doxieluvr
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Post by doxieluvr on Apr 23, 2013 13:52:12 GMT -5
We are talking financially downsizing, hypothetically. Not downsizing stuff. Moving myself and two kids to an apartment would not be any more affordable then my house. Probably less so, because I can always refinance my house to a lower rate in order to lower the payment. That won't happening paying rent. My house is less than 1200 Sq ft of living space. It is certainly not large. You don't think your stuff costs money to maintain? The big cars alone would drastically reduce your annual budget. Clearly you are not comprehending. Hypothetical situation. If I make $450 a week. Daycare costs $125. Housing $350 a week. I would have no money for clothes, cars, food, etc. where would food come from? forget about anything I might own or maintain now. In the hypothetical situation, I would be lucky to keep my old jeep on the road as my only mode of transportation.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2013 13:52:38 GMT -5
Fire, but income would most likely be less in a lower cost of living area. It would still be not enough income in a cheaper place but then would be alone with no friends and family. We are fortunate to live in an area with job opportunity. I would most likely not make $34k in most lower cost of living areas. I would be looking at closer than minimum wage. So then what? Moving won't be a benefit. Not every LCOL area is without jobs. We have tons of industry in our area and very low unemployment. Factory workers where I work start at $11/hour with just a high school diploma and it's easy clean work. Mayo clinic is just down the road and employs something like 30K people! It's not all vast prairies with nothing but the occasional Subway and gas station to work at.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2013 13:54:16 GMT -5
You have options. You don't HAVE to live in a HCOL area. You choose to. You could get more education. What do nurses make there? Here they start at around $20/hour in a LCOL area. You can get an ADN in just two years. FWIW, there are TONS of single parents around here making around 35K. I pass out at the sight of blood and my OCD hinders my ability to touch a stranger. What good would I be as a nurse? Is there nursing jobs where you never see blood or have to touch some stinky, nasty old man that has not bathed in weeks? ![](http://syonidv.hodginsmedia.com/vsmileys/sick.png) Which is why I like coding. You get the security of a healthcare job without all the mess. ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/grin.png)
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Firebird
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Post by Firebird on Apr 23, 2013 13:55:28 GMT -5
Fire, but income would most likely be less in a lower cost of living area. It would still be not enough income in a cheaper place but then would be alone with no friends and family. We are fortunate to live in an area with job opportunity. I would most likely not make $34k in most lower cost of living areas. I would be looking at closer than minimum wage. So then what? Moving won't be a benefit. I'm not sure how you conclude that. $34k is a pretty low wage. Plenty of places in the U.S. that are cheaper to live have a median income of $34k or higher. It's about matching job market to cost of living and determining what you're worth in the market. You could absolutely replace $34k in a LCOLA if you were smart about it, and then your expenses would be totally manageable - particularly without your vehicle addiction.
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midjd
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Post by midjd on Apr 23, 2013 13:55:54 GMT -5
Low-income is low-income irrespective of COL. That is - if someone is a professional or possesses some sort of specialized education/training/skills, they can probably earn substantially more in a HCOLA than a LCOLA. Someone working at McDs is going to earn the same regardless of COL. The only difference is that in the LCOLA, that minimum wage income has more spending power. $34K is well below the median HH income, so if that's your peak salary (and you were fired at that salary) it doesn't really justify living in a HCOLA. And doesn't the bolded statement directly contradict your comment a few days ago about how terrible the market is in your area? (Someone want to quote me so she'll see this? ![](http://syonidv.hodginsmedia.com/vsmileys/tongue2.png) )
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whoisjohngalt
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Post by whoisjohngalt on Apr 23, 2013 13:56:38 GMT -5
I am always so amazed that people still respond to Doxie.....
