When Your Paycheck Covers Nothing
@Cintronwriter (564)
United States
March 28, 2016 5:32pm CST
I got paid Friday and I'm already low on funds. How can this be? I feel like I'm working to support the lifestyle of others who sit at home, defraud the government and skate on the coattails of hardworking people. I say that because I have a brother who is one of those people.
I've lost the joy of looking at my checking account when I get paid because I know only 15% or less of the money is actually mine to enjoy. Anyone feel the same about getting paid?
8 people like this
9 responses
@snurgr (147)
• Mumbai, India
29 Mar 16
I used to feel so mostly also because i used to work triple for the amount i earned.. and mostly was frustrated because of the systems involved.. so now i have resigned and i am trying to start something of my own.. even if i earn a bit less i would atleast be happy...
1 person likes this
@Cintronwriter (564)
• United States
29 Mar 16
At some point, I think many of face the realization that happiness and monetary wealth will come when we venture out and create something for ourselves. How is your adventure coming along?
1 person likes this
@snurgr (147)
• Mumbai, India
29 Mar 16
@Cintronwriter it is just strating up... a few rumblers in the way but still feels good to have something of my own...
1 person likes this
@amadeo (111948)
• United States
28 Mar 16
@Cintronwriter sorry did not know this.guess you know what your doing
1 person likes this
@Cintronwriter (564)
• United States
28 Mar 16
Yes sir. I'm a finance professional but with mandatory payments as a result of divorce and rent, I'm left to reinventing myself in hopes of generating money through the wonder of the Internet.
@yukimori (10144)
• United States
28 Mar 16
I used to, before I started actively managing my finances and spending my money consciously.
Anyway, you say you have 15% of your paychecks available to enjoy.
But what percentage of that income is going to housing, utility bills, and other household expenses? Surely 85% can't be taken right off the top just to support the lifestyle of others who are too lazy to work! You must be getting some benefits from that other 85%, even if they can't be considered "fun" or "enjoyable" expenses!
Unless your brother is currently living with you in a home you rent or own... in which case I'm going to say that you have the power to take control of the situation and can (and should!) give him the boot and quit enabling him to live like that off your hard-earned money.
1 person likes this
@Cintronwriter (564)
• United States
28 Mar 16
After paying child support, spousal support and rent, not much is left. 15% is a generous number. I'm able to stay afloat because I am a finance professional with decades of budgeting experience.
1 person likes this
@IreneVincent (15962)
• United States
28 Mar 16
I would say that it's time to look for a NEW job. OR another way to make some extra money. I'm retired now, but I managed to save money out of every paycheck and now I can live comfortably.
1 person likes this
@Cintronwriter (564)
• United States
28 Mar 16
As the adage goes, "it's not how much you make but how much you save ". Cash is my only option as this point, and as you said, finding a way to generate additional income is the key.
@Cintronwriter (564)
• United States
29 Mar 16
Yes, you get my point. Almost all of us on this site live paycheck to paycheck, except I presume for the small few retired folks who saved enough to enjoy their freedom from work.
@JohnRoberts (109857)
• Los Angeles, California
29 Mar 16
What you experience is part of the growing anger of hard working people against the government and elitist establishment of both political parties.
@Cintronwriter (564)
• United States
28 Mar 16
We are not alone in the battle of a dwindling check, countless others face the same dilemma. We just have to view money as a tool and figure out a way to move forward.
1 person likes this
@ReiraLee (214)
• Singapore
29 Mar 16
You might want to re-look at your lifestyle choices. For e.g. is your rent too high - you might want to move to a place where it is within your comfort level. But then again, many people live from paycheck to paycheck. You might want to jot down on the things that you are spending, and if you are still not earning enough to sustain yourself, you might want to do part time work over the weekends. Either cut back on your spending, or work more jobs.
@Cintronwriter (564)
• United States
29 Mar 16
If only life were that easy, oh how I would make the things you mentioned a reality. Making more money where Uncle Sam takes more and more in the firm if taxes isn't the answer, although a logical remedy to the recurring issue I stated.
