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Do you know anyone that has gone through this?

How did they survive? Leave comments here.....

From the lens From Middle Class to Poverty .

Poverty often times affects self-esteem, especially when it is sudden. I chose the black and gray to reflect the mood I experienced during this time, but changed to green as one more peaceful. As that is how I feel now that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

  • Morgannafay Mar 31, 2012 @ 1:38 pm | delete
    I hope things get better for you. :(

    I grew up this way, and now am still this way, but when I was little I used to think my grandparents were rich, and all the people that lived in the nice middle class houses were rich. It made me think of that when I read the section where you say, "things that the middle take for granted are dreams for the poor" This is so true.

    Of course all of those people in that suburban neighborhood were middle class, I realize that now. Being in my current slump I find myself reverting back to that way of thinking. Anyone that at least doesn't have to worry about money seem so rich to me. Of course I hate, hate depending on others, because I spent so many years NOT depending on anyone. I'm an introvert and I don't like the feeling of being beholden to others either. D: I'm in that situation too. Sometimes help comes with great strings attached. That's also a self esteem smasher.
  • sousababy Mar 22, 2012 @ 7:50 pm | delete
    Live within your means Rose (that's what I tell myself).
  • Ladymermaid Nov 21, 2011 @ 5:42 pm | delete
    I have many times in the past been so close to living in a cardboard box that it was only my stubborn persistence and the help of angels that I did not wind up there. Now I am so very lucky that I count my blessings each and every day. Poverty and the desperation that come along with it are so very sad and so many people exist there each and every day.
  • Frischy Sep 6, 2011 @ 11:53 am | delete
    Yes, I have gone through this/am going through this, as the result of divorce. I am writing a series of squidoo articles about how I have survived on a low income. I am not sure where the line is between broke and poor, because even though I have a regular income it is not enough money and after 7 years putting off certain things like maintenance on the house and aspects of my health care is catching up to me. However, the money still is not there to cover these problems. I guess I see broke as an inability to do some things you want to do, like not being able to go to the movies or have the deluxe cable package; but, poor is when you have to sacrifice things you need, like healthy food, medical care, or having the furnace checked every year, month after month, year after year. You can only do this for so long before it gets you, and then what?
  • Jess Jul 10, 2011 @ 3:46 pm | delete
    I hope this turns out the same for me. I too am about to become homeless and have almost sunk into a empty depression which I hope does not become something worse. I am a recent college graduate, Magna Cum Laude, and I cannot find a job. I hate being poor. And yes, I mean poor, not broke. Which bills do I let go? I am almost out of Ramen soups. I hate to tell collections this, but if they begin garnishing my wages at my part-time job, they will soon realize that there is not enough to go around. I hate my life, I feel that college was a waste of time, and I am so close to giving up completely. This site has given me much hope, but when I look down at another bowl of my quickly diminishing Ramen soups, I am sure it will disappear.
  • KathyMcGraw Jul 10, 2011 @ 4:11 pm | delete
    Jess I hope you come back to read this. I know it is hard, and I know that often there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel, but there is. Maybe before you get into that empty depression try finding something that makes you feel good. Something that doesn't cost any money. Also get a deference on your student loans (or a forebarence) this will help some. As for the bills, been there done that. I made several mistakes deciding which ones to pay, and in retrospect I think the house bills are the ones that should come first, and the car. My thoughts are with you, and all the new college grads that are entering a workforce that has completely changed. One thing I did was find alternative jobs to try to pay the bills...I drove an ice cream truck, did Notary work, wrote articles for other people, etc. It helped keep the wolf at bay for awhile...and in your case it might just be all you need until things turn around. Good luck Jess, my thoughts are with you!
  • bolillie Jun 19, 2011 @ 4:28 am | delete
    Thank you so much for sharing your story. I was glued to the lens the whole time and read every word. This really puts me inside the head of someone who is experiencing what you've experienced. Our family has been greatly affected by this recession, depression, or whatever it is, but we haven't come close to losing everything. I appreciate hearing your perspective.

