Join the Fun!

35 People Who Grew Up Poor Share What Unwritten Rules They Abided By To Get By If your neighbors were in need—you helped them. Like, Mary’s car broke down again, so my brother would go work on her car for free on his day off, and I’d get up extra early all week to drop Mary off at work and get her kids to school. Swing by in my lunch break to grab the kids after school, too. Basically, when folks are in need—you help them, and the same is done in return.

sunranae Report

Final score:

469points

POST

Daria B 3 years ago

This one is also very important. Solidarity is survival. Also, lots of items get shared. For example, you happen to have a stroller and your baby now has grown out of it? You give it to the next pregnant neighbour you know. Or sell it cheap.

109points

35 People Who Grew Up Poor Share What Unwritten Rules They Abided By To Get By Keep your hair brushed, your clothes clean, and be articulate and polite in all circumstances. We were not going to be 'trash' just because we were poor. Also, no wearing ripped jeans, even if it's the style. We're not spending money on new pants that look like old worn-out pants.

Abbreviations_Odd Report

Final score:

451points

POST

Mohsie Supposie 3 years ago

Totally agree with not spending money on new clothes that are made to look like old torn clothes. What is that all about anyway? Are they actually recycled clothes?

118points

John C 3 years ago

This is a weak, tired argument. Do you buy all clothes by how much fabric you get? No, you buy because you like how it looks and fits. Just because you don't like ripped jeans doesn't mean others aren't allowed to. Live and let live.

16points

Kathryn Baylis 3 years ago

No, they’re artificially “worn out”. Plus, when they came into fashion, they were really expensive.

13points

Annie Niemands 3 years ago

In a lot of cases it's new pants worn down manually with tools by an underpaid off shore worker in a sweatshop somewhere, some of the chemicals used are hazardous to humans but due to loopholes and lack of safety regulations the workers have to use them daily.

13points

Molly Cule 3 years ago

I wear ripped jeans but I have never bought ripped jeans.

9points

Teresa Spanics 3 years ago

I wonder the same thing. Growing up on the family farm, jeans like that were only worn for farm work. When they finally ripped more, they were turned into shorts with the edges hemmed and the rest was used as oil rags for the farm vehicles.

2points

Debra Timah 3 years ago

I wonder if it's partly due to Californians in a warm climate or under hot stage lights wanting to wear denim, but wanting it less warm - ?

2points

Summer Woodsong 3 years ago

Ripped jeans are actually new jeans that are stressed by the manufacturer to seem as though they have been worn for years.

1point

Myxomatosis 3 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

0points

Mewton’s Third Paw 3 years ago

It’s about a style, like pretty much any other clothing you yourself buy. Recycled clothes can be ripped as well. Many fashion lines offer clothes made from used plastics and such, and still offer fashionable choices like frays and rips. A tie-dye or burnout tshirt is also something new designed to look old. I think you just dislike people for what they wear.

0points

AntiAntiVaxx 3 years ago

Its to show skin

-2points

Nick Blount 3 years ago

i'm 31 and still wear s**t i wore in highschool. if it aint broke, dont fix it.

6points

Casey B 3 years ago

And be proud it still fits

3points

Kim Shannon 3 years ago

My mom grew up during the Depression as one of 10 kids. She always said just because you're poor doesn't mean you have to be dirty.

4points

Suebee70 3 years ago

Absolutely. My family of 6 always had hand-me-down clothes from a larger family we knew. (They had 10 kids, there was ALWAYS someone close to my or my siblings' sizes in clothes). Pants ripped? They were patched or stitched up. Coat too small on the older sibling? Hang onto it, it will eventually fit a younger one. We did not have a lot of new clothing, but it was always serviceable and looked decent - not ripped/torn/dirty. Our house was not big by any means (less than 1000 square feet for 6 people), but it was always clean, the yard always tidy and we had a garden to help supplement our food bill.

