http://digitalartscorps.org/taxonomy/term/389/0 en http://digitalartscorps.org/node/311 <p>I have been wanting to say something about making it on low income. </p> <p>One, I don&#39;t have any secret to doing so. But I aught to, I suppose.</p> <p>I think I&#39;m a bit different. A lot VISTA talk was about sacrificing by making such a low income for a year. I get the impression that for a lot of you, this is a big change. I, on the other hand, have hardly ever made more than I&#39;m making now. And in fact, had been unemployed since June when I started my service in September.</p> <p>I don&#39;t think I&#39;ve ever cracked $15,000 for a year. The amount I&#39;ll be making from the living allowence is much more typical. And I&#39;ve made less.</p> <p>So, I aught to have great advice. But I don&#39;t I have horrible credit and I&#39;ve been to a doctor once since my dad&#39;s insurance stopped covering me when I was 19 (I&#39;m 36 now). Hmm. I can say this, I don&#39;t trust credit cards or checking accounts. Something always gets messed up. And don&#39;t live off your student loans. That was a bad idea.</p> <p>This is the poverty level, but I still go out. I see movies. I hang out with friends, eat dinner (or lunch) out occaisionally. Take my ex-girlfriend&#39;s kids to eat or to a movie. I&#39;d date, but I don&#39;t know how to tell what&#39;s a date and what&#39;s hanging out. I live like I always have, with bills hovering, a car that has problems, and lots of stress. </p> <p>It&#39;s not easy, but with the health benefits (I&#39;ve foresworn the Seven Corners for an MI Health Card) it&#39;s actually an improvement. The fact that I&#39;m doing something I enjoy for a change is amazing. And once this yeat is out I hope that my experience will translate into a job that I enjoy and gets me above the poverty level for a change.</p> <p>I hope every one is doing well on their low incomes. I had a bit of freak out session with my car tire going flat twice and the door refusing to shut, but I&#39;m doing okay now. I got a used tire for $25 and I just have to remember not to open my driver&#39;s side door. :D</p> <p> Take Care,</p> <p>Rich </p> http://digitalartscorps.org/node/311#comments cars ctcvista enjoyable work health care low income poverty vistalife Mon, 20 Nov 2006 16:44:54 +0000 Richard T. Anderson 311 at http://digitalartscorps.org