what do low income families struggle with the most, financially speaking?

Answer 1

I am going to say day to day needs. I realize that is vague, but let me elaborate.
If a person has low income and kids in PA they can get health insurance, HUD (housing), and assistance with utilities. All the big things are covered. But they still have to find ways to do things like put gas in the car, clothes on the kids, diapers/wipes/cream, and things that food stamps to not pay for: shampoo and hairspray, pencils and backpacks for school, money for the feild trips, oragel if the baby is teething, a few bucks for the teacher's Xmas gifts, internet access at home (which most schools assume all kids have and assign work accordingly)..........these day to day needs are the hardest things......some of these thinsg are true needs (diapers, etc) and others are societal needs (the kid will get made fun of if "too poor" for the feild trip or it no internet at home to do the research). Either way it is these day to day things that eat a lot of money and can be very hard to cope without.

Answer 2

Low income families probably struggle more with paying rent and utilities, as well as daycare and medical coverage. I know personally, I'm not sure what income bracket I fall in...because here in Houston, I make too much to get any type of help...but barely enough to cover my bills. Basically, we don't have any money leftover for food. And even then, I make too much to get foodstamps.

Most programs count your gross income, rather than net income. So with that said, it cuts a lot of people out...who do work and just need some help w/ food costs. Its hard, but you make due.

Basically robbin' Peter to pay Paul type of situations.

Answer 3

Its a little bit of everything, before me and my husband were married we couldnt get food stamps, general relief (Cash Aide). Rent is sumtimes hard because we make too much to live in the Income restricted places but dont make enough to pay for a regular income place. Jobs here in Ca are struggling and arent giving raises I never did qualify for medi-cal, I had to pay the first $800 before the Medi-cal would kick in. They give the assistance to the wrong people I think. We have all these immigrants coming in and taking our resources and living here illegally. So instead of helping the people who need and deserve the help, the help is going to the illegals who are knocked up and not paying taxes etc. and then they keep multiplying!!!! Thats how low income families struggle. Not to mention the Child Care......its OUTRAGEOUS!!!!!!

Answer 4

I'm a low income family. I struggle finanically with taking care utilities bills and rent. These jobs out here don't pay great and its hard to make sure your child have there needs and bills get paid on time.

Answer 5

Child care. I've lived in low-income housing and recieved food stamps and medical benefits, but for a long time my income was slightly above the limit for childcare assistance. I used to pay more for child care than for rent.

It's also hard to watch your kids notice that other people have more than they do. We used to ride the bus because we didn't have a car, and it is very limiting. Even in kindergarten, my daughter noticed our apartment was smaller than other people we knew and that she had less toys. It's hardest explaining why I couldn't just go to the store and buy her a bike or a scooter like other kids she saw.

Answer 6

My bills. I'm considered "low-income" because I'm military. My husband makes less than $30,000. However, that's just the taxable portion. We get almost $800 designated for rent or a mortgage. We live on base, so all $800 of it goes to the rent. Food is the necessity, so its always taken out of the budget first. My credit card bill and auto insurance are the things that I struggle with the most. The car payment is another stress. Also, anytime the kids outgrow their shoes, pants, shirts.... that stuff adds up. Thank goodness for tax time! Its just part of life though. Everything always works out in the end.

**hey. what'd I get a thumbs down for? oh well.

Answer 7

Depends on the family i guess but the basics making enough for rent/ housing and keeping the utlities on. Most low income people i come across with kids get food first so their kids can eat then pray they have enough for rent and lights

Answer 8

We are not low income but everything is still expensive!

It all adds up:

Car payments
House payments
Medical bills
Groceries
Electricity bills
Water bills
Gas bills
Phone bills
Cable bills
Clothing
and trying to have fun with your children at the same time!

Answer 9

I wouldn't say rent because in low income housing they factor in your income to make sure you are able to pay.

I would say bills. Theres not really any 'programs' out there to help with your electric, water and phone bills. There is lots of assistance with food bills though.

Answer 10

Mindset! If you can change your mind and renew it to believe you can be all you can be and let no one stop you you be financially set. Training and discipline in money management is the the key. All things are possible. Also generational is the problem also, if your grandmother struggled, your mother struggled, and if the cycle is not broken then it will repeat itself. It needs to be broken with much pray and be determination that it stops with you, so your babies and their babies dont struggle.