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Desperate times call for desperate measures, and being broke fit’s into that category pretty easily. Stress does have a magical way of making us very, very creative, or at least breaking down our inhibitions to such a degree that we do things we otherwise would never have done.
One netizen wanted to know what was the “brokest” thing people did when they were low on funds and the internet responded with all sorts of comical and sad tales. We got in touch with Nick Loper from SideHustleNation.com to learn more about money management and how to perhaps avoid being that broke in the future.
More info: SideHustleNation
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
In the early 2000s the garment district in Manhattan had “Mitzvah Tanks”. It was basically a mobile synagogue for the devout to come handle religious observation during the work day with a rabbi.
Turns out they had bagels in there. I was just starting out my career (I was 21 or so) and money was tight. I would go in 3x a week and get bagels. If no one was looking I would stuff an extra into my suit pocket. I don’t at all look Jewish and almost no one from my part of the world is Jewish. The rabbi approached me after a month and I told him “I saw free food in a house of God and just figured since I am not a bad guy, God wouldn’t be too mad”. Rabbi laughed and said something like “from now on say hello. You don’t have to act like a thief trying not to get caught.”
In a few months when money was less tight I would stop by at lunch and chat with the Rabbi. It was a simpler time.
TonyTee 1 year ago
Rabbis are very down to Earth, I greatly respect them. My mother, Italian Spanish and Native American, had a friend growing up who was Sephardic Jewish; Rachel. Her and my mother were curious about each other’s Religions and so, mom took her to church one day and Rachel took mom to a synagogue the next day. Mom wore a cross and attempted to cover it up going into the synagogue, somehow the Rabbi knew (must’ve caught her doing it) and approached my mother. “What are you wearing around your neck?” asked the Rabbi. “I’m Catholic, Rabbi, it’s a cross which is why I tried to hide it. I’ll take it off if you’d like”. Rabbi responds with “sweetheart, you will do no such thing, that is a symbol of your faith and you will not only keep it on but will take it out and show it proudly, this is still a house of God and you and your faith is more than welcome in here”.
#2
Brokest and stupidest thing I did. I bought scratch tickets in hopes to win money to buy Christmas presents when I was 18. I didn’t want anyone to think I had money problems at the time so I spent $10 on a scratcher and won $500. I don’t know how but it was enough for car insurance and presents.
#3
Bought a case of ramen noodles at the self checkout at Walmart with 4 different different debit cards that each had less than a dollar on them. You can make partial payments at Walmart self checkout and nobody has to know how broke you are. Me and my 3 kids ate for the next 2 days.
BetterBitterButter 1 year ago
I hope there's a future where people can buy healthy food for themselves and families without thinking about money.
Bored Panda got in touch with Nick Loper from SideHustleNation.com and he was kind enough to speak to us about managing money and not getting into the situations that many of these people found themselves in. First, we wanted to hear what he thought is the biggest misconception most people have about managing money.
“Probably that somebody else will magically take care of it for them, or that they'll get to it "later" — when they have more time, money, or both. But the truth is you have to be the CFO of your own household and set up the right financial systems for yourself. That means doing the basic stuff — creating a budget, living within your means — but also the longer-term stuff like setting up retirement accounts, automated investing, and being proactive about increasing your income.”
#4
I was subletting a place and needed bus fare to get to work that day, so I searched every couch cushion and coat pocket in the hopes that I could find enough to get there. I ended up finding a ton of pennies, so I paid the bus fare in pennies. I was 30 cents short but the bus driver just gave me a transfer and waved me in.
The first customer of the day tipped me like $5 on their coffee and I've never been so happy in my life.
#5
Stole food for my kids. Really ashamed but I couldn't let them go to bed hungry.
#6
I had $10 for food for 2 weeks so I got things to make a large pot of veggie soup (lentils, broth, canned veggies) and a large tub of plain outmeal and ate vegan (not on purpose) for three weeks till it was gone.
I've been told that rich people call this a "cleanse" diet now.
Of course, many people do not even reach the “money management” stage, as they focus on just getting by. Even when times improve, this often leads to some degree of financial illiteracy. We wanted to hear Nick’s thoughts on this issue. “I think it can be intimidating and a little depressing/embarrassing if the numbers don't look good when you're starting out. It's not something we were ever really taught in school.”
#7
When I was damn near homeless, Literally had no money for food, and food stamps said I made too much to be assisted. (B.s.) I didn't have any underage kids so I didn't qualify to be helped by a food pantry, and the only other one I knew would only let you visit once a month.
I would find fast food receipts on the ground, and I would call corporate,
I would always say the staff was super nice and they accommodated me very well but my food was probably mixed up with someone else's order and I lived far away so I couldn't go back on the same day. I would either receive coupons for free food in the mail or they would put my name down and I could just go to any of the fast food places in the city and get food.
The city I lived in was pretty big and most of the restaurants were run by independent/ or different franchises. So they never really caught on to me. I once got four free meals from Chick fil for one receipt.
Im doing a lot better now so I promised myself I would never do it again...
#8
When I was a single mom struggling, i had to ‘make arrangements with the landlord’ 3 months rent paid in 3 mins. Still ashamed to this day. But my son needed a roof over his head.
Kirsty Jackowski 1 year ago
The shame belongs to the landlord who knew she was in a tough spot and took advantage.
Haywood Jablome 1 year ago
I'd say the shame belongs to the landlord who only lasted 3 minutes
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Black Cat 1 year ago
It's your dirty creep of a landlord taking advantage of your poverty who needs to be ashamed. If he could afford not to charge you 3 months rent, he didn't need to demand sexual favors in return.
JM 1 year ago
You gotta do what you gotta do - absolutely no shame in that. You weren’t the first, nor will you be the last woman who’s had to do this.
Anxiousguest 1 year ago
You are not the one who should be ashamed, but the landlord.
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Kraneia The Dancing Dryad 1 year ago
The landlord should be the one ashamed, taking advantage of you like that...
StrangeOne 1 year ago
I thought this was an urban legend I thought up a long time ago. Used to go our parents for help when we couldn't pay rent. That never felt good and it put a strain on our relationships with our parents. Sometimes I helped my mom out with housework in exchange for money if I was a little under for what I needed. I'm glad I'm well off enough I don't need to do that anymore.
Princess Mar-li Cathryn 1 year ago
Some people don't have parents or family that are willing/able to help.
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Louby Of Morrowind 1 year ago
I am totally judging the landlord and not the mum/woman. She was in a c**p place and someone took advantage. Just goes to show he could of let her off the rent out of the goodness of his heart. He obviously did not need the money if he waived the rent in favour of a favour. Jerk
Kristin Burggraf 1 year ago
There is no shame in a parent providing for their child. Sacrifice is love's only language. And you love your son so deeply, that you will not withhold anything to keep him safe. You have NOTHING to be ashamed of mama.
