Quote:
Originally Posted by IrishIllini
I think it's unfair to assume that individuals who are trapped in poverty or families mired in generational poverty are there because they are lazy or stupid. The United States has always striven to be a land of opportunity, but opportunity was not awarded equally. It takes 10x the effort to get that job at that well respected firm when you're born and raised in Englewood and your competition was born to a middle, upper middle, or affluent household with the resources and network in place to be successful. In the past, being able bodied and having an average work ethic was enough to put you on a course to the middle class...not so much these days. Better have that STEM degree or an advanced degree in a marketable field with 10+ years experience if you wan't to feel secure and maintain your middle class lifestyle.
Sounds like you did well for yourself, so I don't say this to belittle you, but you're definitely the exception and not the rule.
|
Being trapped in poverty is a state of mind, most able body people are not trapped, they just choose not to do what is necessary, or do not know what to do. I see it virtually every time I speak to people from my old neighborhood (Washington Heights, Manhattan)...The vast majority of people I know don't want to work hard labor jobs (and if you have no education, that is what your options are), here is the quick and dirty on how to get out of poverty:
1. Don't do drugs
2. Don't have kids you can't afford
3. Read. Read. Read. Every book/website you can on how to make money, be financially savvy, etc...I'd recommend Rich Dad Poor Dad to start.
4. Get a job, any job really. Fast food, Construction, Garbage Man (or better yet, all of the above)
5. Apply for a credit card to establish credit, and put every purchase you make on it, and pay off immediately.
6. Make a budget...What are your absolute necessary monthly expenses? How much do you make? do you have enough? If not, get roommates, work more hours, go door to door asking to shovel snow, do yard work (I did this for 6 years as a kid)
7. Save. Save. Save. After a few years, you've probably saved enough for downpayment on an FHA loan, and have built some credit.
8. Buy a house, and get roommates. Have a 3 bed house with a basement? rent out all of the rooms and rent a room in the basement, you'll probably live for free.
9. Make improvements to house over time.
It ain't pretty, and most people are not willing to put in the work, but it's not hard.