Join the Fun!

50 Of The “Brokest” Things People Admit To Doing In This Viral Online Thread 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.

FalseWeeknd , Ryan Brooklyn Report

Final score:

297points

POST

BetterBitterButter 1 year ago (edited)

Good that it worked for this person.

93points

50 Of The “Brokest” Things People Admit To Doing In This Viral Online Thread 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.

-JunkyardDog , Gustavo Fring Report

Final score:

294points

POST

BetterBitterButter 1 year ago

I hope there's a future where people can buy healthy food for themselves and families without thinking about money.

149points

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.”

50 Of The “Brokest” Things People Admit To Doing In This Viral Online Thread 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.

GeoGirl07 , Arif Hasan Report

Final score:

248points

POST

Nikki D 1 year ago

I was a waitress, and if I have the money I always give a 50% or so CASH tip. I worked at a place I could never afford to eat at. I couldn't even afford the proper shoes or uniform. I survived through the kindness of strangers.

85points

50 Of The “Brokest” Things People Admit To Doing In This Viral Online Thread Stole food for my kids. Really ashamed but I couldn't let them go to bed hungry.

sirensong150 , Clem Onojeghuo Report

Final score:

238points

POST

JM 1 year ago

If the store owner knew, hopefully they would have helped

75points

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.

Cantankerous_Won Report

Final score:

212points

POST

Feathered Dinosaur 1 year ago

They call it diet, you call it starvation

109points

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.”

50 Of The “Brokest” Things People Admit To Doing In This Viral Online Thread 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...

Rosekun25 , Timur Weber Report

Final score:

210points

POST

Nikki D 1 year ago

You didn't hurt a soul, no need to feel guilty. I'm so glad you are doing better now.

114points

Careful-Guidance1719 Report

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.

Final score:

209points

POST

Kirsty Jackowski 1 year ago

The shame belongs to the landlord who knew she was in a tough spot and took advantage.

426points

Dumblond11 , İsra Nilgün Özkan Report

50 Of The “Brokest” Things People Admit To Doing In This Viral Online Thread 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...

Final score:

205points

POST

BetterBitterButter 1 year ago

They purposely damage? Why don't they just give it away if they are just going to throw it?

97points

“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

50 Of The “Brokest” Things People Admit To Doing In This Viral Online Thread 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.

dmorris427 , Darya Sannikova Report

Final score:

182points

POST

JM 1 year ago

sweet kid

62points

#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.

innnikki Report

Final score:

181points

POST

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

65points

#12

50 Of The “Brokest” Things People Admit To Doing In This Viral Online Thread 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.

thuglife_7 , Godisable Jacob Report

Final score:

178points

POST

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

66points

VikingAbroad 1 year ago

I'm sorry to hear you lost your mom. 💔 But I'm sure she would wish you to remember the day she saw you for the first time. Maybe just take a small walk, in the sun, buy a cupcake and remember even Internet strangers wishes you a happy day. ❤️

44points

FeelingFrisky 1 year ago

I would like to celebrate your birthday with you. I would buy you a cake and a gift and spend a lovely day with you talking about your mom. I lost my son recently and his birthday is approaching soon. Message me... if you want to. You don't have to spend it alone.

34points

Barbara 1 year ago

Hi, I completely understand you. I lost my brother in 2021, a few days of what was our birthday (we were 2 years apart, but we were born on the same day). We both used to have a celebration by ourselves, we would go somewhere that was interesting, buy each other our presents and then get together with family. You can imagine how it felt to not have him anymore. However, after much therapy I decided I would do the same, but with my other brother (the 3 of us were inseparable). Last year we went to a museum, then ate donuts and celebrated even though he was gone. In these moments you will not have strength, just give yourself time and at some point you will be able to celebrate again without it hurting so much. I send you a hug.

14points

ThéviNinja (she/her) 1 year ago

Oh gosh. Celebrate your birthday, even if you just do something kind for yourself. You will be in our thoughts, friend

11points

Sue Denham 1 year ago

I'm sorry for your grief but I hope your birthday gives you joy anyway. Celebrate the fact that on that day your mother gave birth to you and fell in love with you.

