OP,
The same stuff with tags sells for a couple bucks at Value Village, goodwill, etc. We make about $170k a year but still struggle (special needs kid = bills). We give each other new clothes for birthday/Xmas, but for regular stuff other than underwear we shop 2nd hand.

Those of you suggesting going to college as a solution to the problem need top join us here in reality. All college got me was $30,000 in debt. I make three same or less then I did before the degree. I bought into the myth that college would since all my problems. Thank goodness I decided against law school because there's a tin of jobless law school grads right. Even teachers and nurses are having problems finding jobs in some areas. OP, find a solution other than going tens of thousands of dollars in debt because that will likely make you're situation worst instead of better. Find a way to cute back on housing and transportation costs, those are usually the budget killers.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not to be unsympathetic, but I'm a lawyer with a decent salary, and we still can't afford much more than clothes from Target (or used--my DD wears a LOT of hand-me-downs or second-hand clothes). Every season I get one or two things that are nicer and try to hit the annual Gymboree sale when they have those tubs of socks for about 50 cents a pair.

I guess we can afford to eat out at the local mexican joint once a week, and that's something. But this area is crazy expensive, and that's kind of just how it is.

Oh shut up

+1 million

Anonymous wrote:Not to be unsympathetic, but I'm a lawyer with a decent salary, and we still can't afford much more than clothes from Target (or used--my DD wears a LOT of hand-me-downs or second-hand clothes). Every season I get one or two things that are nicer and try to hit the annual Gymboree sale when they have those tubs of socks for about 50 cents a pair.

I guess we can afford to eat out at the local mexican joint once a week, and that's something. But this area is crazy expensive, and that's kind of just how it is.

Oh here we go. The poor 1%.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not to be unsympathetic, but I'm a lawyer with a decent salary, and we still can't afford much more than clothes from Target (or used--my DD wears a LOT of hand-me-downs or second-hand clothes). Every season I get one or two things that are nicer and try to hit the annual Gymboree sale when they have those tubs of socks for about 50 cents a pair.

I guess we can afford to eat out at the local mexican joint once a week, and that's something. But this area is crazy expensive, and that's kind of just how it is.

Oh shut up

Hey, as someone who doesn't make much I really like Target. The sale racks are the best. The clothes are simple but generally decent quality for the price (plenty of 100% cotton, etc). No shame.

I didn't interpret the person you quoted as meaning Target sucks. Target is pretty inexpensive price wise, I think the person was basically saying it sucks to be limited to stay within the Target price range. For example, I love Target clothes and shop there often, but It does feel good to be able buy my son a pair of Abercrombie & Fitch pants occasionally even though they are expensive as hell.

I feel you, OP. You're not alone.

I'm sorry, OP. I know it's tough, especially at this time of year where everything is BUY BUY BUY.

Anonymous wrote:This is just a vent. I'm so tired of being poor and living paycheck to paycheck. I wish I could buy dd clothes from Justice instead of Walmart (yes we shop at Walmart) or target. I'd also love to be able to go to the chinese buffet. ***sigh***

Anyone else in this boat?

Justice = Walmart. Seriously the stuff reminds me of what they used to sell at discount stores when I was young (which is where I had to shop) so I refuse to buy it for my DD.

But to actually be helpful - Justice will often run 40% sales, have coupons, and also do some kind of reward dollars program. Put those together with buying things on the clearance or sale rack and you are paying the same as you would at Target or Walmart.

Anonymous wrote:Yes, OP, I am in the same boat. We went to the mall over the weekend just to get out of the house, and it was like a strange that I haven't been to in a loooong time. I have a faint memory of what it is like to just go to the mall to shop for nothing in particular. To buy something, just because I wanted it. To buy nice gifts for people. I don't do that anymore. I am a SAHM and my life is richer in most ways, but I've gotten to the point where I'm just sick of being on a tight budget and worrying about money. I hope to return to work next year when DC starts Kindergarten.

I hear you. I have just returned to work after SAH and being on a very tight budget. I have never appreciated my income as I do now. It's so freeing. SAH was definitely worth the sacrifice but boy, am I glad to be earning again!

Living in this area is expensive. I'm just sayin'. You can be a housecleaner anywhere. Move to a different area.

Anonymous wrote:Not to be unsympathetic, but I'm a lawyer with a decent salary, and we still can't afford much more than clothes from Target (or used--my DD wears a LOT of hand-me-downs or second-hand clothes). Every season I get one or two things that are nicer and try to hit the annual Gymboree sale when they have those tubs of socks for about 50 cents a pair.

I guess we can afford to eat out at the local mexican joint once a week, and that's something. But this area is crazy expensive, and that's kind of just how it is.

Really. Then reduce your other expenses and get a higher paying job or do some side work.

What exactly is wrong with Target and Walmart clothing. I prefer them to some of the more expensive brands. When kids are young and change sizes rapidly, why spend the extra money. Wait till they are older and its more of an issue.

So, if you are tired of being "poor" then look at how you can improve your situation. Go back to school. Pick up more jobs, create your own business with employees, etc. Just because you have more money, does not mean life is easier or better. With some of the gov't benefits, if you are just on that line where you'd lose day care, food, housing subsidy's you are better off waiting to improve your situation till your kids are older. Its a crazy system.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not to be unsympathetic, but I'm a lawyer with a decent salary, and we still can't afford much more than clothes from Target (or used--my DD wears a LOT of hand-me-downs or second-hand clothes). Every season I get one or two things that are nicer and try to hit the annual Gymboree sale when they have those tubs of socks for about 50 cents a pair.

I guess we can afford to eat out at the local mexican joint once a week, and that's something. But this area is crazy expensive, and that's kind of just how it is.

Oh shut up

Hey, as someone who doesn't make much I really like Target. The sale racks are the best. The clothes are simple but generally decent quality for the price (plenty of 100% cotton, etc). No shame.

Yep Im with you OP. Im working as a nanny and trying to save what I can. Family members are constantly suggesting that I go back to school (Im 23 and lost my scholarship) and I want to strangle them every time! How the hell am I supposed to pay for it and somehow make enough to eat and pay bills???

Sorry, OP. I know it's tough. Hugs.