How to Survive on Minimum Wage
Surviving on minimum wage may seem close to impossible, especially in today's economy, but many families are doing just that. The key is to have a plan and to know where you're going so there are no financial surprises in the way.
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Instructions
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Set up a budget and then stick to it. Make sure your budget includes all basic expenses, such as rent, utilities, food and transportation. Then calculate the extras, including clothing and other household and personal expenses.
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Barter for everything you can. Since cash will be limited, your best bet to survive on minimum wage is to find ways to get things without having to pay for them. Things like babysitting services, home repairs and even supplies can be bartered for. Offer whatever abilities or products you have in exchange, such as word processing services, lawn mowing or anything else you can think of.
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Find sources of free food. Grow your own garden if you have the space, or join a community garden and volunteer your time in exchange for a share of the produce. Food pantries and community or church meal programs can also help lighten the food bill, or you can see if you qualify for food stamps.
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Get a roommate. Rent will probably take a large part of your budget, especially if you live in a big city, so having somebody to share the expense with you will certainly make a difference. If sharing the apartment is not an option, consider moving to a cheaper neighborhood, but factor in the price of commute when calculating costs.
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Try to complement your income by hosting occasional garage sales, selling things on eBay or offering babysitting to neighbors and friends.
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Find out if you qualify for government assistance. If your total take-home income for the year is under the poverty line, you may qualify for housing assistance, food stamps or Medicaid. If you have children, your chances of receiving government assistance are even higher.
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Tips & Warnings
If your job is only willing to pay minimum wage, see if you can get other benefits from your employer. Maybe they're willing to offer on-site babysitting or help with transportation.