3points

Chris Maugiozzu 3 years ago

I buy normal jeans and then i just keep wearing them when they worn out

2points

Ayn Burlingame 3 years ago

same

1point

Thomas Biorogue 3 years ago

New pants? Ya'll got new ones? ALL my clothes came from either Goodwill or Salvation Army. But, like you, or whoever posted this, we were to be clean too. My mom and I were homeless for a time but still, we'd go into gas station bathroom and clean up, brush teeth, brush hair and off to school I'd go.

2points

Myxomatosis 3 years ago

My Father, god rest his sweet soul, never allowed me to even wear jeans. "Katrina, they are called DUNGAREES for a reason. You, my daughter and only child will never shovel s**t." - And this was the 1980s! Everyone wore jeans! Oh the bullying! However, Dad's philosophy on "You have school clothes and play clothes", has stuck with me. I bought my first pair of jeans in my early 20's for gardening. I never wear jeans in public unless it's laundry day. Thanks again Dad. I miss you more than I can say. 15 years gone this Feb 2021 and it still feels like yesterday sometimes.

1point

Summer Woodsong 3 years ago

When you're poor you value new clothing differently. If your funding is limited, buying ripped jeans is absurd. You wear new jeans to town and the jeans you wear on the farm all start to look like that over time anyway. Then, you're ahead of the game - if it's still in fashion!

1point

Wendy Lam 2 years ago

I usually got clothing from my sis, after she does not fit, ripped jeans we worn it out ourselves until it’s like in style again

0points

Coco 3 years ago

I wish poor people still had this dignity. Nowadays they show up and brag about bad manners, bad habits, etc. :(

1point

Debra Timah 3 years ago

I suspect the style may have been perpetuated by folks in California hot climates (or under hot lights) who wanted the style of jeans without so much warmth from them?

0points

Dorothy Cloud 3 years ago

I am so annoyed when I see people wearing holey pants. Darned if I'd pay money for something that looks so ugly@!

0points

Amanda Hunter 3 years ago

And for me, it was keeping your shoes polished.

0points

catherine todd 3 years ago

It's crazy that people pay money for "ripped" jeans. I think Kanye started this nonsense; probably in one of his mania / rages. And people bought into it! Craziest thing I ever saw.

0points

Jay Weigel 3 years ago

Take good care of your clothes because they will be passed along to a younger sibling or cousin. At least once a year I received a box from a cousin in Missouri and my mom dispatched another to a cousin in Michigan...until she got taller than me! Then my clothes might be sold at the school's PTA resale. Mom was clever with a needle and could remake clothes so they looked new.

0points

Nancy Lynch 3 years ago

True. I really dislike the factory ripped pants. I will not look like I can't afford decent jeans.

0points

Mary Dellenbusch 3 years ago (edited)

On the topic of pants. Could you boys and some men please wear your pants properly! Wearing them half way down so your ass is hanging out is NOT attractive or cool. You all look like f*****g morons! It's really an old jail signal to other men telling them your "available". A real man knows how to wear his jeans!

0points

Elena Johnson 3 years ago

I abhor the torn jeans that are in style. I also wonder why spend good money on something that looks like rags. They’re not cheap either!!

0points

Znaya 3 years ago

I've never seen the point myself, just be clean and presentable :)

0points

Doris Ledford 3 years ago

I bought a pair of ripped jeans cause it is the style. I looked like an old bag lady. I am sixty-four.

0points

Emily Lynch 3 years ago

Lol. Truth!

0points

Martha Higgins 3 years ago

My school didn't allow torn clothing, or trousers on girls, no t-shirts without a dress shirt over it, no jeans or sneakers/trainers/tennis shoes.

0points

Jackie Wacky 3 years ago

I never cease to be amazed that people will spend money on jeans that look like rags. It’s just another way to fleece people with more money than sense.

0points

kurisutofu 3 years ago

I was talking about this with my wife not long ago. I was saying that it's funny that now we have more money, having a hole in your clothes or shoes looks like a fashion choice. When you have no money, people judge you ...

0points

Quiltin Mammar 3 years ago

Totally agree with the jeans thing. Who in their right mind buys jeans that look like they've seen better days

0points

J Michele Caza 3 years ago

I agree

0points

Andreas Simon 3 years ago

This is a very, very bad fashion! Beside, that people die producing this bullshit.

