If you can, move out of the DC area. My mom lives in MI and owns a cleaning business. She rakes in $80k/yr. that's more that my husband with a masters degree.

I understand, OP. It's not that you can't make a purchase in a more expensive store now and then, but it's the constant worrying about MONEY! I am so tired of it. I wish I could go to the supermarket and not ponder whether I can afford to purchase the organic oranges, or if I should just stick with the regular pesticide-y ones. It's draining to be poor. Why do you think poor people are sick so much? Not having enough money to pay your bills is incredibly stressful and can literally make you sick.

You'll get through this period, OP. Try to make plans for more education or a better-paying job. That's what I'm focusing on now, as I sit in my cold house, wearing a few thrift shop sweaters. It sucks to be poor.

Anonymous wrote:

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

Truth. I was helping an ill family member in Dallas a few years ago, and I was shocked to discover that the housekeepers there make more than they do here. I don't know why people in service industries, who could do their job anywhere live in this area.

I agree. There are plenty of places in VA and MD, outside of the metro area, where one can live for a heck of a lot less.

My family member has a once a week housekeeper who lives in NoVA and drives to central VA to clean houses for people, which makes no sense to me. If she moved to the area where she works, she could have a nice home on a decent plot of land for $150k, and not have to commute or work as much to afford it. I don't know if family connections keep her in this area, but that would not be enough to prevent me from moving somewhere more affordable.

OP, I'm sorry, it must be a real struggle trying to afford things in this area.

OP - I suggest you get trained in a particular "blue collar" skill and the jobs will start flowing in.

mark my word. Plumbers make more money than some attorneys.

Anonymous wrote:I'm in the same boat as you OP. I'm sick of being poor. I'm afraid I might be homeless by August if the job situation doesn't improve.

I know school's expensive, but have you looked at options? You may be eligible for a grant or scholarship. I was out of school for a while but I'm in school now while also working, and I'm really hoping that once I graduate in May I can find a job and things will get better. I'm not sure how much longer I can keep this up I've already wracked up credit cards and taken out a living loan to keep myself from being homeless once.

I'm actually considering playing the lottery. I've never played before and I know I won't win, but after stroke after stroke of bad luck and bad things happening over the past year I have to have some good luck coming, right? lol

*racked up

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

Truth. I was helping an ill family member in Dallas a few years ago, and I was shocked to discover that the housekeepers there make more than they do here. I don't know why people in service industries, who could do their job anywhere live in this area.

Anonymous wrote:Hey PPs making $100,000+ can you stop acting like you are in the same boat as OP? She is a housekeeper and it sounds like she's a single mom. You might think you're helping and being empathetic, but you're not. You're much better off and you and OP know it, so if you don't have anything of relevance to contribute, please refrain from posting about how tough it is on "only" $150,000 a year. It's incredibly insulting to OP.

+1 Well said.

I know what you mean OP. I am a nanny and live pay check to pay check. I grew up poor (food kitchens, free clothes and all that). I really thought I would be in a better place than where I am.
But I guess it could be worse
I was homeless for a while. Slept on friends sofas.
I'm thankful I have a job, I have a roof over my head, and I'm basically a good person.
Times are very tough. But ups the only way to go right

Anonymous wrote: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.

What was your major?

Hey PPs making $100,000+ can you stop acting like you are in the same boat as OP? She is a housekeeper and it sounds like she's a single mom. You might think you're helping and being empathetic, but you're not. You're much better off and you and OP know it, so if you don't have anything of relevance to contribute, please refrain from posting about how tough it is on "only" $150,000 a year. It's incredibly insulting to OP.

In a similar boat OP. Hugs. I would love nothing more than to be able to go Christmas shopping and buy some nice things for my kids' teachers, my friends, family , etc. Not to mention sending out cards. We never eat out, shop at thrift stores, and while I have a computer, it's pretty necessary for job searching as well as my kids' school work.
It just sucks.

Justice does have many 40% sales. Its fun to buy their clothes -- too fun! I know plenty of well of people who shop at Target. There is even a focus group "well off Target and Kohls shoppers"

Anonymous wrote: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.

Seriously?LOL If you're struggling, I'm sure you have far more wiggle room to change things than OP.

OP, as someone with a HHI under 100K (hell, under 75k), I understand. But you know what? I still treat myself and consider it a bill. My gift to myself is a gel manicure and monthly pedicure. I cut my cable over a year ago in exchange. I work hard and I deserve to have some of my wants, even if it means compromise. I eat healthy and workout so that I look good in any brand. If I want designer clothes, I go consignment or TJMaxx. I don't shop ever week or month, but I treat myself to SOMEthing every pay day. It's another bill and I am worth it. I have lots of friends with daughters, so DD gets lot of hand me downs that are super cute.

We are rich in other ways. DD's bday party last week had 4 generations represented, including two of her great-grandparents who love on her heavy! Think of the ways in which you are particularly blessed and give thanks for them daily. I won't always be paycheck to paycheck and I'm not about to wait for then to be happy.

Hey pp, I think you have some good luck coming your way, so no need to play the lottery. Your positivity, with such a nice post, will see you through. Hugs.

I'm in the same boat as you OP. I'm sick of being poor. I'm afraid I might be homeless by August if the job situation doesn't improve.

I know school's expensive, but have you looked at options? You may be eligible for a grant or scholarship. I was out of school for a while but I'm in school now while also working, and I'm really hoping that once I graduate in May I can find a job and things will get better. I'm not sure how much longer I can keep this up I've already wracked up credit cards and taken out a living loan to keep myself from being homeless once.

I'm actually considering playing the lottery. I've never played before and I know I won't win, but after stroke after stroke of bad luck and bad things happening over the past year I have to have some good luck coming, right? lol