Paycheck to paycheck

[eisor]

I live paycheck to paycheck and I hate it. That is why I'm here. I didn't always, but then life got more expensive. And, I'm not saying that I spent more on luxuries. But, I did spend more to go to a college that would actually give me the degree I need in order to have the career I want. I did spend money to get married because I didn't want to just elope. But, even with these expenses, I've been living frugally. But, the paycheck just seems to cover the expenses. DH lives paycheck to paycheck as well. But, he's finally cut out all spending aside from gas & bills (which we've cut back on as well - like no cable or internet). Now, all the rest of his paycheck goes towards what little debt we have.

But come next May, we thankfully shouldn't be living paycheck to paycheck any longer. I can't wait for that day to come!

[Fred333]

I can say that I live paycheck to paycheck. It is just the nature of life these days. Some people are born with opportunity and others have to make it.

[Aleta]

Sometimes we must become proactive in our own financial lives and start looking for ways to get more out of our money.

[Ima saver]

I got married in the 60's (first time) I did not spend money on any toys at all, none, nada. I can remember exactly how much I spent on clothes the first year of my marriage and that was $4. But 18 months later, I had the down payment on a brand new home.

[Pupart]

Amazon.com: Banking on Our Future: A Program for Teaching You and Your Kids about Money: Books: John Bryant

I heard the author of this book on the radio this morning.
I think him and his organization are helping a lot of people, young and not so young, to learn about the wise use of money.
We need more of this!

[QuadSquadMom]

I know many colleagues in my age range (late 30's-early 40's) in my area (Dallas) very busy driving NEW high-end cars, living in NEW high-end homes, Kids in private schools (while living in the best school districts, no less) with all the trimmings (boats, RVs, you name it).

Many of them are barely scraping by each month but feel like they deserve this lifestyle.

Reminds me of Stanley Johnson on the Lending Tree commercial. Funny to see on a commercial (sadly for MORE debt), but not funny to see in real life, especially because of what they pattern for their kids.

Totally different scenario than illness, poverty, etc. as these are deliberate choices.