by Cody Hodge

Created on: February 21, 2009

Living with a lot of money is fun, and a good way to live your life. On the other hand, living with no money is not so much fun, and is not the way I dreamed living my life. While having a limited income is disheartening at times, it is not impossible to live with, and if you play your cards right you can live a decent life, and not give up much in the way of lifestyle. It can be tricky, and it takes some planning, and a little sacrifice, but it can be done. Here is how I handle living with a low income.

I made roughly 14,000 dollars after taxes last year, and it probably was the most money I have ever made in a year. I also bought a new car, moved into a new apartment, and manage to keep up with living expenses. How do I do this? Well like I said it takes a lot of sacrifice, and it takes a great credit score as well. The monthly payment is my best friend, and it allows me to buy a lot of stuff and then just pay it off slowly.

For example, I have my eyes on a new TV, an XBOX360, and a new laptop. All told, the three items cost roughly 1700 dollars when put together, if I was going to pay it all off at once. Luckily since I have good credit, I can get the money up front, and end up paying about 125 dollars a month. That isn't really a whole lot of money when you think about it. Regardless of your income, you can make that kind of money rather quickly, probably after working maybe 5 extra hours a week.

When you are working with a low income, a gift is your best friend as well. My birthday, Christmas, and any other time I have extra cash is a good time for me. I get a few things that I need for free, and although I have to get stuff for people during the Christmas time, my family isn't too picky as long as I get them something that they will like or use.

Working on a low income means you have to stretch your budget in some areas. Typically I will buy soda in two liter bottles, eggs, pasta, or anything else that I can make a lot of food with. If it will last the whole week, or if it can last me for several meals than I am happy, and I get to still eat stuff I like. I like macaroni, pasta, and other dishes of that sort, so I am happy with that, and it saves me money.

It is possible to live on a low income, you just have to use a little magic to make it happen. Keep your expenses low, stretch your budget when you have too, and don't be afraid to ask for help. Being poor can't last forever, and as long as you have a plan to go about making money, you will see the end to the tunnel eventually. Just keep going, and know that it is possible to live a good life on a low income.

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