0points

Cathy 3 years ago

And absolutely NO mutilation of new jeans to make them look stylish. Once our jeans wore, they were relegated to at home/at play use only

0points

Just a Marine Veteran 3 years ago

I remember falling off of my bike when I was around 13 and tearing my jeans. I thought I finally looked so cool! Haha. Then of course I got in trouble for ruining my good jeans.

0points

Grumble O'Pug 3 years ago

TRUTH!!!! Only poseurs need to look like they wore their jeans out when they really didn't

0points

Sam, the founder of Financial Samurai, agreed with us that climbing out of poverty is incredibly difficult. However, there are ways to go about this and, in his opinion, anyone stuck in a difficult financial situation should focus on one thing: financial education.

"The most important thing one can do is gain as much financial education as possible to get out of poverty. If there is no internet access at home or mobile data plan, perhaps there is free internet access at the local library, pandemic-willing. We can now learn anything and everything for free on the internet," he explained, sharing that there are always ways to go around obstacles like lacking internet access.

35 People Who Grew Up Poor Share What Unwritten Rules They Abided By To Get By If you use the oven during winter, when you’re done, leave it cracked so that the heat warms up the rest of the house more.

car_of_men Report

Final score:

438points

POST

giovanna 3 years ago (edited)

I have always done this. Why would I let the warmth go to waste? It's also an environmental thing.

160points

35 People Who Grew Up Poor Share What Unwritten Rules They Abided By To Get By Always return anything you borrow in better condition. People will be eager to loan you things.

Final score:

395points

POST

Sum Guy 3 years ago

That seems like a good rule altogether

104points

35 People Who Grew Up Poor Share What Unwritten Rules They Abided By To Get By Overall, independence at a young age. But also responsibility. You cook, clean, and pitch in before you are asked. If you’re waiting for an adult to make dinner, you’re going hungry. Also, poor doesn’t mean dirty. You keep what you have nice, clean, and well cared for.

Seriously, I wouldn’t trade my upbringing for anything in the world.

math-yoo Report

Final score:

368points

POST

Daria B 3 years ago

"Also, poor doesn’t mean dirty. You keep what you have nice, clean, and well cared for." This! This is a very important thing to remember. Many poor people don't look poor, so don't be quick to judge.

124points

Bored Panda also wanted to get Sam's take on what people who are exhausted and live in poverty should prioritize when they're forced between buying food, paying for rent, getting gas, and other important decisions.

"Paying for food is obviously the #1 necessity to spend money on. Fortunately for renters, there is an eviction moratorium in many parts of the world during the pandemic. Many renters don't have to pay their mortgage if they've faced COVID-19 hardship. However, the moratorium will eventually end given landlords have bills to pay as well. Therefore, the second focus is on shelter. Try to either work out an agreement with the landlord or make contingency plans with friends and relatives once the moratorium is over," he advised.

35 People Who Grew Up Poor Share What Unwritten Rules They Abided By To Get By People actually order take-out food like every night. I still think that's mad.

Literally once or twice a year for us growing up.

wildsea_ Report

Final score:

322points

POST

Joonscrab 3 years ago

In my country this is pretty normal? (Not ordering take out everyday ,I mean) but we definitely have it more than twice a year... We just cook amazing food at home and eat that lol... It saves money and makes us happy

74points

35 People Who Grew Up Poor Share What Unwritten Rules They Abided By To Get By My parents where great at hiding that we where poor. They made sure we always had christmas presents and a birthday present. And we would order pizza at christmas. All our clothing came from other relatives or charity shops. But when i started working full time and went to live on my own? Just then i realized truth that we poor. But still looking back i have never had the feeling of being left out when it came too other childeren. And i still thank them for it.

And now all the kids have moved out? There the most generous and loving grandparents you could wish for a kid.

