Times are tough all over

[classicman]

Originally Posted by Pico and ME

Merc could you live on $350 a week? Consider trying to make rent, groceries, gas, utilities, insurance and whatnot on that amount. Now, take off the taxes are that ARE taken out of that check and try. I work with people who have to make hard choices about what gets paid or not. Life is really really hard at that level. A LOT of people are trying to struggle through at that level.

Without going into my personal circumstances too much...
I know I couldn't - I tried. Caring for a family of 5 on that is impossible. So I got a 2nd job and a third job and put myself through college so that I could independently provide better for my family. I did what was necessary to generate more money.
I received food stamps and using them made me sick every time - The stigma THAT I FELT taking a handout was a great motivating factor for me.