    And, yes, I know people in the same or similar situations and do everything I can to help them.
  • ShirlW May 4, 2011 @ 8:02 pm | delete
    Bless you for caring enough to write this lens. It must have take some courage to do so, but I'm sure you've helped others in countless ways by writing it. Blessed by a Squid Angel today.
  • jptanabe Jan 22, 2011 @ 4:29 pm | delete
    Great lens on this difficult topic - light at the end of the tunnel is great! I've been experiencing the change from middle class to not having money, but so far have succeeded in not becoming "poor" in mindset. I believe we'll all get through this and move on to a better time, together!
  • ddixonart Dec 23, 2010 @ 7:39 pm | delete
    Thank you so much for your wonderful lens. I am looking for webpages that give first-person accounts of what it feels like to be down-on-your-luck to encourage donations to our local food bank that helps people with not only food, but also prescriptions and utility bills. I'm one of those people who can't help financially, so I help by working to get the word out to help the food bank. Thanks again!
  • vallain Dec 12, 2010 @ 6:32 pm | delete
    I'm hoping that things are looking up for you. I feel so lucky that I don't have a job to lose as I'm retired. Still we are all feeling the uncertainty of a floundering economy. You took the brunt of it as you were in a career that plummeted down with the crash. Others have slid more slowly into poverty as jobs continue to retract. Best of luck to you.
  • WeirdStuff Sep 18, 2010 @ 6:27 pm | delete
    interesting lens. you usually see all those 'rags to riches' stories; this is something completely different
  • paperfacets Jun 19, 2010 @ 2:26 am | delete
    I hope things are better for you in every new day. I enjoyed meeting you last Thursday and look forward to our next Squidoo meeting.
  • KathyMcGraw Jun 19, 2010 @ 9:37 am | delete
    Thank you...I too enjoyed the meeting, and things are getting better :)
  • ChapelHillFiddler Apr 16, 2010 @ 5:46 pm | delete
    I'm glad AJ pointed us to this lens. I'm so sorry for your troubles and hope things continue to improve. Don't beat yourself up for things that happened, they just happened - and you had a great vacation with your mom, some day you will not be regretting that.
  • aj2008 Apr 16, 2010 @ 4:37 pm | delete
    Kathy, only people who are in the position you found yourself can truly understand and appreciate what you went through and I am so sorry that you have had the times you've had. I am praying for better times for you.
  • Norma_Budden Apr 3, 2010 @ 10:30 am | delete
    Please follow the Purple Star Directory to find where your purple starred lenses have been featured.

    Thanks!
  • arncyn Jan 18, 2010 @ 7:43 am | delete
    I'm back to give this very moving, generously-shared story a much deserved *angel blessing*. (:
  • KathyMcGraw Jan 18, 2010 @ 10:32 am | delete
    Cynthia- Thank you very much :)
  • poutine Jan 10, 2010 @ 8:45 am | delete
    I, also wish I were an angel and give you the "blesssing" for this superbly well written lens.

    Wishing you all the best in the year 2010 and beyond.
    Poutine
  • KathyMcGraw Jan 18, 2010 @ 10:31 am | delete
    Thank you :) I always say...when you're at the bottom, the only way left is up....
  • Heather426 Jan 9, 2010 @ 12:51 pm | delete
    I'm in Real estate as well, in California as well, so I know this story from beginning to end.
    Very well written, I wish I still had angel wings to bless it.
  • KathyMcGraw Jan 9, 2010 @ 7:48 pm | delete
    Heather- yes, California was hit hard and everyone and anyone that was in anyway associated with Real Estate, including vendors was hit as well. My wish is that all of us keep looking towards that light as it will surely be brighter now. Might take this whole year as well, but we will come out of this. They gave me wings (LOL ) so I will bless you :) All of us working together and knowing we aren't alone helps. Thank you for coming by and commenting.
  • jgelien Jan 8, 2010 @ 10:12 pm | delete
    I can relate to every word of this lens. These are very difficult times and I have had many moments of terror and deep despair, usually in the middle of the night. Somehow, for no really apparent reason, because nothing changed overnight, I always feel hopeful again in the morning and I can get through another day. I draw strength from my faith and from my friends and from lenses like this that let me know I am not alone. Thank You. 5*
  • KathyMcGraw Jan 8, 2010 @ 11:34 pm | delete
    jgelien- We aren't alone for sure, and it is amazing when we're in the grip of despair that we can get through one day, let alone another. Good for you! One day we will look back on all this and wonder at the strength it took to continue. Thank you for sharing your experience.
  • BenOberg Jan 8, 2010 @ 2:37 pm | delete
    It's lenses like this that drew me to Squidoo. The possibility of sharing an incredibly profound experience with a group of people brought together by the common thread of sharing knowledge. To say it is powerful does not do justice to this lens.
  • KathyMcGraw Jan 8, 2010 @ 10:36 pm | delete
    Thank you Ben....
  • Kylyssa Jan 8, 2010 @ 2:05 pm | delete
    Thank you for sharing your story. I, too, went from upper middle class to broke to poor due to illness and divorce. Fortunately, I grew up poor and had experience being homeless so I never really developed the middle class reliance on money and goods for self-esteem and pleasure. It's still a hard life but I don't miss the things that many others do because I never became accustomed to them.

