[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

When I first moved out on my own I used all of my savings on the 800 mile move, utility deposits and rent down payment. I was making more than minimum wage but not a lot of money. I sat down and looked at my budget. My rent was a whopping $90 a month but utilities and gas for the car ate up a big chunk of the budget. I lived on rice with soy sauce on it. On Friday night I would splurge and throw a can of coup on top of the rice. That cost just pennies a day. This was back before Raman noodles.

I did not have a date for many months because women are expensive. 4 years later I bought my first house as a single man. Once again I remember looking at the budget and thinking how in the heck can I pay off that $32,000 mortgage and keep up with household maintenance and utilities. Lots of rice, beans and chicken. Few steaks and cheap dates.

I have never ever taken one penny of government assistance of any type ever. No food stamps, unemployment, rent subsidies or any form of assistance. Only my own paycheck from my hard work.

Good perspective to have, isn't it? I recall going to the store with my wife and infant son and having $100 to spend on food for the next 2 weeks. My wife and I kept a running tally in our heads of what we had grabbed, which was only the absolute essentials. Occasionally we would have to put something back, which is a humbling experience. It was also great motivation to work my ass off and make a better life for my family. I grew up poor and had little help from my parents, but I also have never taken a dime from the government.