8points

QuirkyKittyGirl 1 year ago

I am so very sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I lost my own beloved Mama nineteen years ago in April. Not a day goes by that I don't think of her or share something she said or taught me. Going without a birthday negates the happiest day of your mother's life. Celebrate. Remember her, and all that she was to you. Go as little (a carrot cake muffin) or as big (a lavish fete on a rented yacht) as your heart can stand. And remember, once you're a panda, you are NEVER alone. You are loved and cared about.

5points

Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 1 year ago

Spoil yourself in her memory. Do something you enjoy but don't have time to do anymore. Play miniature gold. Go ice skating. Take in a little league baseball game. Go to a concert. Go fishing. Buy the new computer game you want. Go to a museum, a planetarium, a zoo. Take a lesson in ballroom dance. Whatever it is, be assured your mother's spirit will be right there with you.

4points

Princess Mar-li Cathryn 1 year ago

Happy birthday 🎂

2points

your sarcastic bestie 1 year ago

love you dont have to spend your birthday alone! im so sorry about your mom, it sounds like you guys had an excellent relationship. we love you, take your birthday as a great gift to remember your mother (and buy a couple little treats for yourself).

2points

Rebekah 1 year ago

I haven't had a birthday since my moms dementia. Hugs to you.

1point

LandAhoy 1 year ago (edited)

Hopefully some of those people she got to say hi to you would have been friends with her and aware of and mourning her passing, and remember to say hi to you on your birthday anyway? Or you could go and say hi to them! I'm sure they'd love to chat about memories of your mum.

1point

Angel 1 year ago

My mom also passed this year and that is exactly how my birthday was. No gifts sent, no phone calls cheerfully wishing me a happy birthday. I expect Christmas will be the same way. This is a very harsh new reality and everything I ever got from her I hang on to for dear life. I miss her so much and it doesn't seem to be getting better like everyone says. I'm so sorry you lost your mom too

0points

LMS 1 year ago

I understand this. Until the day she died, my mom would fix little treat bags/baskets for me and my sister for each holiday; Easter, Valentine's day, etc.. --we were in our late 40s.

0points

April Pickett 1 year ago

Make your own celebration. Invite friends, do a potluck, and have a good time. If you have the money buy drinks, chips, and dip. If not make teas, coffee, kool-aid, etc.

0points

Jaybird3939 1 year ago

The first everything after a parent passes is so difficult (it was for me anyway). It took a while to get my own traditions for holidays, b-days, etc. The hurt gets less, but it's never the same when you have to buy your own Birthday present. My Best Wishes.

0points

Norah Reilly 1 year ago

I know how that feels - hang in there!

0points

Realistic_Lemons (any) 1 year ago

Happy birthday 🥳 ! I don’t have any money, but you’d be welcome to email me whenever you want. Especially on your birthday. I’m so sorry about your mother and I hope she lived a wonderful life.

0points

Cyn Rielley 1 year ago

Celebrate yourself hun! You still deserve a celebration -

0points

Dee Rutherford 1 year ago

😢

0points

Andy Cran 1 year ago

had times when very skint (broke) I once got my friends (a group of us would get together) at Xmas "air instruments" as in air guitar,drums etc I even boxed them pmsl.... we all had a great time, amazing what some imagination and a fair bit of alcohol can do 😆

9points

Tamra 1 year ago

You thought of your friends and brought them laughter. Two amazing gifts.

9points

TAO 1 year ago

I've done that several times when my my kids and I were hit by a drunk driver, and I was struggling to recover and sue the women who caused the accident, so I saved my gift cards from my birthday in September so I could get them Christmas presents because I knew I wasn't going to be able yo work.

7points

Outgraygeous 1 year ago

Gift giving should not be arbitrary. If you want to give a gift but can't afford to buy something, get creative. Be honest with yourself and loved ones.

2points

Jane Hower 1 year ago

Sad but so sweet

0points

Justin Walsh 1 year ago

I've done that.