Maggie Mae 1 year ago
THE SHAME Belongs to YOUR ALNDLORD not To You Providing Your Son a Roof Over his wee Head!! Shame on Your LANDLORD & I wager You are Not the Only Female he Treated so Shamefully!!
Rens 1 year ago
The real crime and the shame lies with who and why you had to do that in the first place. You were desperate and you were taken advantage of. I'm so sorry that this happened to you; I personally know two women, one was a single mom, who had to do the same because they had no choice after they were left destitute.
Colleen Glim 1 year ago
I m finally in a position to be able to help my babies make ends meet. I have a fair few adopted babies as well. Nobody goes hungry on my watch
Cindy Irvin 1 year ago
A friend of mine got major repair work paid for on her vehicle (transmission I think) the same way.
Lesbitarian Lady 1 year ago
This man is one of the reasons I'm gay ! Took advantage of his and her situation
Capo3Tanya 1 year ago
Don't ever be ashamed. There are definitely worse things to be ashamed about. Good mama!!!
CwtchyMama 1 year ago
You gave your son a home the only way you could at the time brr we bet he ashamed of yourself for that
PurpleUnicorn🇮🇪 1 year ago
It seems to be becoming a problem in Ireland - apparently the government are considering a specific offence for landlords to seek s*X for rent
#9
Hittin' a day old Hostess bakery outlet dumpster.S**t was still packaged and just fine.My elderly Mom would get so excited when we brought that stuff home.She had lived through the depression and couldn't believe it was thrown out.Such a treat.
Edit:Ty all for understanding.To be clear,my story happened 20+yrs ago.I know nowadays, stores will purposely damage throw outs.Such a shame...
BetterBitterButter 1 year ago
They purposely damage? Why don't they just give it away if they are just going to throw it?
“But there are a couple of simple things you should keep track of on a monthly, just to get in the habit:
1. Your personal profitability (what you made - what you spent = personal profit) This helps you start thinking as the owner of the little business that is your life.
2. Your net worth (what you own - what you owe = your net worth). Some months it'll be up, some it will be down, but tracking it over the long-term lets you see the positive progress you're making, and may even lead to early retirement.”
#10
Picked up dropped coins from the floor of a laundromat when I was a kid, to buy a pot pie for my mother. She made me eat it because she was a saint.
#11
In my brokest days, I worked with animals. I was perpetually hungry because my parents were also struggling financially and helped me as much as they could, but I still couldn’t afford much. I remember once a guy came in to my company to promote dog shampoo that he said didn’t taste bad to the dogs, and he put a little dab on his finger and ate it to show us.
I was so hungry that I went to the grooming room and tried it thinking it could satiate my hunger for a little bit. It was disgusting, and it did not make me any less hungry.
That’s the most depraved thing I did out of poverty, but I also remember trying wet dog food (even though I was a vegetarian), eating sausage egg biscuits (that I consider unethical) when my manager brought in breakfast for us because I was so hungry, eating people’s leftover fries when they walked away at bars, and so much more.
Poverty is something else. I remember how stressed I was back then and how many double shifts I took even though they drained me completely. But I still had it better than some people because my parents still threw me a few hundred dollars each month. This was also many years ago, and despite inflation, the minimum wage has STILL not gone up nationally. I don’t know how people in situations similar to mine survive.
VikingAbroad 1 year ago
The horses in the barn I worked at got these cutted up white beet like vegetables as a supplement. I don't know their name in english, sorry. When I was most hungry I would eat these, too. They were not bad tasting, but they were a bit hard on th stomach. But they stopped the hunger for a while
#12
Told my brother his Christmas gift was going to be delivered a couple of days after Christmas. Waited until I got a couple of gift cards, that I asked for a Christmas gift, and bought his gift using those.
Leoninus Fate 1 year ago
Im going without a birthday this year since my mom was the one that got me stuff and got a cake and had people say hi to me, but now that she just passed in may... It will be just another day
“Plus, we're naturally loss-averse and investing can seem risky and volatile. That's why you have to take a long-term view and slowly let compound interest start to work in your favor. And the younger you are, the more you'll benefit from that,” he added. He recommended some resources, such as the books “Rich Dad Poor Dad”, “The Simple Path to Wealth,” and “I Will Teach You To Be Rich” as a start.
#13
Reading through these, and I've had to do so many of these to 'survive' over the years.
I think my most shameful and 'felt so low' moment was having to use toilet paper and scotch tape, as I couldn't afford pads or tampons.
#14
Had sleep for dinner and breakfast
#15
When I was *really poor* and hungry and had $1.32 to my name, I bought one of those super cheap frozen tv dinners that cost a dollar, peeled the top back, put a little salt on my tongue, sniffed the meal like *a lot* to just visualize how good it would be, and then put it right back in the freezer to save for when I "near-death" starving.
I lasted 4 days and then actually ate it for real. I thank the lord I was never in a position like that ever again after that day
Nick left us with some parting thoughts. “A lot of personal finance content is focused on saving and investing, but there's a limit to how much you can realistically save every month. If you still don't have much breathing room in your budget, it's time to address the income side of the equation. In some cases, that means learning new skills to advance your career, exploring a side hustle, or starting a business of your own. Because your earning power is limitless — and it's a lot more fun than clipping coupons or never turning on the heat trying to save a few dollars.” You can find his site here.
#16
I stole 20 gallons of baby formula to feed my baby son. Walked right out the door and nobody noticed.
#17
Walked into a Costco with an expired membership card and had samples for dinner. I made the rounds a few times.
Bridget Davis 1 year ago
I've eaten dinner and/or lunch at Costco and Sam's Club that way lots of times during hard weeks
#19
Stole a roll of TP from a public restroom because I was out and couldn't afford any. It was an extra roll. I didn't take the one in use and leave none behind, lol. That's just mean.
StrangeOne 1 year ago
I've done that at my last job, but that little bit they leave out when there's enough to use but they want to put a full roll in the dispenser. Times can get rough.
#20
1992, 22F divorced single parent 2F, working part time, going to nursing school full time. I was broke enough to qualify for food stamps and back then they were actual paper. If you paid in food stamps the store gave your change to you in paper food stamps and coins. Every day on the way home I would stop at a couple stores to buy something for $1.05, or $1.10 so they would give me the maximum in coin change. I would use the $3 - $4 for gas to get to school and work the next day. Did that for a few months to get through a hard time.
#21
I used to eat free breakfast at motels. As long as you don't look like complete s**t it's easy enough to pass as a guest.