But the biggest lessen i have learned is help others out. So every time i have something that i don't use or want? I give it away for free. Every time my daughter go's up a size in clothes? I give the old clothes to a charity that helps people with childeren who can't afford it. And it gives me a great feeling ever single time i do it.

stouteharry Report

Final score:

300points

POST

giovanna 3 years ago

This is amazing. Your parents did a great job

60points

ohnoooooooooooooooo Report

35 People Who Grew Up Poor Share What Unwritten Rules They Abided By To Get By I grew up in a trailer. In fourth grade, a girl was having a birthday party and needed addresses for invitations. The next day she told me her parents uninvited me because I lived in the trailer. That was a new thing I learned I was supposed to be embarrassed about.

I guess just expecting to have to deal with other people's sh**ty parents sometimes.

Final score:

285points

POST

Helen Haley 3 years ago

Not having any friends over because where you live is too 'poor' and no one elses parents will let their kids stay over. Totally get it.

129points

Redditor Jicta, the author of the thread who is based in the United States, told Bored Panda that they grew up in a middle-class family but have known people who were both wealthier and poorer than they were. "I was reflecting recently on some of the social expectations of my own background and realized probably everyone experiences variants of that. So I just thought I'd ask," they told us what inspired them to create the thread in the first place.

The responses to the question they posed affected them emotionally more than they thought they would. "The embarrassment people felt as children when they couldn't afford what their classmates or other peers did was really sad to me. It made me think about how many people I interact with every day are probably facing things that they'd be so embarrassed for anyone else to know. That's not limited to financial pressures, but that's definitely one big area," redditor Jicta explained.

#10

35 People Who Grew Up Poor Share What Unwritten Rules They Abided By To Get By You never brought the field trip permission slips home because you knew better than to make your mom feel guilty she couldn’t pay the $5-20 fee to let you go.

CoolMomInAMinivan Report

Final score:

273points

POST

howohowo 3 years ago

Wait- some schools have parents pay to take students to field trips!?

152points

#11

35 People Who Grew Up Poor Share What Unwritten Rules They Abided By To Get By Being raised by a single mother, she instilled the belief that school went elementary, middle, high, then college. There wasn’t a question as to whether or not college was optional. She did everything in her power to raise two boys to live more successful lives.

My brother and I both graduated college and graduate studies (MA) and our starting jobs were both with salaries that were over double what my mom made. Growing up I wish things where different but as an adult, I cherish the values and experiences instilled by my mom.

zhollywood Report

Final score:

262points

POST

Vorknkx 3 years ago

Same in my country - unless your parents are hopelessly poor, they would constamntly remind you how important it is to get a university degree, if you want to amount to something in life. Forget about leisure time - you have to study hard and get the best scholarship you can. And when you do go to college, the family would make every possible sacrifice to make sure you can graduate.

40points

#12

35 People Who Grew Up Poor Share What Unwritten Rules They Abided By To Get By Eating stale or close to sell by date, food. No brand-name anything. Adding water to shampoo to get it to last longer. Reuse everything. Make-do or do without. Free samples count as a meal. To name a few.

Veganmon Report

Final score:

253points

POST

Ozacoter 3 years ago

To be fair we were low middle class and we did all of this too. I still prefer buying white brands unless it is a very specific thing.

66points

In Jicta's opinion, we can all fight child poverty on all fronts. From providing direct financial support to investing in how we educate teachers. "I really like the bailout's large child credit being proposed, and hope it stays this year and in the future. Also things like educating our teachers on how to ask questions in a way that doesn't highlight the differences between kids' experiences based on their parents' financial situations."

They continued: "And lastly if we can normalize getting sustainable financial help and learning basic financial literacy for adults, that would benefit kids. I noticed how many kids were in that predicament because their parents had such poor money management skills. But basically, we just have to be able to talk about money as a society, not pretend like it's not a thing."

#13

It doesn't matter of you don't like the (food, clothes, shoes, toys etc) take it, say thank you and be appreciative

FriskyArttie Report

Final score:

248points

POST

Ozacoter 3 years ago

This should be a general rule.