0points

Bleau 1 year ago

And they're in lies the problem with these commercialized holiday,s that do nothing but get people and even more debt,. But it is by choice.If I can't afford a xmas gift you're not getting one and if it's your family they should understand that

0points

Lynzi Lou 1 year ago

I'm sorry to hear about your loss. Why not celebrate your day on her memory, she wouldn't want you to go without or be sad. She's with you in your heart and mind, so she is never really gone. I haven't had a birthday for 6 years. We can' barely afford food as it is so asking my partner for a gift just for one day is selfish of me. I always make sure to get him something though, just a pair of socks or a plain white tshirt goes a long way to make someone feel special. We have been together 16 years and aren't married yet. Food on the table today is worth more than a piece of paper tomorrow.

0points

Lynzi Lou 1 year ago

I haven't had a birthday for 6 years. I can't afford food as it is so asking my partner for a gift just for one day is selfish of me. I always make sure to get him something though, just a pair of socks or a plain white tshirt goes a long way to make someone feel special. We have been together 16 years and aren't married. Food on the table today is worth more than spending hundreds on a piece of paper. Maybe next year things will get better.

0points

Elaine Morinelli 1 year ago

Actually that kind of sucks. Sorry.

0points

“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

50 Of The “Brokest” Things People Admit To Doing In This Viral Online Thread 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.

blackbear008 , hermaion Report

Final score:

160points

POST

Charlotte Sandoval 1 year ago

Period products absolutely need to be free

218points

#14

Had sleep for dinner and breakfast

LilMissBarbie Report

Final score:

150points

POST

Andy Cran 1 year ago

yep been there

32points

#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

Aeon-Aire Report

Final score:

144points

POST

Sue User 1 year ago

To the top raman guy. Raman was not a food widely available growing up. Some if these stories go back years.

18points

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.

Boat_U47 Report

Final score:

143points

POST

Emh 1 year ago

If you see someone stealing baby formula, no you didn't.

268points

TheTyGoss , Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Engine Report

#17

50 Of The “Brokest” Things People Admit To Doing In This Viral Online Thread Walked into a Costco with an expired membership card and had samples for dinner. I made the rounds a few times.

Final score:

142points

POST

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

36points

skidmarkzzz , Armed Services Blood Program Report

#18

50 Of The “Brokest” Things People Admit To Doing In This Viral Online Thread Sold my plasma for grocery money

Final score:

141points

POST

ThéviNinja (she/her) 1 year ago

It shouldn’t have to be this way

74points

#19

50 Of The “Brokest” Things People Admit To Doing In This Viral Online Thread 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.

Nitehawke88 , Jas Min Report

Final score:

136points

POST

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.

4points

#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.

KeepGoingOnward Report

Final score:

134points

POST

Zaach 1 year ago

Sometimes I buy sodas and pay the deposit with food stamps - bring them back for the cash

29points

#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.

Sad-Concept-4191 Report

Final score:

127points

POST

Feathered Dinosaur 1 year ago

I would be too anxious and awkward to pass as a normal human being if I tried that

44points

#22

50 Of The “Brokest” Things People Admit To Doing In This Viral Online Thread Washed dirty clothes in the bathtub with dish washing liquid. Couldn’t afford quarters for the machine.

roseangel663 , Teona Swift Report

Final score:

126points

POST

Nannychachi 1 year ago

Been there. Done that. Many times.

52points

#23

Getting evicted and leaving a hidden key so I could go back and squat there for a few days tops my list.

PopularFarmer19 Report

Final score:

126points

POST

lisa m 1 year ago

I had done the exact same thing but not a key, I knew how to get into a window that looked fine, appeared to lock but easily opened

3points

TrailerParkPrepper , Towfiqu barbhuiya Report

#24

50 Of The “Brokest” Things People Admit To Doing In This Viral Online Thread 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.

Final score:

122points

POST

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.

32points

#25

Donated blood to get the free cookies, juice, and a $20 gift certificate to Walmart.

Ok_Report_3651 Report

Final score:

118points

POST

Feathered Dinosaur 1 year ago

This literally having to sell (parts of your) body for money. I'm not judging, just stating the fact

57points

#26

50 Of The “Brokest” Things People Admit To Doing In This Viral Online Thread 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 🤣

captainsquattythighs , FOX Report

Final score:

112points

POST

Trisec 1 year ago

Survived the great recession on a fifty pound bag of rice and costco chickens.