    This is a powerful lens.
  • KathyMcGraw Jan 8, 2010 @ 10:41 pm | delete
    Kylyssa- some people place all their value on what they have accomplished, and what they have acquired....me, I place it on who I have helped. In your case sounds like not placing as much value on the material things has helped you also :) Best to you!
  • pkmcr Dec 31, 2009 @ 4:50 am | delete
    A very powerful and insightful lens. Wishing and hoping for a better 2010 for you. Blessed by a Squid Angel :-)
  • WordCustard Dec 27, 2009 @ 7:37 am | delete
    Wishing you better times ahead for 2010, Kathy.
  • spirituality Dec 23, 2009 @ 9:29 am | delete
    Great lens. I think it's very easy to ignore how much poverty affects self esteem - great lens & great topic.
  • drifter0658 Dec 17, 2009 @ 8:29 pm | delete
    Kathy,

    I have been out of my previous employment for almost a year and am currently trying to save my home through HUD counseling. The upside is that I remain positive due to seeing new and exciting opportunities that will surely give great reward.

    I will prevail!

    Smell the smoke of a burn-out blessing?
  • BarbRad Dec 17, 2009 @ 3:25 pm | delete
    Thank you for sharing your story. Every time I see a story about a fire or flood or foreclosure, or other tragedy, I realize that it could have been me. Today we not only have to get used to the idea that poverty can happen even to people who work hard and have never before experienced it, but we need to change our attitudes about poverty and those who have reluctantly had to apply for charity or government aid. Your lens will help people to make that attitude change. I am thankful things are looking better for you. I'm hoping what you have shared here will help others, perhaps, begin watch the pennies they might want to spend on non-essentials until times are much better for all.
  • Ladydove62 Dec 17, 2009 @ 3:16 pm | delete
    Dear Kathy... This is 10* lens. I hope you make LOTD soon with this. My children and I live on an extremely limited income and I understand your feelings completely. I have been reading a novel called "All She Ever Wanted" by Lynn Austin. It is about wealth and poverty throughout the generations in a family, and how they are affected. It is a terrific good read with some wonderful insights. I think you may enjoy it! So glad to hear the light at the end of the tunnel is in sight. Wishing you a warm and meaningful Christmas-from my little family to you.
  • MeltedRachel Dec 17, 2009 @ 12:40 pm | delete
    Thanks for sharing, Kathy!

    I haven't had money for so long - the last time I had anything was when I had a student loan and I just wasted so much on crap I didn't need. In a way I'm glad I've not had anything for a long time because I've learnt to be a better custodian of money and also learnt that there is so much rubbish that we all buy that we really don't need.

    I've been fortunate to have people to take care of me but admit it can be difficult when you can't go out and do things or meet friends because you can't afford the travel, or to eat out etc.
  • kimmanleyort Dec 16, 2009 @ 1:30 pm | delete
    Kathy, I think you learned that lesson well because you pay it forward all the time. I know several people who have been in an upper middle class situation and have now been out of work for more than a year, with no end in sight. It is still tough out there.
  • Laniann Dec 15, 2009 @ 9:11 am | delete
    Kathy, I believe your success is just around the corner. Because, you are putting your focus and energy on the correct things and you will come out of this period.
  • luvmyludwig Dec 15, 2009 @ 3:39 am | delete
    I can relate to so much of what you have written here in many different ways and on many different levels. Thank you for sharing what you have been through. You have an amazing outlook on life, in the face of so much you show strength and perseverance. You will always come out on top.
  • Sylvestermouse Dec 14, 2009 @ 9:22 am | delete
    Kathy, I am terribly sorry you have had such a difficult time and for so long. Most of us can handle things for a month or two, but for a year or two is obviously a lot more difficult. I never would have guessed that you have been going through such difficult times. In the short time I have known you through Squidoo, you have always been so upbeat and kind.

