If you were forced to live on eight thousand dollars a year?

Question

Canadian How do you think youre life would be like
How much groceries would you buy and where would you live???

Answer 1

i'd switch my car insurance to geico saving me a ton of money.

Answer 2

Could it really be done? And not be destitute?

$8000 a year works out to about $667 a month. As a rule of thumb 30 to 35% of that would likely go to shelter, or about $222 per month. It's a fair bet you'll be splitting a studio with someone for this much if you're lucky. That leaves roughly $444. You got to eat and get around too. If you were careful maybe you could use another 20 to 30% for food and transportation, or about $7.40 a day. Instant noodles anyone? That leaves us with about another $222 for the rest of the month to use for everything else; clothes, toiletries, utilities, and medical supplies and emergencies.

So could it be done? Maybe. But it would be a very meager modern existence. Just don't get sick or in an accident and deny yourself all pleasures except what you can get for free.

I guess you won't be trying this in L.A. or NYC.

Answer 3

I know what it's like to live on $8k a year, American. It's not easy, I can tell you. I am blessed that my two sons are here to help out since my husband died two years ago. I buy food in bulk and freeze it. I rely on sales and coupons to bring the cost down. Both my sons work full time,and help with the bills. I work 6 days a week, giving up my weekends to make the extra money, we don't waste anything, I don't buy any clothes that aren't on sale, or that I really don't need. I pay cash for everything, to avoid credit card fees. I have to constantly ask the utility companies to extend my due date. I guess by now, you got your answer, and that's the tip of the iceberg. Don't be surprised if you get a huge response.

Answer 4

I've actually lived on about that amount for half a year (nasty divorce, lost my job, etc.)

I moved back in with dad for a while, which allowed me to keep paying debts, keep up maintenance on my car, eat well by buying good food (groceries are quite inexpensive), and maintain some semblance of a life while I searched for the right job to start a new life.

It was painful to the self-esteem, but tolerable as long as you have people to support you through the down time and a plan for the future.

Answer 5

I would trade my house for one in the country that cost less so it would be paid for. I would keep my roommate and have a garden and heat with wood. We could grow some rabbits, chickens, hogs and steers and have an orchard so wouldn't spend more that $30 a month on food. Since I would be low income I would get a property tax deduction. I would trade services with people to get things I need like car repairs. Also we would eat fish, elk and venison.

Answer 6

to tell you i have lived on 7000 a yr and i am making 20 to 25000 a yr just because i do not want to live like that again ti was tough i did anything that i could do and more to make money and pay bills i lived off family friends and in a warehouse where i worked it was not fun if i did it again i would do things more to make it go easier i look back and ask why did i do that that way and not this way

Answer 7

I would have to change my lifestyle, and make due with what I have. If I had to buy any furniture I would go to garage sales or go by apartments looking for whatever others don't want. I would live within my means.

Answer 8

well I am in the US and unfortunately I live on that and less some years and I do OK. I sure am NOT rich but have the things I need and take care of myself. I can not work and am receiving SSI.

Answer 9

I would move to Mexico and live like a king