4points

#27

Got a gym membership just for the shower when I was living in my car for 3-ish months at 22.

chivas0356 Report

Final score:

104points

POST

Carole G. 1 year ago

Homeless do this all the time. Some gyms are only $10 a month. Can panhandle that much in a short time.

26points

#28

50 Of The “Brokest” Things People Admit To Doing In This Viral Online Thread My motorcycle headlight broke, so I started riding around with a flashlight in my mouth. True story. I was young, and very, very dumb.

TedW , Nikola Report

Final score:

99points

POST

JM 1 year ago

yikes, Going over any bump must have hurt your teeth!

38points

#29

Ketchup soup made with stolen ketchup packets from a fast food restaurant.

badpuffthaikitty Report

Final score:

93points

POST

Zaach 1 year ago

Sold blood (back in the olden times) to buy bread, took ketchup packets and made ketchup sandwhiches. I would hit 2 different blood places per week - got really pale, could barely walk

39points

Muscularhyperatrophy Report

#30

Joined the military

Final score:

90points

POST

Dimp1961 1 year ago

I did that to get away from abuse at home. Made a poor choice getting married aged 19. Divorced and remarried, never went back. Living my best life xx

41points

Slight_Commission805 Report

#31

Had to fish for our food. Sometimes would get one fish sometimes nothing. Would go to bed hungry most nights.

Final score:

89points

POST

liz MacClain 1 year ago

My dad shot squirrels, rabbits etc both as a teen in 1935 and when I was a little kid.

29points

#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.

CuriousWolf7077 Report

Final score:

88points

POST

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

36points

isleoffurbabies , RDNE Stock project Report

#33

50 Of The “Brokest” Things People Admit To Doing In This Viral Online Thread 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.

Final score:

88points

POST

JM 1 year ago

Reminds me of the story about the woman who cut off and sold her hair to buy a watch chain for her husband who sold his pocket watch to buy a decorative comb for her long hair.

71points

#34

Made a fire outside to cook food because the electric and gas were shut off

Willing-Fee-202 Report

Final score:

86points

POST

Meridia 1 year ago

Experienced this when I was a kid. Also, my mom legit went to a neighbor's house to borrow their iron because there wasn't electricity in our house and the whole fam had work and school the next day.

2points

#35

Went around my university finding abandoned textbooks to sell back to the store.

noon_perhaps Report

Final score:

85points

POST

Brenda 1 year ago

Nothing wrong with that

26points

#36

Collected change from a public fountain to buy something from the dollar menu when I was a teenager, starving and super poor

Jugales Report

Final score:

84points

POST

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.

15points

#37

50 Of The “Brokest” Things People Admit To Doing In This Viral Online Thread 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

gillguy34 , Mizuno K Report

Final score:

82points

POST

真壁まつり 1 year ago

Still doing this Watching Youtube videos while having cup ramen

16points

#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...

pathofthebean Report

Final score:

79points

POST

rullyman 1 year ago

Time spent squatting breeds innovation. And a nasty fungus between my toes it took 6 months to get rid of.

19points

Imaginary_Train_8056 Report

#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.

Final score:

75points

POST

JM 1 year ago

I hope everything was okay

33points

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

See Also on Bored Panda

Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

#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

LadyLuxlord Report

Final score:

75points

POST

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.

13points

#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.

DadsRGR8 Report

Final score:

74points

POST

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.

20points

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

See Also on Bored Panda

“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

#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.)

theFooMart Report

Final score:

70points

POST

Charlotte O 1 year ago

Surely would have been more economic to go and buy groceries?

28points

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

See Also on Bored Panda

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

#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...

just-kath Report

Final score:

70points

POST

Dee Rutherford 1 year ago

Bless that bakery.

6points

#44

I drank work coffee a lot because I couldn't afford to eat lunch

LWSNYC Report

Final score:

68points

POST

Metalhead Turtle 🇺🇦 1 year ago

Can someone tell me if work coffee is any good?

9points

#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

Glide_Horizon Report

Final score:

67points

POST

Maggie 1 year ago

That's such a sad story, I sincerely hope th a things are better for you.

