000 a year??? |
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Solitaire
Posts: 1,359
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Oh yes, definately, and still pay the morgage. It's not glamourous, but also, very little outstanding debt.
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| Jun 7, 2007 @ 6:15 PM |
Can anyone live on less than $20,000 a year???
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beckyiv42000
Posts: 14,576
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Ive done it raising 3 kids so yeah it can be done... you learn how little FLUFF you actually NEED and how much fun stuff there is to do for free out there...
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| Jun 7, 2007 @ 6:51 PM |
Can anyone live on less than $20,000 a year??? |
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thegoodideaman
Posts: 1,915
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fun stuff there is to do for free out there
isn't that haw Children get into this World... 
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| Jun 7, 2007 @ 7:51 PM |
Can anyone live on less than $20,000 a year???
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luneib
Posts: 732
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Yes, the cost of living is high in Connecticut, taxes are high, the least expensive house is around $280,000, rents are around $800 for a 1 bedroom, I have a small condo and a mortgage. I do without alot, I just buy food, pay the mortgage, live very frugally, and don't buy unnecessary goods.
I have found ways to get some free medical exams since I have no med coverage, so that helps, and I recently found a doctor who gives me a break on office visits, that helps too.
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| Jun 7, 2007 @ 8:18 PM |
Can anyone live on less than $20,000 a year??? |
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beckyiv42000
Posts: 14,576
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isn't that haw Children get into this World...
brat  and that is the free stuff for MOM not the kiddies
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| Jun 7, 2007 @ 8:43 PM |
Can anyone live on less than $20,000 a year???
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Marilynized
Posts: 93
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Oh yes, there have been a few years that I have supported myself and my son on less then $20,000 a year and I am in NJ (rite outside of NYC) where it is quite expensive to live...
Yes, you would be amazed what you can go without. Equally amazing is just how many meals can actually be made from those Ramen soups!! 8 for a $1.00 ya know!!
Thankfully, and I am grateful that I have been able to bring up my salary to about double that - but then again, cost of living where I am in NJ is insane.
I should move... 
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| Jun 7, 2007 @ 9:15 PM |
Can anyone live on less than $20,000 a year??? |
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willsmalto
Posts: 3,645
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absolutely possible...all depends on your needs and wants and the standard of living in your area
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| Jun 7, 2007 @ 10:19 PM |
Can anyone live on less than $20,000 a year???
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Spirit76
Posts: 537
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It seems most of the places around here don't want to give you the hours you need to work to survive and $15,000 seems the norm for jobs offered. Right now I am on unemployment, would rather not be, had an interview yesterday, I was told it was for 29 hours per week, grrrrrrr. I am phoning more places today, this is ridiculous!
Ever think of going into business for yourself? Being your own boss rocks and you get to keep all the loot and take the tax breaks for all kinds of goodies... just a thought from this capitalist who appreciates our free-enterprise... 
Jon
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| Jun 8, 2007 @ 12:30 AM |
Can anyone live on less than $20,000 a year??? |
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blueyes101
Posts: 12,080
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Working less hours should free you up to look for additional work, or like Spirit said, use your free time to start your own business, be creative....The cheapest way to start your own venture is to find something that folks with money need, like a service, it takes very little capital to get started. Even something as simple as walking dogs for folks who work long hours.........and also network yourself, meet as may people as possible, and very casually mention what you are looking for.......Moving can be one of the best ways to get more value for the money spent, but I realize with a morgage, that may not be an option. Good luck to you.
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| Jun 8, 2007 @ 12:46 AM |
Can anyone live on less than $20,000 a year???
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Spirit76
Posts: 537
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Working less hours should free you up to look for additional work, or like Spirit said, use your free time to start your own business, be creative....The cheapest way to start your own venture is to find something that folks with money need, like a service, it takes very little capital to get started. Even something as simple as walking dogs for folks who work long hours.........and also network yourself, meet as may people as possible, and very casually mention what you are looking for.......Moving can be one of the best ways to get more value for the money spent, but I realize with a morgage, that may not be an option. Good luck to you.
Blue has it right on.... I did consulting work and reeled in thousands with some hard work. I made sure to price myself just slightly below competition while turning in superior work and always delivering more than I stated I would (and on time). It takes effort to make money, but believe me, the tax perks (legal of course) in deductions for car and your investments of hardware and supplies make it so that you do have a shot at living very well indeed. Find a good mentor in a business club and you'll be on your way in no time.
Jon
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| Jun 8, 2007 @ 1:54 AM |
Can anyone live on less than $20,000 a year??? |
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grumblebear
Posts: 10,559
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I've a friend who does tile and countertops, at Tax time it worked out with deductions, he only made 11k last year, yet, he lives in a half million dollar home, has a 50k hummer, new boat motorcycle etc... and his wife doesn't work, as well as raise 5 kids......
Another friend has an Auto repair business, he did 3 million in gross revenues, he only netted 7k last year according to tax records.... he built a second facility this spring, 24 bay brick building 30 employees, paid cash for the new building and equipment....
I'm proud to see friends make it, and do well, yet when I worked for the railroad, 100+ hours a week, made 85k and paid over 40k in taxes, (state, federal, and RRR, "similar to Fica").....
now if I incorporated... contracted myself to the railroad, paid myself a low wage, and let my corporation take the majority, I could do the samething.... except its illegal....
so I'm a fan of the flat tax, no write offs....
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