Feathered Dinosaur 1 year ago
I would be too anxious and awkward to pass as a normal human being if I tried that
#22
Washed dirty clothes in the bathtub with dish washing liquid. Couldn’t afford quarters for the machine.
#23
Getting evicted and leaving a hidden key so I could go back and squat there for a few days tops my list.
#24
called in sick on Wednesday because I didn't have enough gas money to drive to work but one more time, which I waited til Thursday to do, because that was payday.
StrangeOne 1 year ago
I've done this a few times at my last job if I was strapped for cash due to a low pay cheque. Really sucks. I live far out of the way of everyone I know. One time HR told me to just find someone to drive me. My mom was at work, an hour out of city limits. I didn't know anyone else in my area, who wasn't working. Told this to HR and she pushed me to "try harder", like she was saying to hitch hike. Now, that may sound safe enough... back in the 70s or 80s, but when you live in a city where people go missing, murdered, kidnapped all the time, and during a time when every decent person doesn't trust strangers at all, that should never be suggested nor implied. What's worse is that this company would cancel our shifts at any time, even an hour before we're expecting to start. But throw a tantrum when an employee calls in to cancel.
#25
Donated blood to get the free cookies, juice, and a $20 gift certificate to Walmart.
Feathered Dinosaur 1 year ago
This literally having to sell (parts of your) body for money. I'm not judging, just stating the fact
#26
Ate nothing but rice for 3 months. Want a different flavor? Add bouillon, sugar, or extra butter. We were poooooor for a while. Almost wanted to kill the mouse that got in to use as protein 🤣
#27
Got a gym membership just for the shower when I was living in my car for 3-ish months at 22.
#28
My motorcycle headlight broke, so I started riding around with a flashlight in my mouth. True story. I was young, and very, very dumb.
#29
Ketchup soup made with stolen ketchup packets from a fast food restaurant.
#31
Had to fish for our food. Sometimes would get one fish sometimes nothing. Would go to bed hungry most nights.
liz MacClain 1 year ago
My dad shot squirrels, rabbits etc both as a teen in 1935 and when I was a little kid.
#32
I had two bank accounts at two different banks.
When I was really low on money. I would transfer money from one back to my other bank. Knowing there was nothing to transfer.
My bank would honor the transfer while It waits for the funds. This... I know takes 1 business day. (So you get extra days if it's done on a Friday after 5pm)
Which means I have 24 (48) hours to deposit that exact amount into the account before the bank drafts it.
Now I was an uber driver at the time... So if I was really short on gas for the day but I needed the money... That's what I would do.
I would transfer $100 to my account. Buy $40-50 worth of gas. Drive 8-10 hours as fuel efficient as possible
Deposit the money at an atm by midnight. Kept (if any) any profit...
No one was the wiser.
It wasn't sustainable. It sucked. But that's just what I had to do...
I had no job. No money. All I had was bills and creative ways to make money out of nothing.
Jenn Smith 1 year ago
No shame, and very clever. Playing money games is how the rich stay rich, while the rest of us do stuff like this, to survive. Hope things get better
#33
Hocked wife's engagement ring that she wasn't wearing so I could buy her a Christmas gift. She thought I just took it back because we were "on a break." I was eventually able to buy it back and return it to her jewelry box. That was over 25 years ago, and I still haven't told her.
#35
Went around my university finding abandoned textbooks to sell back to the store.
#36
Collected change from a public fountain to buy something from the dollar menu when I was a teenager, starving and super poor
Carrie Laughs 1 year ago
Not all of these have designated charities, and even if they do you need help that should exist from some source.
#37
Looked up google images of steak and milkshakes and other good meals while I was actually eating crackers and water trying to envision good food to make the experience more enjoyable
#38
I squatted for about ten months w some "gutterpunk" types and lemme tell you that was the dirty broke behavior Olympics. No utilities, in an ancient moldy bug infested Illinois house. Pissing in bottles pooping in bags, cooking on a lil Coleman camping stovetop, using pie trays as a skillet for eggs, refilling 5 gallon jugs of water at walmart...
#39
Refused transport to the hospital, or any medical care at all, after I was hit by a car. I had been riding my bike home from work and going to the hospital would have meant leaving my only transportation on the side of the road. I didn’t carry a lock because I only rode my bike to work and had secure indoor storage for it at home and work.
#40
Using my uni student ID as a free buss pass to get to my minimum wage food service job which will also be my only meal for the day
Metalhead Turtle 🇺🇦 1 year ago
I didn't know that you could do that. I've heard of uses for student IDs, but this is new to me. Not judging, just sharing.
#41
I had a small boneless, skinless chicken breast and a shriveled grapefruit in the fridge and only ground pepper in the pepper shaker, I had even run out of salt. That was all the food I had in the apartment. The grapefruit pepper chicken I made for dinner was disgusting but I ate half and saved half for dinner the next night.
Driving home from work the next night I got 2 flats in my car tires and had to abandon my car on the side of the road. I had to leave it there until the weekend, I was lucky not to get towed or ticketed. I walked the two miles home, and then walked to and from work the rest of the week so embarrassed and afraid some coworker would see me coming or going without a car.
I was able to borrow some money and added it to my paycheck to get my tires repaired. That was the poorest I have ever been in my life. I moved back in with my parents the next month.
C Lawson 1 year ago
It sucks when a flat tire can literally mean you lose your job, your home, everything, all because there was a nail or screw thrown down or whatever other thousand scenarios people will comment as if I'm wrong on the one I did mention...also yeah people have spares but if you've already put the spare on and are wearing it thin too there isn't much a person can do. Also being without any living family within 400 miles, no friends because of severe social anxiety and a breakdown on the road is quite literally a breakdown.
#42
Was so broke that eating three meals a day was rare, and eating twice a day was a luxury. Most often it was Ramen for lunch.
I worked at a small truck stop.
I would look through the garbage to find cans and bottles to take into the recycling center. Some days it was one or two cans. Most of them time, it was only a couple dollars worth.
The truck stop had some hot food, hotdogs, pizza, sometimes taquitos or corn dogs. We got one bottle of water and one hot food item when we worked. The 4-11pm shift was responsible for cleaning that. When I worked that shift, I'd normally grab a hotdog and a vitamin water at 5 for my free food and water.
By 8 or 9 when they cleaned the machines and utensils and s**t, it was usually only a few pieces of pizza left that had been sitting all day. My brokest thing was that I would take the pizza and eat just the cheese and toppings because the crust was a rock. Those were the good days.
The best was a day where I got my hotdog, got my old pizza, got lots of recycling from the garbage, and even found two garbage bags full of cans and bottles that must have blown out of someone's truck. It was like $30 worth altogether. I bought myself a meal at the restaurant next door (different owners so we didn't get free food from there.)