45points

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

See Also on Bored Panda

Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

#46

Green beans and tap water for dinner while I was waiting for payday. Doing wayyy better these days.

pineapplemimosas Report

Final score:

66points

POST

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.

23points

#47

Boiled water to take a bath.

randomwords83 Report

Final score:

65points

POST

Chandler 1 year ago

Done that

24points

#48

Stole toilet paper from work so I didn't have to buy it

Hrekires Report

Final score:

64points

POST

Vermonta 1 year ago

who hasn't?

13points

#49

Showers at the gym, taking napkins and plastic utensils from restaurants, living off of protein powder and ramen.

Book_bae Report

Final score:

59points

POST

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.

19points

#50

50 Of The “Brokest” Things People Admit To Doing In This Viral Online Thread Back in the 90s I wrote myself a check to cover me until payday.

Beersapper , David Goehring Report

Final score:

47points

POST

Jill Rhodry 1 year ago

I don't understand how this works - here (Aust) if you write a cheque and you don't have the money in your bank account to cover it, and don't have an overdraft, the cheque will bounce (be dishonoured) and no money will be paid out plus you'll be charged a fee for writing a bum cheque.

26points

Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium

Unlimited content

Ad-free browsing

Dark mode

#51

I overdrafted my bank account on purpose—having just a couple of dollars left, buying a gift card, to make sure I'd have enough money to last me until the end of the week in case my bank cut me off.

As a matter of fact, it was a February going into March. I got hit with virtually every bill I had to pay, without having a full month's pay. So, that was a little bit of a struggle until my next payday.

StillAnIntrovert Report

Final score:

25points

POST

KombatBunni 1 year ago

I’ve done this a few times to get by, trying my hardest not to do it again so that I stay out of debt

4points

Woman Refuses To Chip In For Babysitting Because She Doesn’t Even Have Kids, Asks If She’s A Jerk

See Also on Bored Panda

“This Breaks My Heart”: People Stunned—And Angry—After Woman Buys Lost Luggage From Airport

#52

Determined that vegetable oil had the lowest cost per calorie, and so tried to live off nothing but veggie oil for a few days.

The toilet bombs were legendary. I learned an important lesson.

SnarkyBear53 Report

Final score:

25points

POST

DJR 1 year ago

Dry beans are the lowest cost/calorie.

1point

#53

One post of my cars battery corroded in half. I couldn’t afford a new battery, so I borrowed a drill and used a stainless steel screw to reconnect the halves.

It actually worked. Shortly after that my dad thankfully bought me a new car battery.

Chrome_Armadillo Report

Final score:

25points

POST

James Edwards 1 year ago

Very smart +1

2points

#54

Slept on the streets for three months. I was down to a backpack full of clothes, a couple of books, and my guitar. That was at the end of 2019. I have a good job now, a car, and I'm doing well, thankfully—toughest three months of my life.

OpenMike38 Report

Final score:

25points

POST

Leanne Hailes 1 year ago

Glad you're doing well now

6points

"I Didn't Start The Dryer": Karen Gets Taught A Lesson After Throwing Out Neighbor's Wet Clothes

See Also on Bored Panda

Guy Divorced 3 Years Ago Drops Off 3 Y.O. With His Ex-Wife Completely Out Of The Blue

#55

Returned the Mainstays brand floor lamps that I bought while in college to Walmart 6 years after buying them. They literally had rust on the bottom, and blacklight reactive paint on the diffusers.
Don't remember what we bought with the store credit, but I'm sure there were a couple cubes of Ramen in the cart.

