How to Survive Becoming Poor

Face poverty squarely, then strategize. While coping with the day-to-day reality of frugal living, you must take the necessary steps to get yourself out of poverty. This is a time for taking stock and becoming open to ways to improve your lot.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Visit your state Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to find out what services you may qualify for such as cash assistance, food stamps and medical care.
2. Find the food pantries in your area. Get there early for a good selection of produce and meat. Visit the churches that offer free meals. Learn to buy in bulk to save money.
3. Scrutinize your expenditures with a fine-toothed comb. Pare down your spending to bare essentials until you have a disposable income. Explore shared housing to cut back on expenses.
4. Use public transportation to minimize car costs. Consider selling your car, if it's not absolutely necessary for work. Try walking and bicycling, if it's feasible to do so.
5. Examine your possessions closely. Have a garage sale. It's often surprising to discover how much you can dispense with if necessary.
6. Work with a job counselor if you're unemployed or in a low-paying job. She may open up possibilities you've never thought of.
7. Go back to school to upgrade your skills or get on-the-job training, if offered. This may be a blessing in disguise if you were unhappy with your previous job. You may find a much better life after you've explored new options.