#43
When I was in high school, I lived alone. My bathroom was in the hall and I had to bang on the door to scare the rats off if I had to use the bathroom at night.. still had little rat footprints on the toilet. Often, I couldn't afford to pay my rent and eat, I would shove tuna cans down my jeans and buy a loaf of bread. There was a bakery in town that gave away unsellable items at the back door...
#44
I drank work coffee a lot because I couldn't afford to eat lunch
#45
Let’s see….as a broke uni student I:
•Stole napkins from the cafeteria to use as toilet paper
•Since I couldn’t afford a car or Uber I carried those 32 bottle water crates, 5 miles back from the grocery store to my dorm. One time it was in 25° windy
weather and I used socks as gloves to far it back
•Avoided friendships cuz it costs money to go out with people and I didn’t want them spending on me
•self harm was a less expensive way to cope than therapy or drugs and I used napkins as bandages
#46
Green beans and tap water for dinner while I was waiting for payday. Doing wayyy better these days.
Bridget Davis 1 year ago
I used to eat green beans right out of the can during lean times. I still do even though I don't have to anymore, I just like it.
#47
Boiled water to take a bath.
#48
Stole toilet paper from work so I didn't have to buy it
#49
Showers at the gym, taking napkins and plastic utensils from restaurants, living off of protein powder and ramen.
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 1 year ago
My first year at OSU. I lived in a car and showered in the gym. Crazy to think about it but thanks to intensive summer courses I finished an entire year of Organic Chemistry in three months. My brain is not normal.
#50
Back in the 90s I wrote myself a check to cover me until payday.
What do you think ?
Madster 1 year ago
That guy from a post a couple of weeks back who used food banks even though he was on 500k a year or something needs to read this.
Pa4040 1 year ago
Wow. It was hard reading through all of these. Brings back memories and not the nice type: Long story short, grew up in Bulgaria From around '97 to about 2002 my parents were in a real tough spot. My mom worked full time as a sketch assistant in a private prooerty planning firm, so she made an ok wage Except when the bills came in, 70% of her wage was gone. My dad was constantly between jobs, as he was a ship mechanic on the Danube, but the only company at the time that actually had running ships was basically bankrupt and kept putting its employees on unpaid leave. We had a lot of pasta with oil and salt these years, hand me down clothes and cold winters. When I graduated high school and got accepted into university, my dad had found a job on a small ship, but the pay was laughable (especially for a man with his qualifications), so he resorted to stealing diesel, sometimes I would even help him do it when I was home to visit. Me and my brother basically had our rents and bills paid
BetterBitterButter 1 year ago
I hope you and your family are doing better now.
Load More Replies... Anxiousguest 1 year ago
Is this majority of population or stories of exception. Because, I'm from a 3rd world country, and you can afford 3 meals a day with any work. For example, if you are working as a servant, you get meals from the house itself. Women with small kids bring the kids also, so, the household prepare food for servant and kids. It's rare for anyone with a job to starve, even if they can't afford very tasty stuffs. Kids get free meal at government school . And basic healthcare is also free.
Anxiousguest 1 year ago
Our staple food is rice and vegetables. And many vegetables can be grown in the compound itself, because we are in a tropical country. That might be one reason for affordability
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Pandapoo 1 year ago
When living on my own at about 18 or 19, I was dirt poor. Had a studio apt and was out of money until my next payday. Searched car, couch cushions etc.. for some change to buy something cheap to eat that I knew cost 13 cents at a local grocer. Nada. I had an onion and some butter in the fridge so I sautéed onion and ate that for my dinner. 🤷♀️
Pa4040 1 year ago
(Part 3) fast forward 15 years (damm, where did the time go??), I am engaged, in a new house, solid job and a beautiful toddler boy. I keep telling my fiance stories like that, and how grateful I am of what we have. Hold on guys, things can get better!
BetterBitterButter 1 year ago
I read this part and had a lump in my throat. I was hoping something good happened to you and it has! You have no idea how happy I am for you. I have given up hopes of getting a good life but I am happy that you did. I am really happy for you internet stranger and wish you a long,happy,healthy and peaceful life. Hoping that someday I can look at my life like this but I guess I am too old for that now. My best wishes ❤️
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EmBree 1 year ago
As a young teen, I didn't understand that my parent's situation had changed and that we were poor. Then one night I found mom crying in the kitchen and she told me about it in great detail. We spent hours going through our house looking for coins so that we could feed my baby sister. After that, I started stuffing myself with the free school lunch and claimed I wasn't hungry at home. I lost weight and people praised me for it. It was horrible, knowing that my family was starving and having people think I lost weight to "look pretty".
Billie Templeton 1 year ago
When I moved off to college (no help from family) I was staying in a $4!thole of an efficiency apartment, and working for $6.50 an hour. Got to the point where I couldn't afford food. Went to check the mail one day and found a coupon for a free meal. (This was when 7-11 had just started offering fresh food items and they wanted people to know!) I shamefully and quickly dug thru the trash to see who all had thrown out their junk mail. I FOUND 11 coupons for a free meal (limit one per day.) I used every one, over two weeks, and felt so happy and thankful!
UpQuarkDownQuark 1 year ago
When I was nineteen I once went eleven days eating nothing but a can of tuna for breakfast and a can of tuna for dinner. I did not feel well. Also, it was more than twenty years before I ate tuna again.
UpupaEpops 1 year ago
Had plain rice and 2L of green tea per day for weeks on end. When I finally had some money, I bought a 1Kg "party box" of canapés from Lidl and had 5 pieces of food per meal. Landed in hospital with an IBD flare-up. Thank God this was in the UK where healthcare is free, otherwise I probably wouldn't be here today.
Lord Mysticlaw 1 year ago
In 2019-2021 I was really struggling financially. I took toiletpaper from work a few times. We also had bowls of fruit in the office for employees (one per person per day), and I would take mine and take it home for my kid. Also sometimes asked a colleague if I can have their one for the day, obviously pretending that I was going to eat it myself, and took that home too. Once I was out of dog food and I had no money so I took all of my books except a few of my favourites and sold them to a secondhand bookstore so that I could buy dog food. Still sad about that, I'm a total bookworm and I loved my books. To this day my friends and family think i have shelves full of books at home and I don't. I sold our TV to buy school supplies. Sold my guitar for money for my kid's 13th birthday. I sold a lot of stuff in the house that we could live without. Also at one point my washing machine broke and I did my laundry in the bathtub for 6 months. I'm so grateful that we're doing much better now.
Ima Manimal 1 year ago
Corporate greed. Come on, Congress…. Say no to the bribes from the super wealthy and tax them. They made their money on the backs of the poor. It’s time to get back.
