| It's difficult for me to summarize all of my opinions into something more concise for this page. Businesses tend to shun poor people, while businesses that cater to poor people are usually out to screw them as well. (payday lenders, banks that nickel and dime - especially if you are low on savings) Some poor people could be in better positions if they had more time to pursue better opportunities, but they cannot, as they are working 2-3 jobs just to make ends meet (at least this is the case, one of my friends claims).. and I happen to know this person spends way too much on clothing - more than I do, not to mention my rent is 1/3rd of theirs. I do fine, I live way below my means, I'm happy, I don't need fancy labels or a top neighborhood, which this person has all of. I'm not saying all poor are the same in that regard. Some just really I don't know how they can escape their position. Also I could easily own a home but I choose not to because I like my freedom. Right now I can move anywhere in the country, I can quit my job if I want to, etc.. I remember looking at homes this past spring and the idea of having a commitment or being in a vulnerable position (if I lose my job or get really sick I'm SCREWED) just did not appeal to me at ALL. How anyone does this is beyond me. |
You escape poverty by working your ass off and being extremely smart with your money. This is why rags to riches stories are so endearing because they are so exceptional. The difficulty with escaping poverty is not going to mc donalds when you have a little extra and want to treat yourself. It's buying one thing in bulk instead of a variety of foods. Its saving all that money and then buying one really nice piece of clothing so that people think you have money.
Basically it's all the tricks you need to know in life. My advice, ask any Japanese American / Canadian who lived during ww2 who was stripped of their assets and interned and then built all that back in the next decade.