Beer, is that field still hiring? My BIL's sister (who I never met) seems to have the "education" to do the coding, but can't get a job
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doxieluvr
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Post by doxieluvr on Apr 23, 2013 13:57:13 GMT -5
I pass out at the sight of blood and my OCD hinders my ability to touch a stranger. What good would I be as a nurse? Is there nursing jobs where you never see blood or have to touch some stinky, nasty old man that has not bathed in weeks? ![](http://syonidv.hodginsmedia.com/vsmileys/sick.png) Which is why I like coding. You get the security of a healthcare job without all the mess. ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/grin.png) What do you code?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2013 13:58:06 GMT -5
You could absolutely replace $34k in a LCOLA if you were smart about it, and then your expenses would be totally manageable - particularly without your vehicle addiction.
There are factory workers making 50K a year where I work with OT. No education. I got a degree to get off the floor and now make less because the OT is gone! ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/angry.png) You can rent an apartment here for $400-$600/month. Nice 3 bedroom 2 bath houses with 2 car garages can be had for about 120-150K. You can economize and not have the garage and be a little smaller and find something for less and still be in a good neighborhood.
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Firebird
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Post by Firebird on Apr 23, 2013 13:58:33 GMT -5
When I lived in Pennsylvania, my rent (on a REALLY nice 2 bedroom which was practically right on the river and had a washer/dryer, front and back porch, nice neighborhood, etc.) was $600/month INCLUDING utilities. That is easily affordable on practically any income. I know because I worked PART TIME AS A WAITRESS and had zero problem making rent. My other expenses were low too (mostly because I didn't have a car ![](http://syonidv.hodginsmedia.com/vsmileys/lightbulb.gif) ). Obviously I couldn't live my CURRENT lifestyle on what I made then, but that's because I make a shitload more money now and have made some adjustments to my lifestyle. Probably more than I should have, but that's another story.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2013 13:58:40 GMT -5
Low-income is low-income irrespective of COL. That is - if someone is a professional or possesses some sort of specialized education/training/skills, they can probably earn substantially more in a HCOLA than a LCOLA. Someone working at McDs is going to earn the same regardless of COL. The only difference is that in the LCOLA, that minimum wage income has more spending power. $34K is well below the median HH income, so if that's your peak salary (and you were fired at that salary) it doesn't really justify living in a HCOLA. And doesn't the bolded statement directly contradict your comment a few days ago about how terrible the market is in your area? (Someone want to quote me so she'll see this? ![](http://syonidv.hodginsmedia.com/vsmileys/tongue2.png) ) ![](http://syonidv.hodginsmedia.com/vsmileys/yeahthat.gif)
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Firebird
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Post by Firebird on Apr 23, 2013 13:59:30 GMT -5
Low-income is low-income irrespective of COL. That is - if someone is a professional or possesses some sort of specialized education/training/skills, they can probably earn substantially more in a HCOLA than a LCOLA. Someone working at McDs is going to earn the same regardless of COL. The only difference is that in the LCOLA, that minimum wage income has more spending power. $34K is well below the median HH income, so if that's your peak salary (and you were fired at that salary) it doesn't really justify living in a HCOLA. And doesn't the bolded statement directly contradict your comment a few days ago about how terrible the market is in your area? (Someone want to quote me so she'll see this? ![](http://syonidv.hodginsmedia.com/vsmileys/tongue2.png) ) I'm there for ya babe! ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/wink.png)
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doxieluvr
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Post by doxieluvr on Apr 23, 2013 14:00:17 GMT -5
Fire, but income would most likely be less in a lower cost of living area. It would still be not enough income in a cheaper place but then would be alone with no friends and family. We are fortunate to live in an area with job opportunity. I would most likely not make $34k in most lower cost of living areas. I would be looking at closer than minimum wage. So then what? Moving won't be a benefit. I'm not sure how you conclude that. $34k is a pretty low wage. Plenty of places in the U.S. that are cheaper to live have a median income of $34k or higher. It's about matching job market to cost of living and determining what you're worth in the market. You could absolutely replace $34k in a LCOLA if you were smart about it, and then your expenses would be totally manageable - particularly without your vehicle addiction. Ok but I am not moving. If I did, I know my travel budget would mitigate any cost of living savings. I would always be coming home. so how would you handle the single mom budget without moving? Cardboard box?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2013 14:01:03 GMT -5
Medical bills.