BetterBitterButter 1 year ago
I am broke. Literally to the point that this and few other factors make sure that I cry daily. I remember crying for 0.25 USD that I kept that someone stole(I know who did) when I was younger. I was miserable in my job and it was killing me. Left my job and then pandemic hit. Now I am not getting any offers or getting 1/3rd of what I was getting in my previous job. I have eaten rice for several days cause that was all we could afford. I have walked for quite long distances to save money. I have not stole. In my present life I am stuck both professionally and personally. I know people who say money can't buy happiness but believe me it can take away alot of problems. I really hope no one around the world goes hungry or even goes through what I am going (which I know is privilege for many).
Tamra 1 year ago
I'm really sorry. I truly hope something good happens for you soon, I really do.
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Brainmas 1 year ago
One summer I basically lived on Tums and beer because I couldn't afford food. I had a tums for breakfast, and a bunch of people I worked with bought beer every night and we hung out drinking in the parking lot. If I was able to scrounge up enough change, sometimes I got the 49 cent corn dogs at the gas station for breakfast. I was lucky to eat once a day, but thankfully a lot of the neighborhoods had those ornamental plum trees and I ate a lot of those little plums!
Dont Sellmyinfo 1 year ago (edited)
Reading these brought back some rough memories and I regret reading it. One time (of many) was when I had to dig through our entire apartment that we hadn’t paid rent for in months to find as much change as I could. I came up with about 65 cents. I walked to a deli down the road, they sold plain rolls for a dollar, so I walked to another one. They gave me 1 roll for 50 cents. I then dug out the inside bread of the roll to eat a saved the outside for my ex boyfriend. That was the only food I had that day. It took a lot of will power not to eat the whole roll, but I knew he’d go without food if I didn’t. Things are so, so, so, so much better these days.
Rens 1 year ago
I was in an abusive relationship, trying to leave it, and I was forced to live in my car for seven months. I managed to get a job but I had to lie about where I was living because you can't get a job without a home and you can't get a home without a job. I had used my last home address on the application form... The day after I finally managed to move into accommodation my car was confiscated because I'd been driving without a license (because of course I couldn't afford to get one, ex controlled my money). When I gave my new boss my new address, he had already found out from some returned mail that I'd lied about my address when I started my job so I was fired. I got a job as a live-in carer, and that was when I was able to start the process of getting away from my abuser. He found out what I was doing, got me fired and homeless - this time my health deteriorated to the point where I became disabled. I finally fled to a women's refuge, and housed where I am now. I'm still disabled, but I have a secure home and income.
UpupaEpops 1 year ago
I am so sorry this happened to you, but glad to know you are in a safe place now. Can they help you with applying for a restraining order and a legal representative who might be able to assist you with suing your abuser? I know it's wishful thinking but it might be worth a try.
Load More Replies...
Brian Droste 1 year ago
I have been struggled financially but nothing like I have read on this post. So I guess I been fortunate. Never went without food. Also had 3 meals a day. So again been fortunate.
Kalon Suszko 1 year ago
While reading thru all of these, brought back memories of my favorite cheap comfort food. A box of mini elbow macaroni, a stick of butter, and a tub of cottage cheese. Boil macaroni until semi soft, then fry it in the butter. add salt and pepper. Put on plate with a huge spoonful of cottage cheese in the middle. fed me for 4-5 days. Think I'm gonna do that now......
Meridia 1 year ago
During my childhood, my family was so poor and I missed out on a lot of things because we couldn't afford them. At some point, being a kid with a sweet tooth, I was curious about KinderJoy, so, I stole and ate one just for a little bit of happiness. They were delicious. Thankfully, my situation turned out for the better now. I definitely can afford to buy lots of KinderJoy, but every time I see them, it reminded me of what I did. :')
Luna W. 1 year ago
Sorry, I deleted my comments... I guess I just wanted to show how damn easy it is to become poor and homeless, without ever having done anything wrong. However, after reading how bad some people are doing I realized that, despite my horrible experience, I´ve had a very good life for many years. I don't belong here.
Load More Replies...
AreYouGoingToEatThatPickle? 1 year ago
Reading this, I realize how fortunate my life has been. I have struggled at times but have parents who can help a bit if I'm really stuck. Makes me feel really grateful and I'm going to be more likely to help people in need on the streets when I can now.
Briana Kessler 1 year ago
No one needs to go hungry. Food pantries exist in the USA. You just have to ask for help in where they are near you and you can eat. You don't have to do anything but ask.
Meridia 1 year ago
They do exist but for some, the requirements to be eligible for them are strict :(
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Sergio Bicerra 1 year ago
I picked up half smoked cigarrettes cause i couldn't afford my vice. Gen X in the 90's so no fear of catching any disease.
Pa4040 1 year ago
(Part 2) , a bunch of homemade food in jars, and around 2 euros a day. Still quite decent, but my stupid teenage brain had to hangout with friends, so paying for drinks and eating out usually left me with close to nothing halfway through the month. One time I ran out of money 4 days before my parents could send me anything, and I was adamant I wouldn't call for help. So I spent the 4 days on 1 pack of salted sunflower seeds, tap water, sleep, and whatwver unfinished cigarette buds I could find in the ashtray. At the 4th day I couldn't speak as my empty stomache would turn any speech effort into a yawn. I was yellow and looked sickly. Barely made it to the atm, and I had to go to a supermarket to hand pick any edible items as I couldn't physically order food at a stall.
StrangeOne 1 year ago
There was a time I was living off of coffee, and hanging out at friends who were serving coffee, just to save the food for the kiddo. That's when she was about 1 and 2. So, she wasn't eating much. we still ate but breakfast and dinner only.
Cassie 1 year ago
We hit a snafu in life when our kids were little. My husband was working a full-time job that should have been enough to live on, but it wasn't. The kids were on WIC and we had food stamps, but it just wasn't enough. I sometimes went days without eating. When my husband noticed, I told him I was fasting because I didn't want him to think there wasn't enough to eat. He was working in the prison system trying to get back into his career field and it was crappy enough without the extra pressure. When we didn't have insurance and I broke my foot (dropped a washing machine on it while moving), I didn't go to the doctor for it even though it was clearly damaged. I just strapped a piece of board to the bottom of my foot and tried to stay off of it as much as possible. I'm lucky it healed decently.
Bex 1 year ago
Relate to this post so much. Regularly go without food so my son can have a proper meal, have 'forgotten' to scan things a the self check out as can't afford them, stole a pack or school t shirts from the discount shop as my sons were getting worn and small but couldn't afford new ones, went to put gas on my meter but my card was declined and went through my purse finding any change I had to pay something as it was winter and really cold so needed heating, some kind lady gave me £10 for heating, that kindness meant me and my son were warm and will never forget that, one day when I can I will pay it forward. I hate being so skint and really noticed food prices have gone way up recently. Some things have literally doubled in price but wages have stayed the same making it even tighter and harder.
