Inkara1
Well-Known Member
My local daily paper is running a series of articles on poverty in the county. Today's story on a family of almost four is rather interesting. I say "almost four" because the wife is seven months pregnant.
I'll post this sidebar from the story. Let me know what you think.
I should also mention that in addition to her $700 monthly cash aid, the wife is on WIC, the government subsidy to give women, infants and children basic foods such as milk, cheese and bread. Juices are also often WIC items... paid for by the government and not by this family.
I'll post this sidebar from the story. Let me know what you think.
FAMILY FINDS ITSELF ALWAYS A BIT SHORT
With all their expenses tallied, the Brekke family spends more than it makes. Here’s a look at their finances (income is after taxes):
WHAT THEY MAKE
$1,700 Leif Brekke’s job at the Men’s Colony
$700 Emily Brekke’s Supplemental Security Income
$300 Leif Brekke’s weekend painting jobs
TOTAL: ABOUT $2,700 A MONTH
WHAT THEY SPEND
$925 Rent
$740 Food, toiletries, gas for Emily Brekke’s car
$300 Gas for Leif Brekke to travel to CMC
$155 Car loan payments
$150 Cell phones (two)
$130 Television and Internet service
$116 Car insurance (two cars)
$100 Loan payment from family for car repairs
$50 Credit card payment
$60 TheGasCo.
$50 Tithing at church
$35 PG&E
TOTAL: ABOUT $2,810 A MONTH
I should also mention that in addition to her $700 monthly cash aid, the wife is on WIC, the government subsidy to give women, infants and children basic foods such as milk, cheese and bread. Juices are also often WIC items... paid for by the government and not by this family.