Every working coder that I know knew someone or were already working at a billing agency when they earned their credentials. One of my friend's Mom has been looking for a coding job for a couple of years now. We are hiring billing specialists but no coders.
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whoisjohngalt
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Post by whoisjohngalt on Apr 23, 2013 14:02:09 GMT -5
Do you do it from home?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2013 14:02:44 GMT -5
I'm not sure how you conclude that. $34k is a pretty low wage. Plenty of places in the U.S. that are cheaper to live have a median income of $34k or higher. It's about matching job market to cost of living and determining what you're worth in the market. You could absolutely replace $34k in a LCOLA if you were smart about it, and then your expenses would be totally manageable - particularly without your vehicle addiction. Ok but I am not moving. If I did, I know my travel budget would mitigate any cost of living savings. I would always be coming home. so how would you handle the single mom budget without moving? Cardboard box? If you refuse to move to reduce expenses, you have to make more. It's not rocket science. I would go to the local technical college, pick a program with a high demand for graduates and good income potential that I would enjoy (or at least tolerate) and go from there.
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doxieluvr
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Post by doxieluvr on Apr 23, 2013 14:06:10 GMT -5
Ok but I am not moving. If I did, I know my travel budget would mitigate any cost of living savings. I would always be coming home. so how would you handle the single mom budget without moving? Cardboard box? If you refuse to move to reduce expenses, you have to make more. It's not rocket science. Odds of me making more are slim. You all have stated that. Now what? If my income goes to housing and daycare, where will food come from?
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midjd
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Post by midjd on Apr 23, 2013 14:06:54 GMT -5
You don't. Those of us who grew up on planet Earth know that you have to deal with the circumstances you've been given, not the circumstances as you want them to be. If you don't make enough money and don't want to (or are unable to) do anything to help yourself make more money, you have to cut expenses, including housing expenses. It's not that complicated.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2013 14:07:10 GMT -5
I would go to the local technical college, pick a program with a high demand for graduates and good income potential that I would enjoy (or at least tolerate) and go from there.
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movingforward
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Post by movingforward on Apr 23, 2013 14:09:55 GMT -5
I would go to the local technical college, pick a program with a high demand for graduates and good income potential that I would enjoy (or at least tolerate) and go from there.
This x100
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doxieluvr
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Post by doxieluvr on Apr 23, 2013 14:10:18 GMT -5
I would go to the local technical college, pick a program with a high demand for graduates and good income potential that I would enjoy (or at least tolerate) and go from there. Going to school is not an option. Now what?
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justme
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Post by justme on Apr 23, 2013 14:11:09 GMT -5
I'm not sure how much help you can really give a single mom who had decided to put her wants (of living in an expensive place) over the needs of her kids (a place to live, food, clothing, etc).
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Firebird
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Post by Firebird on Apr 23, 2013 14:11:24 GMT -5
Ok but I am not moving. If I did, I know my travel budget would mitigate any cost of living savings. I would always be coming home.
so how would you handle the single mom budget without moving? Cardboard box?
LOL - we get that, but the point is that not moving is a CHOICE that YOU make. When that's the best option for a single mom on a single income, it really shouldn't be off the table.
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movingforward
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Post by movingforward on Apr 23, 2013 14:13:02 GMT -5
So you are not willing to move, get an education or downsize into a small apt. Same song, different day... what ARE you willing to do to better your situation.
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midjd
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Post by midjd on Apr 23, 2013 14:14:11 GMT -5
You guys... I can't believe this thread has gone on for 8 pages and NO ONE has hit on the answer to aid all single moms everywhere.