Pa4040 1 year ago
I am so sorry to hear that. You are doing what you can. Sadly Brexit hit the UK much harder than expected, but things will get better, I am sure of it!
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Sky Render 1 year ago
About the worst I've had is having to make ends meet by taking the change customers left behind in the auto-change-dispenser machine and keeping it for myself. Retail jobs suck, don't miss it one bit.
Will Cable 1 year ago
Then just when you think you are getting back on your feet the government brings in another new tax to "keep us in our place"
Trisec 1 year ago
Seems kind of tame that I would always get "cash back" at the supermarket. Even though my balance was less than $0. Nothing to withdraw at the bank, but debit still worked deep into negative territory.
Luna W. 1 year ago
Wow, seriously..?!? I had no idea that would work back when I would've needed that...
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SoapsVonSoaps 1 year ago
When I was homeless I used to go into pret a manger when it was busy, take a sandwich, get in the que then pretend that I had changed my mind, go to put it back but I'd just walk out.
Metalhead Turtle 🇺🇦 1 year ago
Personally, mine is that my mom and I had to use rolled up coins because our dinner got ruined. Our local Publix was nice about it.
Devin Schmitt 1 year ago
dry popcorn and instant tomato soup. Usually the last two weeks of the month - I was paid monthly, and was out of money by the 20th.
cerinamroth 1 year ago
When I was at my poorest, I remember using the book voucher a kind relative had given me for my birthday to the only WHSmiths (UK book shop/newsagent) at the time that sold any food (at the railway station) and using it to buy a sandwich, which lasted two days. I also stole food from the place where I worked. I'm still under an incredible amount of financial strain (got another "breathtaking" unexpected bill today - the kind that literally takes the air out of your lungs and fills your head with fear) but at least we have food in the cupboard. The kids will get it first.
Jacob B. 1 year ago
As a kid, I once opened the fridge and wondered why it was on, there was nothing in it. My parents were also religious zealots and wouldn't apply for any aid, including free school lunches. I often volunteered to work in the school cafeteria just so I could get a decent meal. When I went to junior high, we were given the forms for school lunch, by that time I was smart enough to fill it out myself and just had my mom sign it "for some school project", she never bothered to actually read it. And voila, I got a decent meal every day.
Jaguarundi 1 year ago
I would use the shower at the public pool, so I could wash my clothes while wearing them. I would go to the Salvation Army Mission and let them pray and sing at me so I could get a meal from the soup kitchen. I would loiter around the laundromat waiting for stressed Moms with hyper kids to come in. I'd ask if I could help with their laundry while they watched their kids or I would watch their kids with them present. If I was lucky, they would talk to me, I could tell them that I was homeless and they might give me a little bit of cash for helping them out. The state employment office sometimes had coffee and cookies if I was early enough. Sometimes I could score a day labor job. I have slept in locked bathroom stalls in the park during the day on weekdays. I didn't ever sleep at night, too dangerous, unless I was in a shelter. Those days sucked, but, they're all so very far behind me now.
Pa4040 1 year ago
Don't be scared. Yes, there are no promises, nothig is certain. But there are a lot of positives to growing up. And if you are wise, you will relocate/try different work fields until you feel safe and happy with your life.
Load More Replies...
Leara Bridges Brown 1 year ago
Walmart sacks as insulation and gap fillers between floor and wall. Don't judge. Works just fine. My electric bill went from 12 a day to 4
David Gripon 1 year ago
I clicked on this one because I thought it was going to be humorous little anecdotes. I didn't know it was people's hardest times. These types of things really tear at my heart the most. Now I'm so sad, I want to go to sleep.
Alisha Teeter 1 year ago
We used to live close to a florist and when we were super broke my stepdad would pull the day-old roses from the dumpster where the florist would throw them at the end of the day, then we would clean them up and sell them $10 a dozen at the freeway on-ramp to get money for milk and food.
Aroace tiger (she/they/he) 1 year ago
This is so sad and I hope I never have to go through this
Madster 1 year ago
That guy from a post a couple of weeks back who used food banks even though he was on 500k a year or something needs to read this.
Pa4040 1 year ago
Wow. It was hard reading through all of these. Brings back memories and not the nice type: Long story short, grew up in Bulgaria From around '97 to about 2002 my parents were in a real tough spot. My mom worked full time as a sketch assistant in a private prooerty planning firm, so she made an ok wage Except when the bills came in, 70% of her wage was gone. My dad was constantly between jobs, as he was a ship mechanic on the Danube, but the only company at the time that actually had running ships was basically bankrupt and kept putting its employees on unpaid leave. We had a lot of pasta with oil and salt these years, hand me down clothes and cold winters. When I graduated high school and got accepted into university, my dad had found a job on a small ship, but the pay was laughable (especially for a man with his qualifications), so he resorted to stealing diesel, sometimes I would even help him do it when I was home to visit. Me and my brother basically had our rents and bills paid
BetterBitterButter 1 year ago
I hope you and your family are doing better now.
Load More Replies... Anxiousguest 1 year ago
Is this majority of population or stories of exception. Because, I'm from a 3rd world country, and you can afford 3 meals a day with any work. For example, if you are working as a servant, you get meals from the house itself. Women with small kids bring the kids also, so, the household prepare food for servant and kids. It's rare for anyone with a job to starve, even if they can't afford very tasty stuffs. Kids get free meal at government school . And basic healthcare is also free.
Anxiousguest 1 year ago
Our staple food is rice and vegetables. And many vegetables can be grown in the compound itself, because we are in a tropical country. That might be one reason for affordability
Load More Replies... Pandapoo 1 year ago
When living on my own at about 18 or 19, I was dirt poor. Had a studio apt and was out of money until my next payday. Searched car, couch cushions etc.. for some change to buy something cheap to eat that I knew cost 13 cents at a local grocer. Nada. I had an onion and some butter in the fridge so I sautéed onion and ate that for my dinner. 🤷♀️
Pa4040 1 year ago
(Part 3) fast forward 15 years (damm, where did the time go??), I am engaged, in a new house, solid job and a beautiful toddler boy. I keep telling my fiance stories like that, and how grateful I am of what we have. Hold on guys, things can get better!