    We have known several people and have a couple of family members who have/are experienced extremely difficult times due to the economic downturn. Frankly, trying to help out has strained our budget so much that the last time one of our family members asked for help, we didn't have it to give. That was just last month. I joined Squidoo to help promote my store which is hurting. I had hoped the Christmas sales would pull it out of the "loss" column, but alas, it has not. While I have not been through your dire situation, I do not have to look very far to see my loved ones hurting and the reality that I can not help has been a heart wrenching experience.
  • KathyMcGraw Dec 14, 2009 @ 10:59 am | delete
    Cynthia- We all do the best we can. Whether we wear the shoe of needing help, or the one of not being able to help, it still affects us. If you have helped a family member several times, even though they might need it still, you have to take care of yourself and your family first. It's not a good thing if you end up in the same boat they are. Help comes in many ways, not just financial....offering to babysit while someone has an appointment, allowing them to do a load of laundry at your house, things that don't have a direct monetary outlay can also help. Heck, just the kind words of "I know it's hard right now" helps validate them, without putting you in the same situation.

    You can only do what you can do....you must take care of yourself, that's number 1 :) Hope this coming year brings your store back into the plus column, and thank you for sharing here.
  • OhMe Dec 13, 2009 @ 9:37 pm | delete
    Kathy, your sharing your story will certainly be beneficial to others experiencing a similar situation. Times are so hard and I am glad to read that things are looking a little brighter for you.
  • arncyn Dec 13, 2009 @ 1:32 pm | delete
    My heart goes out to you Kathy and I admire you for climbing your way out of poverty and into enlightenment. May you completely find your way out of it, we are cheering you on! Thank you for sharing your story, it was very brave of you to write this (and I quite agree with everyone here that this should make LotD!). I'm no stranger to poverty as I live in a developing nation. Our country experienced the worst typhoon flooding couple of months ago (it was all over the news) and I have a close friend whose home got 100% submerged. His family lost everything they owned and it's painful to see them trying to adapt to their new lifestyle. We have been pitching in to help but I know they've got a long journey of rebuilding their lives ahead of them...
  • prosperity66 Dec 13, 2009 @ 12:30 pm | delete
    The only persons I know who would have lost "everything" - while in my country, it's hard to lose everything - are those who always relied on charity, lived on charity and count on charity. So, they didn't even pay attention to those hard times we life currently and kept spending money living like wealthy people and asking for help because they're unable to make ends meet...
    This is a great lens! Deserves to get LOTD!
  • Stazjia Dec 12, 2009 @ 4:48 am | delete
    I had my own business, it would have been 20 years in April 2008, but problems started after the economy got hit following 9/11 - Americans not travelling to the UK. Still, kept going but tightened belts. The final straw was when I had a mini stroke and bad health news following. By that time, I was already in depths of depression. I had no choice but to take retirement on health grounds. We had to move from our house into an apartment, a good move really, but it didn't help the depression, particularly losing the garden. Now we liven on small pensions, before monthly payment we sometimes count pennies. I still take anti depressants and will probably continue do so but I am more content now than for many years. Money has never been important to me although it's nice to have it and sometimes I miss the freedom to buy something when I want it and I don't mean something expensive either. I'm no longer under the pressure I was before, I do what I want and that's better than having more money. I live for today.

    This was such a brave lens to write, Kathy. Blessed by an Angel.
  • KathyMcGraw Dec 14, 2009 @ 11:17 am | delete
    Carol- Hugs from America......my heart is there with you, and smiles that you are at least more content now. Yes, having money, just a little extra to go with a friend or colleague out for a coffee is taken for granted when we have it. I know I've learned how to avoid that situation, and once had to choose between buying bread and milk or a $2.50 card for a very sick friend in another state. I'm sure you know which one I chose. No one should have to be that poor in my opinion :)
  • Jewelsofawe Dec 11, 2009 @ 7:16 pm | delete
    My ex was a lender and before that he managed regional offices of lenders. When I was first with him he made over $100,000 a year, then everything got bad and we lost our house. I did fine through it because I have been through lots of hard times and I know how to be ok without but he did not do well with the loss. I think he still has trouble not having lots of money. I did grow up in a middle class home but after that money has come and gone and I have just learned to be happy. I feel bad over having a bad car though.. I must say versus when I have a better one. This is a great lens about how this economy is affecting people. Blessed!

by

KathyMcGraw

Writing and Photography are my creative outlets, and Social Responsibility is what I practice in my work.

Currently I am in the process of getting a... more »

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