98points

#14

35 People Who Grew Up Poor Share What Unwritten Rules They Abided By To Get By Turn off all lights behind you. Take as quick showers as you can. Recycle pop cans. Drive slower because it conserves gas. Plan your trip so that you don't have to drive unnecessary routes and waste gas. Be OK with the heat always at 68 or below (use a blanket if you're cold).

JumpInTheFiah Report

Final score:

240points

POST

TheGirlFromTheNorth 3 years ago

Poor or not poor, you recycle pop cans. In my country at least...

61points

#15

If someone was nice enough to cook you a meal you better help(or at least offer to) clear the table and wash the dishes after.

New_Game_P1us Report

Final score:

235points

POST

Fylo Meow 3 years ago

isn't this what everyone should do though?

150points

The number of people living below the poverty line in the United States was a whopping 33.98 million in 2019, according to Statista. The number really is huge and speaks volumes about the daily suffering endured by Americans. However, the situation in the country has been getting much better recently, year by year.

Back in 2014, the number of Americans living in absolute poverty peaked at 46.66 million. So for nearly 13 million people, their living situation has improved at least a bit. Unfortunately, these are pre-Covid19 pandemic numbers. We’ll need to wait a year or more to get the full picture of how the lockdowns and massive changes to how society functions have affected the poor. Odds are, the situation might’ve gotten worse.

#16

35 People Who Grew Up Poor Share What Unwritten Rules They Abided By To Get By If someone buys you food at a restaurant order as cheaply as possible even if they tell you order whatever you want. Used to get death glares from parents if I ordered something 10 bucks or over at a place where average prices was 10 bucks. If you can get a burger and fries for 8 you better be eating a burger.

RaphaelSolo Report

Final score:

229points

POST

Ozzie Ogawa 3 years ago

I'm so lucky to have friend who paid for food back in college, since my allowance was much smaller. I wouldn't survive without them.

61points

#17

35 People Who Grew Up Poor Share What Unwritten Rules They Abided By To Get By We were very poor growing up. You never ate the last of anything without asking first. Portions were small and limited. When I was 11 I was invited over to a then friend's house. I was floored by their house and furnishings. Very opulent compared to mine. Lunch time came. Her mom had set the table for sandwiches. Everything laid out, 3 different breads, all sorts of meats, condiments and fruit. At my house lunch was a sandwich with white day old bread with peanut butter and jelly. Sometimes we would have those land o frost thin sliced meats. We were only allowed 2 slices of the meat per sandwich. So, at this friends house, I make my sandwich with one slice of ham because it was way thicker then the stuff at home. The mom kinda freaks out..."what kind of sandwich is that? You need to put more on it, thats not enough." I explain that's what we do at home. They were horrified. Ended up sending me home with a "care package" of food. My parents never let me go to her house again because they were embarrassed I told them we were poor.

OriansSun Report

Final score:

212points

POST

giovanna 3 years ago

Well, I'm sure they meant well, but they shouldn't have sent you home with food. Of course it's embarrassing for the parents. They could have invited you more to their place instead.

133points

#18

35 People Who Grew Up Poor Share What Unwritten Rules They Abided By To Get By The oldest kids babysit the youngest kids.

PoutinePirate Report

Final score:

201points

POST

White Paper Tsuru 3 years ago

And shared bedrooms. 2-3 kids in an apartment bedroom

63points

The fight against poverty is multifaceted and complex. Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple and clear-cut solution to the problem (if only printing more money didn’t result in greater inflation…). But it boils down to society providing support and opportunities for families that aren’t well off, as well as those same families doing everything in their power to get out of the so-called cycle of poverty.

Focusing on financial literacy, improving your education, aiming for a better job, finding a home closer to work and for less rent, reaching out to the community for help, getting rid of credit card debt bit by bit—all of these are small steps that can help move a family out of absolute poverty and into the working, middle, and even upper classes. This is, of course, far easier said than done. When you’re exhausted, hungry, and beaten down, it’s hard to find the energy and willpower to make even small changes—all you want is sleep, food, and a moment of peace.