BetterBitterButter 1 year ago
I read this part and had a lump in my throat. I was hoping something good happened to you and it has! You have no idea how happy I am for you. I have given up hopes of getting a good life but I am happy that you did. I am really happy for you internet stranger and wish you a long,happy,healthy and peaceful life. Hoping that someday I can look at my life like this but I guess I am too old for that now. My best wishes ❤️
Load More Replies... EmBree 1 year ago
As a young teen, I didn't understand that my parent's situation had changed and that we were poor. Then one night I found mom crying in the kitchen and she told me about it in great detail. We spent hours going through our house looking for coins so that we could feed my baby sister. After that, I started stuffing myself with the free school lunch and claimed I wasn't hungry at home. I lost weight and people praised me for it. It was horrible, knowing that my family was starving and having people think I lost weight to "look pretty".
Billie Templeton 1 year ago
When I moved off to college (no help from family) I was staying in a $4!thole of an efficiency apartment, and working for $6.50 an hour. Got to the point where I couldn't afford food. Went to check the mail one day and found a coupon for a free meal. (This was when 7-11 had just started offering fresh food items and they wanted people to know!) I shamefully and quickly dug thru the trash to see who all had thrown out their junk mail. I FOUND 11 coupons for a free meal (limit one per day.) I used every one, over two weeks, and felt so happy and thankful!
UpQuarkDownQuark 1 year ago
When I was nineteen I once went eleven days eating nothing but a can of tuna for breakfast and a can of tuna for dinner. I did not feel well. Also, it was more than twenty years before I ate tuna again.
UpupaEpops 1 year ago
Had plain rice and 2L of green tea per day for weeks on end. When I finally had some money, I bought a 1Kg "party box" of canapés from Lidl and had 5 pieces of food per meal. Landed in hospital with an IBD flare-up. Thank God this was in the UK where healthcare is free, otherwise I probably wouldn't be here today.
Lord Mysticlaw 1 year ago
In 2019-2021 I was really struggling financially. I took toiletpaper from work a few times. We also had bowls of fruit in the office for employees (one per person per day), and I would take mine and take it home for my kid. Also sometimes asked a colleague if I can have their one for the day, obviously pretending that I was going to eat it myself, and took that home too. Once I was out of dog food and I had no money so I took all of my books except a few of my favourites and sold them to a secondhand bookstore so that I could buy dog food. Still sad about that, I'm a total bookworm and I loved my books. To this day my friends and family think i have shelves full of books at home and I don't. I sold our TV to buy school supplies. Sold my guitar for money for my kid's 13th birthday. I sold a lot of stuff in the house that we could live without. Also at one point my washing machine broke and I did my laundry in the bathtub for 6 months. I'm so grateful that we're doing much better now.
Ima Manimal 1 year ago
Corporate greed. Come on, Congress…. Say no to the bribes from the super wealthy and tax them. They made their money on the backs of the poor. It’s time to get back.
BetterBitterButter 1 year ago
I am broke. Literally to the point that this and few other factors make sure that I cry daily. I remember crying for 0.25 USD that I kept that someone stole(I know who did) when I was younger. I was miserable in my job and it was killing me. Left my job and then pandemic hit. Now I am not getting any offers or getting 1/3rd of what I was getting in my previous job. I have eaten rice for several days cause that was all we could afford. I have walked for quite long distances to save money. I have not stole. In my present life I am stuck both professionally and personally. I know people who say money can't buy happiness but believe me it can take away alot of problems. I really hope no one around the world goes hungry or even goes through what I am going (which I know is privilege for many).
Tamra 1 year ago
I'm really sorry. I truly hope something good happens for you soon, I really do.
Load More Replies... Brainmas 1 year ago
One summer I basically lived on Tums and beer because I couldn't afford food. I had a tums for breakfast, and a bunch of people I worked with bought beer every night and we hung out drinking in the parking lot. If I was able to scrounge up enough change, sometimes I got the 49 cent corn dogs at the gas station for breakfast. I was lucky to eat once a day, but thankfully a lot of the neighborhoods had those ornamental plum trees and I ate a lot of those little plums!
Dont Sellmyinfo 1 year ago (edited)
Reading these brought back some rough memories and I regret reading it. One time (of many) was when I had to dig through our entire apartment that we hadn’t paid rent for in months to find as much change as I could. I came up with about 65 cents. I walked to a deli down the road, they sold plain rolls for a dollar, so I walked to another one. They gave me 1 roll for 50 cents. I then dug out the inside bread of the roll to eat a saved the outside for my ex boyfriend. That was the only food I had that day. It took a lot of will power not to eat the whole roll, but I knew he’d go without food if I didn’t. Things are so, so, so, so much better these days.
Rens 1 year ago
I was in an abusive relationship, trying to leave it, and I was forced to live in my car for seven months. I managed to get a job but I had to lie about where I was living because you can't get a job without a home and you can't get a home without a job. I had used my last home address on the application form... The day after I finally managed to move into accommodation my car was confiscated because I'd been driving without a license (because of course I couldn't afford to get one, ex controlled my money). When I gave my new boss my new address, he had already found out from some returned mail that I'd lied about my address when I started my job so I was fired. I got a job as a live-in carer, and that was when I was able to start the process of getting away from my abuser. He found out what I was doing, got me fired and homeless - this time my health deteriorated to the point where I became disabled. I finally fled to a women's refuge, and housed where I am now. I'm still disabled, but I have a secure home and income.
UpupaEpops 1 year ago
I am so sorry this happened to you, but glad to know you are in a safe place now. Can they help you with applying for a restraining order and a legal representative who might be able to assist you with suing your abuser? I know it's wishful thinking but it might be worth a try.
Load More Replies... Brian Droste 1 year ago
I have been struggled financially but nothing like I have read on this post. So I guess I been fortunate. Never went without food. Also had 3 meals a day. So again been fortunate.
Kalon Suszko 1 year ago
While reading thru all of these, brought back memories of my favorite cheap comfort food. A box of mini elbow macaroni, a stick of butter, and a tub of cottage cheese. Boil macaroni until semi soft, then fry it in the butter. add salt and pepper. Put on plate with a huge spoonful of cottage cheese in the middle. fed me for 4-5 days. Think I'm gonna do that now......
Meridia 1 year ago
During my childhood, my family was so poor and I missed out on a lot of things because we couldn't afford them. At some point, being a kid with a sweet tooth, I was curious about KinderJoy, so, I stole and ate one just for a little bit of happiness. They were delicious. Thankfully, my situation turned out for the better now. I definitely can afford to buy lots of KinderJoy, but every time I see them, it reminded me of what I did. :')
Luna W. 1 year ago
Sorry, I deleted my comments... I guess I just wanted to show how damn easy it is to become poor and homeless, without ever having done anything wrong. However, after reading how bad some people are doing I realized that, despite my horrible experience, I´ve had a very good life for many years. I don't belong here.
Load More Replies... AreYouGoingToEatThatPickle? 1 year ago
Reading this, I realize how fortunate my life has been. I have struggled at times but have parents who can help a bit if I'm really stuck. Makes me feel really grateful and I'm going to be more likely to help people in need on the streets when I can now.
