Living paycheck to paycheck
On my way to my temp assignment, I passed a woman begging on the street. She was settled in an attitude of utter surrender, head bowed, hands gently folded around the corners of her sign that simply read, “Please help.” I dug around in my pockets for my coffee change (went to Juan Valdez across the street from Starbucks, thank you very much) but didn’t find any money and didn’t slow my pace. I slapped my jeans pockets a few times for good measure. But then my hands moved to my (used to be Caroline’s) purse and pulled out my wallet (that Bisan gave me). Thought about whose jeans I was wearing (Catherine’s) and whose coat (Dare’s) I had on…
I only had two bucks in my wallet, but I gave them to her. I didn’t get all self-righteous and worry about what she was ‘really’ going to buy with it. There’s a very fine line between where she sat and where I stood, about a single paycheck and about thirty women and two parents and a little boy. The tightrope I walk could easily land me on the sidewalk, without the support of all these incredible people who have decided I cannot fail.
Tags: charity, homeless, money, paycheck, security, single-mom, single-motherRelated Stories
POSTED IN: budget, debt, finances, helping out, housing, money
7 opinions for Living paycheck to paycheck
Carrie
Nov 22, 2006 at 8:57 pm
I heard on Oprah once that most of the people in America are only one paycheck away from being homeless. I guess just coz we have no money doesn’t mean that everyone else doesn’t struggle to…
I also read somewhere that people will spend what they have, and that you can be mega rich, and still be broke, and struggling with bills. But I think I would rather be rich and struggle than poor lol!!
When I was with my ex I wasn’t allowed to touch any money, so now we are on our own I feel rich, because it is my choice what we have and what we do without…
christina
Nov 24, 2006 at 6:43 pm
Carrie, it’s frightning, isn’t it? My ex controlled all the money, too. Never again. One of his reasons for not wanting to try to fix what broke between us? I didn’t make enough money… though he never tried to use that excuse when I finally added up all I’d made from my part-time freelancing while abroad, and found it averaged out to more than what he told me I had to make.
And I gave every penny of it to him.
I went out and bought myself $150 in underwear on Wednesday. I didn’t blink an eye at the cost, though in my straits, it’s extraordinary. I deserve it. I know what you mean about finally having control over YOUR money.
tamara
Dec 14, 2006 at 2:58 pm
i am totally for your $150 underwear shopping excursion!
my ex controlled the money, denied me a simple checking account and would point fingers at me everytime the credit card statement would come in. that was fun. it took me a year or so after we split to really look at money in a normal and healthy way. everytime i spent money on anything that i needed i felt the old ghost of feeling guilt. now that i’m making enough money to support myself, my son and even my boyfriend…i am finally free of feeling like i need to explain every cent i spend on myself.
tamara
Dec 14, 2006 at 3:00 pm
oops.
fyi- my post reads as though i support my boyfriend financially…i don’t.
:)
christina
Dec 14, 2006 at 11:25 pm
Hey, Tamara. I remember the small bits you did let spill about that relationship. I think that, like me, you take comfort in the incredible child that first marriage gave you, and are now looking for the relationship you should have with a partner. I’m so glad you found it. You and your little man deserve love and happiness.
It’s frightning to think about all the weird, controlling shit we tolerated, isn’t it?
I’m so glad things are working out for you. You’re an inspiration.
bambi
May 10, 2007 at 8:59 pm
i have never been a single mom before but i think i am ready to take the step in my life and it is a new jorney that is going to be rough and emotional and very hard to deal with but has to be done
christina
May 13, 2007 at 1:01 pm
Bambi, good luck. It’s not a path I’d recommend if there’s another choice, but if you’re determined, you can make it work.
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