3 Product Tips for Living Below the Poverty Line
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

3 Product Tips for Living Below the Poverty Line

struggling with poverty is hard, maybe these tips are exactly what you need to make it through the next month

10
3 Product Tips for Living Below the Poverty Line

The current estimated poverty rate in America is 12.3 percent, based on the U.S. Census Bureau's 2017 estimates. Since 1954 the poverty rate fluctuates between 11 and 15 percent.

Many Americans are working 40 hour weeks and still don’t have enough to raise their families, let alone enjoy life. If you’re one of those Americans here are a few tips you might not have thought of that can help you make it day by day.


1- direct deposit cards.

Many Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, and sometimes those paychecks are Two weeks apart. That means that at the beginning of week one you could be flush with cash, and by the end of week two you’re living off bread crumbs and butter.

Everyone knows that when your check is direct deposited your paycheck comes early by usually at least 2 days, depending on your bank. But let’s face it, a lot of the time Americans today are living in a constant state of over draft that makes them fear having their checks direct deposited.

If this is you, look into Walmart’s meta bank cards. They’re free and you can have your check out directly onto them. Normally with a 3 day early paycheck. No worries about your bank overdraft eating your rent or food money, and you get it 3 days earlier. Risk free. Who can beat that?

2- powders are your friend

If you have a big family and a small income feeding everyone can be tough. Something shoppers often forget about is powdered products. Powdered foods can be a life saver because they’re normally much cheaper than their pre-made alternatives and they often have more mileage food wise.

If you don’t know about powdered foods, check them out. This authors personal favorite is the powdered peanut butter. Along with being cost friendly it allows you to make the exact peanut butter texture you want. Need it thicker? Add more powder. Want it smoother? More water. It’s your world, the peanut butter is just living in it.

3- “magic” bottles are great in emergency

“Magic” bottles refers to the “___” in a bottle products. Such as dry shampoo, leave in conditioner, and cleansing foam.

When living below the poverty line it’s a constant struggle to keep up with bills. Often hardworking Americans have to choose between two bills or pay neither. It’s always good to have an alternative in case something is shut off for a while.

The most often shut off bills are electricity and water. While there aren’t many tips for electricity beyond stocking up on blankets and candles in the winter and opening windows in the summer, there are many products to replace water (Temporarily, of course).

Dry shampoo and leave in conditioner are the most obvious and can be real life savers when the water is shut off. Just be careful not to layer on the dry shampoo too heavily or your hair will turn into a powdery brick. A good product to use between dry shampoos is foaming cleanser. (These products are frequently used in hospitals when a patient needs to bathe but for whatever reason can’t be cleaner with water). Foaming cleansers can be used as a waterless body wash and shampoo. All these products can be real life saver if you’re torn between paying your water bill or electricity.

This is not a product but something everyone below the poverty line should know. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) May be available in your area LIHEAP can help families who are struggling to pay their bills with one electric bill every 6 months. If your electric or gas is about to be shut off because you can’t pay the bill please look into LIHEAP and see if there’s an office in your area. All you need to do is take your proof of income (if you have any), your ID, social, and a shut off notice to their office and they may be able to help you pay the bill with no pay back expected.

Hopefully these products will reach someone who may need them in the future. Be aware of the financial assistance like LIHEAP available in your area, and be on the watch for cheap alternatives to things you need.

Sending everyone my best,

Rose Sterling

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

45312
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

28655
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

953210
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

160111
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments