How do people live, making 9-12$ an hour? I dont get it.. Im 19, I make 9$ an hour and I live with my parents?

Question

I dont understand it

I work with a lot of older people(young too) from 30's-50's and I just dont understand how they live making 9$ an hour

Most of them make around 9.25 an hour, and almost all of them have several kids

I make the same amount of money, and I cant even support myself LIVING WITH MY PARENTS!!!!!

Like seriously..

im 19, and i make 300$ a week right? and itl get spent in 2-3 days

I always fill up my tank when I get my paycheck for work the following week, thats 50$...

At least 50$ a week on food

I buy a carton of cigarettes that last me a week, thats 40$

I just dont understand.. thats HALF MY PAYCHECK on Gas/Cigarettes/Food !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HOW DO THEY DO IT WITH ALL THE BILLS THEY HAVE TO PAY FOR? Im so confused

Half these guys are driving 20k cars with kids to support....

Answer 1

It is tough, unless you are in some sort of shared living situation.  You need to enhance your education, so that you can be worth more than that to an employer.

Answer 2

It's all about money discipline. My grandmother used to make 65 cents an hour in the early 70's.

Answer 3

For one, they could have a spouse who makes more. But most likely, their kids are not very well taken care of (as in they wouldn't have many toys or they wouldn't to be able to afford new clothes, cars, or cigarettes) and they live in terrible houses. OR they are on some sort of welfare. There are reduced housing for people who have an income below a certain amount. AND if you have several kids with little pay, you are entitled to welfare money and things like food stamps. They could also have multiple jobs. and $300 is enough for a family to get by each week. ALso, you have to remember they can take out loans and use credit cards.

They would live without many things you'd think are essential but they would still be able to live.

Answer 4

MOST LIKE THEY HAVE ANOTHER JOB OR ANOTHER BREAD WINNER.

Answer 5

Thirty year ago $9.25 was good money. Gas was only 34c a gallon, the movies was a $1.00 and to go out for diner for 2 it was under $10.00. A row home  was $10,000. Now their selling for $130,000. Just get a good education. Best of luck.

Answer 6

I agree its confusing seeing how people do it.  Generally they have multiple income earners living in a small apartment.  They also may be leasing their cars instead of buying.  On top of that they are probably saving up very little or nothing from month to month.  However, I have to say you have pretty poor career planning if you have been working for 20 years and only make $9 an hour.