Extra Points- I lived in the dorms, but my GF's sister had an apartment. All beer brought into her place had to come in 24 pack bottles. All of her furniture was made out of empty cases of beer (bottles rinsed out, and put back into the box). Her bedframe, coffee table, bookshelves, everything was built out of empty cases of beer. When we were low on funds, we'd take her furniture to the redemption center and get the 5¢ per bottle deposit, and use that money to buy more beer.

akaupstate Report

Final score:

23points

POST

wowbagger 1 year ago

That's an interesting twist on storing your savings under your mattress

7points

#56

Ate a bowl of white rice with 2 eggs on top for pretty much every meal in college because it was the cheapest meal I could think of. Eggs were like 10 cents a piece and rice was like $3 for 5 pounds.

cjk813 Report

Final score:

23points

POST

Bridget Davis 1 year ago

I still eat eggs and rice. I find my old struggle meals are comfort foods for me now, go figure

15points

“All Three Shot Out Pink”: Triplets' Baby Shower Turns Sour, Pregnant Wife Wants A Divorce

See Also on Bored Panda

College Student Does Exactly As Told After Roommates Demand They Keep Their Stuff In Their Room

#57

My partner and I- until very recently- slept on a twin sized mattress on the floor of our bedroom. We finally were able to afford a grown up bed last month and our backs have never felt better lol

97ratsinatrenchcoat Report

Final score:

23points

POST

Leoninus Fate 1 year ago

I have never had my own bed despite having a good home, I sleep on the couch when I was lil i had to sleep on the floor next to my mother after she died, I slept on a crate at a "home" then when i lived with my dad, my mom made me sleep in blankets on the floor when she tried to kill me and i was finally adopted by my aunt, The house only had 3 bedrooms, one for our grandma, one for our aunt then one for our "mom" my bro and sis, and since I was oldest I slept on the couch, it's been 20 years and we moved, the house has 2 room, one for our aunt, and the other for our "mom" and sis cause my bro moved out, now our "mom" is passed and my sis finally has her own room {altho its filled with "mom" stuff} and I still have the couch..... I use a wheelchair and a cane at times and stuff like that, I can count on one hand how many times i got to sleep in a real bed, or mattress

7points

WhereAmIHowDoILeave Report

#58

I had $0.89 on a prepaid blood plasma card and I tried to “overdraw” on it for a $1.19 burger at Burger King. It didn’t work (shocker I know). I was on my way to donate plasma for food money but I was hungry and you shouldn’t donate on an empty stomach. When it didn’t work I walked across the street, donated plasma, came back and ordered my dollar burger.

OnePushupMan Report

Final score:

22points

POST

Jenn Smith 1 year ago

Plasma donation is tough!

5points

#59

Buy a big bag of oatmeal and eat oatmeal 3 meals a day. Crack an egg in the cooked oatmeal and stir in.

tdm1742 Report

Final score:

21points

POST

#60

Lived off of honey packets and ketchup packets that I would get in break room and maybe some crackers if I was lucky (I didn’t take them all just had some if I happened to be at work and really shaky and hungry)

Final score:

21points

POST

Bridget Davis 1 year ago

I pocketed all the packets when my mom would take me out to eat. Crackers and whatever packaged condiment I had on hand made for a decent meal/snack back in the day. I still do it, too. Butter on crackers is one of my favorite snacks.

7points

#61

When I was a teenager, my dad and I would spend hours looking for aluminum cans to cash in. If we were lucky, we would end up with enough money to buy groceries for supper and have a few bucks left for gas.

perpetually-panicked Report

Final score:

20points

POST

Vasana Phong 1 year ago

I used to go to the salvation thrift store and act like I was looking at clothing, but I’ve found money in pant’s pockets to get milk for the kids

12points

#62

Stole salt and pepper shakers from Dennys. I was 17 had my own apt, was attending nursing school all day, high school at night and worked 3 double shifts (7 am to 11pm) Fri sat sun. I was broke and was certain the police were going to knock on door for a couple weeks after. I was a broke kid just trying to survive.

ibemeeh Report

Final score:

20points

POST

#63

I worked at a steakhouse, and I would take home uneaten baked potatoes from the kitchen and customer's leftovers that they didn't want. I figured that if I'd happily go down on some babe who hardly touched her porterhouse, then it really wasn't so gross to finish her dinner. I guess my rule of thumb was, if I'd toss her salad, I'd eat her beef.

snukebox_hero Report

Final score:

18points

POST

Boris Long-Johnson 1 year ago

What the hell did I just read? Was the steakhouse a brothel too - eat out whiles being eaten out?

12points

#64

I used to trade my cash for rolls of quarters, take 2 quarters out of each roll, and pay for gas with the rolls of $9.50. No gas station attendant is going to count out $50 in quarters, especially when they’re already rolled and feel basically full. That $2.50 I “saved” paid for my ramen for the week.