Snowflake money!
![](http://syonidv.hodginsmedia.com/vsmileys/tongue2.png)
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Firebird
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Post by Firebird on Apr 23, 2013 14:14:49 GMT -5
Going to school is not an option. Now what? doxieluvr, there are only two solutions to money problems. No matter how you dress it up, virtually ANY money problem can be solved with one of these two solutions and ONLY one of these two solutions. It's like magic. Ready for the magic solutions? 1. Make more money. 2. Lower costs. That's it, plain and simple. If you are having money trouble, YOU HAVE TO PICK ONE OR THE OTHER. If you don't, nothing will change except you'll get deeper and deeper into debt with no prayer of climbing out. We've been trying to get you to understand this for upwards of two years now. The single mom in your scenario has the SAME TWO CHOICES as everyone else who has money problems. She can either make more money or she can lower costs.
She has to pick at least one of those options in order to fix her financial dilemma.
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muttleynfelix
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Post by muttleynfelix on Apr 23, 2013 14:16:29 GMT -5
I would go to the local technical college, pick a program with a high demand for graduates and good income potential that I would enjoy (or at least tolerate) and go from there. Going to school is not an option. Now what? Take a second job. Something has to give. You can't sit around say please, please help me without doing something for yourself. If you can't feed your kids, you move heaven and earth to make it happen.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2013 14:19:23 GMT -5
I would go to the local technical college, pick a program with a high demand for graduates and good income potential that I would enjoy (or at least tolerate) and go from there. Going to school is not an option. Now what? Seriously? Why not? You really think you just deserve more for nothing. Shit, she's turning me into a conservative...
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kittensaver
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Post by kittensaver on Apr 23, 2013 14:21:07 GMT -5
If you refuse to move to reduce expenses, you have to make more. It's not rocket science. Odds of me making more are slim. You all have stated that. Now what? If my income goes to housing and daycare, where will food come from? The old saw says, "If you need more money, make more or want less." Since you think you can't make more, then want (and have) less. If housing and childcare take "all" your money, you are living beyond your means. Period. Downsize and live within your means or find a way to earn more (or both). Medical billing is an excellent field and a job that can be done from home. It takes two semesters at community college or adult school (at least it does in La La Land). And don't TELL me you can't go to school - my disabled neighbor is now working from home by accepting the overflow from other billers who can't keep up with their clients (doctors and medical groups). No excuses! LOL and ETA: I see a bunch of you beat me to it ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/wink.png)
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gooddecisions
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Post by gooddecisions on Apr 23, 2013 14:23:51 GMT -5
You don't think your stuff costs money to maintain? The big cars alone would drastically reduce your annual budget. Clearly you are not comprehending. Hypothetical situation. If I make $450 a week. Daycare costs $125. Housing $350 a week. I would have no money for clothes, cars, food, etc. where would food come from? forget about anything I might own or maintain now. In the hypothetical situation, I would be lucky to keep my old jeep on the road as my only mode of transportation. Simple, you get rid of all your crap and only own one car. Rent a 2 bedroom basement apartment in somebody's house for <$1,000 a month and you have the money you need for gas & food. Clothes can be bought for less than $1 an item at yardsales and thrift stores. You could easily downsize and survive- even in your current county on a low income. You just need to change your mindset to see the possibilities
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Firebird
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Post by Firebird on Apr 23, 2013 14:27:17 GMT -5
You could easily downsize and survive- even in your current county on a low income. You just need to change your mindset to see the possibilities
Plus, the idea is to increase your income at the same time so that eventually you can afford to get back to your original standard of living.
You're not supposed to arbitrarily cut every conceivable expense and just plan on living that way for the rest of your life. It doesn't work that way. You figure out a plan to make more money - if for no other reason than so that you can save in case you ever have another emergency.
Part of having a functional life is being able to anticipate the unexpected (to a reasonable degree - obviously, one can't plan for everything).
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