#19

35 People Who Grew Up Poor Share What Unwritten Rules They Abided By To Get By Keep your aspirations to yourself. Telling anyone in your household/social strata about your plans to get out and do better may be met with bitterness and downright ridicule. People will call you uppity for wanting to go to school or stupid for having a career goal that isn't modest and local and vaguely dead-end. People will tell you that you have no common sense simply because you refuse to see the world in terms of pure survival.

hardly_trying Report

Final score:

200points

POST

David Retsler 3 years ago

This is called the "Crab Bucket" mentality. Ever try to pull a single crab out of a crab pot?

13points

#20

You're not hurt unless you're bleeding.

If you are bleeding, don't bleed on the carpet.

cummings9536 Report

Final score:

195points

POST

CATMONSTER2018 3 years ago

Gar... this one strikes home...

39points

#21

35 People Who Grew Up Poor Share What Unwritten Rules They Abided By To Get By Going to the doctor isn't an option until your fever is sustained at 104, a bone is broken, or the tooth rotted and won't fall out on it's own.

I am in my late 30's with full insurance and still have a hangup about going for medical care.

gajillionaire Report

Final score:

188points

POST

k1ddkanuck 3 years ago

As a Canadian, this hurts to here. Our healthcare system isn't perfect, but s**t, you guys deserve better. We still pay for ambulances, dental and pharmaceutical care, but not going to the emergency ward of a hospital because you can't afford it is f***ing bonkers to us north of the border.

163points

Poverty, real poverty, can have massive negative consequences on children as they’re growing up. Lacking access to proper food can lead to malnutrition. What’s more, poverty leads to inadequate health care and means that kids don’t have the same access to education (and later on, employment) as others.

Jicta’s thread got over 56.5k upvotes and over 17.2k comments which just goes to show that the topic is incredibly important to lots of redditors. And it’s a thread full of life lessons for all of us, no matter our background.

#22

35 People Who Grew Up Poor Share What Unwritten Rules They Abided By To Get By Not eating lunch because it you either "just ate breakfast" or "dinners only a few hours away you'll be fine"

Tripleshot96 Report

Final score:

187points

POST

Ozzie Ogawa 3 years ago

Happened a lot back in college, luckily most of my classes started at 1 A.M so i could wake up late.

30points

#23

35 People Who Grew Up Poor Share What Unwritten Rules They Abided By To Get By Education is the only way out of the horrible situation. This was made very clear to me right from a young age. I remember everyone in my family checking in on my grades and plans for the future. Almost on a monthly basis! Helped my extensively in the long run.

shyam14111986 Report

Final score:

177points

POST

Helen Haley 3 years ago

Only if you lived near a relatively good school. If it were a school that had completely given up, great grades doesn't do much if you aren't actually learning the topic. Education equality should be a huge focus for this country.

55points

#24

35 People Who Grew Up Poor Share What Unwritten Rules They Abided By To Get By Museum, amusement park, skiing,and skating? That’s for rich people.

Final score:

172points

POST

Mohammad Ammar 3 years ago

Aren't most museums free or really cheap for nationals?

55points

Reading through the thread and all of the responses can hit you like a truck. Some of us remember being in those exact same situations. While others (who had the luck of living a comfortable middle or even upper-class life) realized just how emotionally tough you have to be when you’re poor. There’s no room for whining or weakness when you’ve no money, have piling debts, and aren’t sure where your next meal will be coming from or if you’ll end being evicted.

#25

35 People Who Grew Up Poor Share What Unwritten Rules They Abided By To Get By Homemade birthday cakes, homemade pizza, we NEVER went out to eat. Fast food/restaurants were a waste of money. Soda was a treat, as was sugared cereal. You got sox and undies as stocking stuffers at Christmas. You wore your clothes 2-3 times before washing them unless they were obviously dirty or smelly. You washed and dried zipper bags to reuse. We never used paper towels to clean.

spunkmeyer122 Report

Final score:

167points

POST

J. Zingler 3 years ago

I would prefer homemade everytime.