Weasel_Cannon Report

Final score:

18points

POST

#65

Ate spaghetti noodles with ranch dressing. I stole… err… borrowed the ranch dressing from my roommate. Sorry, Chris. I owe you $.07.

omarmctrigger Report

Final score:

18points

POST

#66

Cut the edges off of round bologna to make it square. Friday was my “edge sandwich”

Bought groceries at the Dollar Store

BeerMeBooze Report

Final score:

17points

POST

Princess Mar-li Cathryn 1 year ago

I've bought groceries at the dollar store

1point

procrastinatorsuprem Report

#67

Went through every coat, pair of pants, shorts, and purse that I own to get any money to feed my family.

Final score:

17points

POST

#68

Ate one can of corn a day for a week till I got paid.

clementinesway Report

Final score:

17points

POST

#69

Didn't eat for 3 days

United_Grapefruit_ Report

Final score:

15points

POST

Leanne Hailes 1 year ago

😪

5points

#70

1st home even w/money - 6 months before buying furniture

MalibuTennisMan Report

Final score:

14points

POST

Bridget Davis 1 year ago

I only had lawn furniture and a bean bag for months in my first apartment.

4points

#71

After smoking all the cigarette buds in the ashtray, I kneaded out the last microns of burnt tobacco and ash from the twice smoked buds, onto a regular sheet of paper, tied it together with steel wire and smoked that.

It really burned the lungs smoking that, but it did work for the nicotine cravings.

Schnoor_Proxy Report

Final score:

11points

POST

Jeremy James 1 year ago

We used to call those, "Frankensmokes."

6points

I am a writer at Bored Panda. Despite being born in the US, I ended up spending most of my life in Europe, from Latvia, Austria, and Georgia to finally settling in Lithuania. At Bored Panda, you’ll find me covering topics ranging from the cat meme of the day to red flags in the workplace and really anything else. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, beating other people at board games, cooking, good books, and bad films.

Read less »

I'm a Visual Editor at Bored Panda, crafting captivating visual content to enhance every reader's experience. Sometimes my mornings are spent diving into juicy dramas, while afternoons are all about adding extra laughs to the world by editing the funniest memes around. My favorite part of the job? Choosing the perfect images to illustrate articles. It's like imagining a story as a movie in my mind and selecting the key shots to tell the story visually.

Read less »

What do you think ?

POST

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.

26points

Tim 1 year ago

I'm sure that wouldn't sway him.

8points

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

12points

BetterBitterButter 1 year ago

I hope you and your family are doing better now.

3points

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.

11points

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

6points

Gabriela Cink 1 year ago

Many of this doesn't sound as fulltime jobs, collage studenst and mothers. Also people could pay for debts or deposits or need to but something "expensive"

1point

Tim 1 year ago

It's not the norm, but it is far more common than most people want to acknowledge.

0points

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. 🤷‍♀️

10points

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!

10points

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 ❤️

4points

StrangeOne 1 year ago

It's getting there. But it definitely takes 2 incomes.

0points

Kalon Suszko 1 year ago

We need to keep those past memories alive in our head! To look back 10-20 years and then see where we are at today, and how we managed to climb out of the hole we were in. By looking back, keeps us from ever going back to that bad situation, and makes you value what you have even more!

0points

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".

9points

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!

8points

similarly 1 year ago

There's no excuse for this. No excuse at all. How can a country consider itself to be "civilized" if its citizens don't even have a guarantee of food, water, shelter, or healthcare?

8points

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.

7points

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.

7points

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.

7points

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.

4points

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).

4points

Tamra 1 year ago

I'm really sorry. I truly hope something good happens for you soon, I really do.

5points

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!

3points

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.

3points

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.

2points

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.

0points

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.

2points

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......

2points

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. :')

2points

Luna W. 1 year ago

This comment has been deleted.

2points

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.

4points

Luna W. 1 year ago

This comment has been deleted.

2points

Luna W. 1 year ago

This comment has been deleted.

2points

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.

2points

Princess Mar-li Cathryn 1 year ago

Same here.