Briana Kessler 1 year ago
No one needs to go hungry. Food pantries exist in the USA. You just have to ask for help in where they are near you and you can eat. You don't have to do anything but ask.
Meridia 1 year ago
They do exist but for some, the requirements to be eligible for them are strict :(
Load More Replies... Sergio Bicerra 1 year ago
I picked up half smoked cigarrettes cause i couldn't afford my vice. Gen X in the 90's so no fear of catching any disease.
Pa4040 1 year ago
(Part 2) , a bunch of homemade food in jars, and around 2 euros a day. Still quite decent, but my stupid teenage brain had to hangout with friends, so paying for drinks and eating out usually left me with close to nothing halfway through the month. One time I ran out of money 4 days before my parents could send me anything, and I was adamant I wouldn't call for help. So I spent the 4 days on 1 pack of salted sunflower seeds, tap water, sleep, and whatwver unfinished cigarette buds I could find in the ashtray. At the 4th day I couldn't speak as my empty stomache would turn any speech effort into a yawn. I was yellow and looked sickly. Barely made it to the atm, and I had to go to a supermarket to hand pick any edible items as I couldn't physically order food at a stall.
StrangeOne 1 year ago
There was a time I was living off of coffee, and hanging out at friends who were serving coffee, just to save the food for the kiddo. That's when she was about 1 and 2. So, she wasn't eating much. we still ate but breakfast and dinner only.
Cassie 1 year ago
We hit a snafu in life when our kids were little. My husband was working a full-time job that should have been enough to live on, but it wasn't. The kids were on WIC and we had food stamps, but it just wasn't enough. I sometimes went days without eating. When my husband noticed, I told him I was fasting because I didn't want him to think there wasn't enough to eat. He was working in the prison system trying to get back into his career field and it was crappy enough without the extra pressure. When we didn't have insurance and I broke my foot (dropped a washing machine on it while moving), I didn't go to the doctor for it even though it was clearly damaged. I just strapped a piece of board to the bottom of my foot and tried to stay off of it as much as possible. I'm lucky it healed decently.
Bex 1 year ago
Relate to this post so much. Regularly go without food so my son can have a proper meal, have 'forgotten' to scan things a the self check out as can't afford them, stole a pack or school t shirts from the discount shop as my sons were getting worn and small but couldn't afford new ones, went to put gas on my meter but my card was declined and went through my purse finding any change I had to pay something as it was winter and really cold so needed heating, some kind lady gave me £10 for heating, that kindness meant me and my son were warm and will never forget that, one day when I can I will pay it forward. I hate being so skint and really noticed food prices have gone way up recently. Some things have literally doubled in price but wages have stayed the same making it even tighter and harder.
Pa4040 1 year ago
I am so sorry to hear that. You are doing what you can. Sadly Brexit hit the UK much harder than expected, but things will get better, I am sure of it!
Load More Replies... Sky Render 1 year ago
About the worst I've had is having to make ends meet by taking the change customers left behind in the auto-change-dispenser machine and keeping it for myself. Retail jobs suck, don't miss it one bit.
Will Cable 1 year ago
Then just when you think you are getting back on your feet the government brings in another new tax to "keep us in our place"
Trisec 1 year ago
Seems kind of tame that I would always get "cash back" at the supermarket. Even though my balance was less than $0. Nothing to withdraw at the bank, but debit still worked deep into negative territory.
Luna W. 1 year ago
Wow, seriously..?!? I had no idea that would work back when I would've needed that...
Load More Replies... SoapsVonSoaps 1 year ago
When I was homeless I used to go into pret a manger when it was busy, take a sandwich, get in the que then pretend that I had changed my mind, go to put it back but I'd just walk out.
Metalhead Turtle 🇺🇦 1 year ago
Personally, mine is that my mom and I had to use rolled up coins because our dinner got ruined. Our local Publix was nice about it.
Devin Schmitt 1 year ago
dry popcorn and instant tomato soup. Usually the last two weeks of the month - I was paid monthly, and was out of money by the 20th.
cerinamroth 1 year ago
When I was at my poorest, I remember using the book voucher a kind relative had given me for my birthday to the only WHSmiths (UK book shop/newsagent) at the time that sold any food (at the railway station) and using it to buy a sandwich, which lasted two days. I also stole food from the place where I worked. I'm still under an incredible amount of financial strain (got another "breathtaking" unexpected bill today - the kind that literally takes the air out of your lungs and fills your head with fear) but at least we have food in the cupboard. The kids will get it first.
Jacob B. 1 year ago
As a kid, I once opened the fridge and wondered why it was on, there was nothing in it. My parents were also religious zealots and wouldn't apply for any aid, including free school lunches. I often volunteered to work in the school cafeteria just so I could get a decent meal. When I went to junior high, we were given the forms for school lunch, by that time I was smart enough to fill it out myself and just had my mom sign it "for some school project", she never bothered to actually read it. And voila, I got a decent meal every day.
Jaguarundi 1 year ago
I would use the shower at the public pool, so I could wash my clothes while wearing them. I would go to the Salvation Army Mission and let them pray and sing at me so I could get a meal from the soup kitchen. I would loiter around the laundromat waiting for stressed Moms with hyper kids to come in. I'd ask if I could help with their laundry while they watched their kids or I would watch their kids with them present. If I was lucky, they would talk to me, I could tell them that I was homeless and they might give me a little bit of cash for helping them out. The state employment office sometimes had coffee and cookies if I was early enough. Sometimes I could score a day labor job. I have slept in locked bathroom stalls in the park during the day on weekdays. I didn't ever sleep at night, too dangerous, unless I was in a shelter. Those days sucked, but, they're all so very far behind me now.
Pa4040 1 year ago
Don't be scared. Yes, there are no promises, nothig is certain. But there are a lot of positives to growing up. And if you are wise, you will relocate/try different work fields until you feel safe and happy with your life.
Load More Replies... Leara Bridges Brown 1 year ago
Walmart sacks as insulation and gap fillers between floor and wall. Don't judge. Works just fine. My electric bill went from 12 a day to 4
David Gripon 1 year ago
I clicked on this one because I thought it was going to be humorous little anecdotes. I didn't know it was people's hardest times. These types of things really tear at my heart the most. Now I'm so sad, I want to go to sleep.
Alisha Teeter 1 year ago
We used to live close to a florist and when we were super broke my stepdad would pull the day-old roses from the dumpster where the florist would throw them at the end of the day, then we would clean them up and sell them $10 a dozen at the freeway on-ramp to get money for milk and food.
Aroace tiger (she/they/he) 1 year ago
This is so sad and I hope I never have to go through this
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