For a family of four living in my hometown, with both parents working, a seven-year-old in school, and a three-year-old in daycare, I estimated the very minimum annual expenses to be at least $27,720. This included the bare minimums of food, clothing, housing, transportation, daycare, and utilities. I was being optimistic in hoping that at least the children would qualify for medical assistance, therefore covering the costs of healthcare. My estimate didn't include any entertainment costs (like toys, games, movies, or even birthday and Christmas presents), home maintenance, car payments, car insurance, or regular car maintenance. I also didn't account for any land-line or cell phone bills which are almost impossible to live without either. They also wouldn't have any internet or TV channels. Even without theses amenities that most affluent Americans take for granted my estimate is still $5,607 above what is considered to be the poverty line. One of the only expenses left to be cut back on would possibly be transportation by participating in ride-share or using public transportation when possible. They could also try to have willing family members or neighbors watch the three-year-old whenever possible to cut back on daycare expenses. The very last thing I see that could be cut back on would be food expenses by finding ways to get more for less and stretching what you've got.
I know from experience that it can be incredibly embarrassing growing up knowing that your friends all have more than you. It's really hard to see all their new clothes, toys, and cool stuff they have that your parents can't afford, and to hear about all their awesome vacations. It was most difficult for me being at school and trying to hide that I was getting free lunch. I was embarrassed and didn't want anyone to know, but every time we got our lunch account slips passed out mine would say $0.00. Other students started to notice and wondered how I was still able to get lunch every day. I would always just shrug it off and pretend I didn't know what was going on. Even though it was obviously difficult and not ideal, I have learned to try and look at the bright side of growing up with this lifestyle. Growing up without TV for one isn't a bad thing. It encourages kids to play outside more, be more active, and show more creativity. Naturally, it's also harder to spoil your children when you don't have the funds, and I think that growing up without everything that you want causes one to have more appreciation for things later in life. I believe the outcomes of such situations depend a lot on how the parents handle it and what they teach their children. Obviously this isn't the same for everybody, but I feel like growing up with my family struggling really demonstrated what I don't want for myself in the future. It has been and continues to be an encouragement to do everything in my power to make sure that I create a better situation for myself and my family. Thankfully, I have so far been given the wonderful opportunities needed to make that happen. I know that there are others who aren't as lucky, but they should never stop trying. You need to be prepared for when opportunity comes your way.
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