0points

Janus Wrangel 1 year ago

Went to sleep because i was hungry af

2points

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.

2points

Meridia 1 year ago

They do exist but for some, the requirements to be eligible for them are strict :(

5points

Diolla 1 year ago

Once was so poor that I stole food in supermarkets and toilet paper in offices or wherever. Never paid for public transport and went to court for that. I mostly survived on rice, lentils, onions and lemons. But that was the one time in my ife I had a supermodel figure LOL

2points

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.

2points

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.

2points

Metalhead Turtle 🇺🇦 1 year ago

Where's part 1?

1point

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.

1point

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.

1point

Bex Premium 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.

1point

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!

1point

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.

1point

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"

1point

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.

1point

Luna W. 1 year ago

Wow, seriously..?!? I had no idea that would work back when I would've needed that...

1point

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.

1point

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.

0points

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.

0points

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.

0points

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.

0points

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.

0points

AnxiT-Rex 1 year ago

This makes me scared to grow up

0points

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.

0points

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

0points

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.

0points

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.

0points

Aroace tiger (she/they/he) 1 year ago

This is so sad and I hope I never have to go through this

0points

POST

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.

26points

Tim 1 year ago

I'm sure that wouldn't sway him.

8points

Pa4040 1 year ago

12points

BetterBitterButter 1 year ago

I hope you and your family are doing better now.

3points

Anxiousguest 1 year ago

11points

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

6points

Gabriela Cink 1 year ago

Many of this doesn't sound as fulltime jobs, collage studenst and mothers. Also people could pay for debts or deposits or need to but something "expensive"

1point

Tim 1 year ago

It's not the norm, but it is far more common than most people want to acknowledge.

0points

Pandapoo 1 year ago

10points

Pa4040 1 year ago

10points

BetterBitterButter 1 year ago

4points

StrangeOne 1 year ago

It's getting there. But it definitely takes 2 incomes.

0points

Kalon Suszko 1 year ago

0points

EmBree 1 year ago

9points

Billie Templeton 1 year ago

8points

similarly 1 year ago

There's no excuse for this. No excuse at all. How can a country consider itself to be "civilized" if its citizens don't even have a guarantee of food, water, shelter, or healthcare?

8points

UpQuarkDownQuark 1 year ago

7points

UpupaEpops 1 year ago

7points

Lord Mysticlaw 1 year ago

7points

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.

4points

BetterBitterButter 1 year ago

4points

Tamra 1 year ago

I'm really sorry. I truly hope something good happens for you soon, I really do.

5points

Brainmas 1 year ago

3points

Dont Sellmyinfo 1 year ago (edited)

3points

Rens 1 year ago

2points

UpupaEpops 1 year ago

0points

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.

2points

Kalon Suszko 1 year ago

2points

Meridia 1 year ago

2points

Luna W. 1 year ago

This comment has been deleted.

2points

Luna W. 1 year ago

4points

Luna W. 1 year ago

This comment has been deleted.

2points

Luna W. 1 year ago

This comment has been deleted.

2points

AreYouGoingToEatThatPickle? 1 year ago

2points

Princess Mar-li Cathryn 1 year ago

Same here.

0points

Janus Wrangel 1 year ago

Went to sleep because i was hungry af

2points

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.

2points

Meridia 1 year ago

They do exist but for some, the requirements to be eligible for them are strict :(

5points

Diolla 1 year ago

2points

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.

2points

Pa4040 1 year ago

2points

Metalhead Turtle 🇺🇦 1 year ago

Where's part 1?

1point

StrangeOne 1 year ago

1point

Cassie 1 year ago

1point

Bex Premium 1 year ago

1point

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!

1point

Sky Render 1 year ago

1point

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"

1point

Trisec 1 year ago

1point

Luna W. 1 year ago

Wow, seriously..?!? I had no idea that would work back when I would've needed that...

1point

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.

1point

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.

0points

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.

0points

cerinamroth 1 year ago

0points

Jacob B. 1 year ago

0points

Jaguarundi 1 year ago

0points

AnxiT-Rex 1 year ago

This makes me scared to grow up

0points

Pa4040 1 year ago

0points