75points

#26

Number one rule of growing up poor. Avoid buying anything nice for yourself and feel absolutely guilty if you do.

sir_rockabye Report

Final score:

165points

POST

Helenium 3 years ago

yeh thats me now, i glue and sew and repair all my clothes but if someone wants anything lol im throwing money at them

45points

#27

35 People Who Grew Up Poor Share What Unwritten Rules They Abided By To Get By In the UK- do not answer the door. Do not answer the phone. When the man is looking through the window, make sure you can't be seen. Do not tell anyone who knocks on the door where the parents work.

This turned out to be doorstep lenders like Provident- no idea how they are still around these days.

kbell2020 Report

Final score:

151points

POST

Samantha Comerford 3 years ago

God I remember this well . Hiding behind the couch.

51points

#28

35 People Who Grew Up Poor Share What Unwritten Rules They Abided By To Get By You get a job when you’re 15, and it becomes more important than high school.

r00t1 Report

Final score:

147points

POST

Helen Haley 3 years ago

At least one. And unofficial jobs before that. Cleaning or delivery or something.

49points

#29

Keep your hair brushed, your clothes clean, and be articulate and polite in all circumstances. We were not going to be "trash" just because we were poor.

Abbreviations-Odd Report

Final score:

142points

POST

Tami 3 years ago

Take care of your teeth too. Fixing them later is crazy expensive, even if you're not poor.

45points

#30

35 People Who Grew Up Poor Share What Unwritten Rules They Abided By To Get By We weren't allowed to do any kind of extra curricular activities. So, no instruments, no joining any kind of sports or girl scouts or anything that required an upfront investment for uniforms or the season. Walmart shoes.

My dad once said I wasn't really in need of glasses, that I just wanted to look like all my four eyed friends? lol (spoiler alert, totally needed them)

Off brand everything.

march_rogue Report

Final score:

136points

POST

MagicalUnicorn 3 years ago

yep, i grew up poor in post soviet country, so no walmart, but can relate to pretty much everything

44points

#31

35 People Who Grew Up Poor Share What Unwritten Rules They Abided By To Get By Never fill up the gas tank. You don't want to be in a situation where you have gas in your car but no groceries.

nadjaannabel Report

Final score:

134points

POST

von Funnyname 3 years ago

Never go under a quarter tank because you can't trust the gauges on older cars and it won't cost you as much as when it's on E

56points

#32

35 People Who Grew Up Poor Share What Unwritten Rules They Abided By To Get By Generous borrowing and “burning” culture. Everything you own is available to be borrowed by other poor people. My family had an extensive movie collection (especially when we could record movies from cable to VHS tapes), and our neighborhood friends were welcome to borrow what they needed. Games, movies, CDs. We swapped and borrowed a lot. Often times, it was only long enough to burn a copy to have for oneself.

Final score:

133points

POST

Vorknkx 3 years ago

Story of my life. Also - becoming an expert on finding pirated copies of movies, software, video games (and cracks for them)...

31points

#33

Most meals were "experiments" made from the food we got from the food pantry.

labbykun , demopicture Report

Final score:

127points

POST

LoveThePanda 3 years ago

Survival meals that are still eaten to this day, but not so much as an experiment anymore

33points

#34

35 People Who Grew Up Poor Share What Unwritten Rules They Abided By To Get By Going to fast food (with any adult), you only order off of the dollar menu.

Final score:

118points

POST

BIG FOOT 3 years ago

I always order off the dollar menu no matter how much money I have or if I'm with someone its just better in my opinion

27points

#35

35 People Who Grew Up Poor Share What Unwritten Rules They Abided By To Get By Its funny now seeing my leftovers as a bonus snack and not part of the next days meal.

Had some weird lunches packed for me. Like cream cheese and olives in a burrito wrap.

Forgotwhyimhere69 Report

Final score:

114points

POST

Vorknkx 3 years ago

In SE Europe, that would be liver sandwiches... (shudder)

30points

#36

Don't talk to anyone about it. Its shameful. Me and my sibling weren't allowed to enjoy free breakfast programs for kids living in poverty that our schools hosted because it embarrassed my family. Granted we grew up not just poor but abused so that played into it.

Not-yo-ho-no-mo Report

Final score:

34points

POST

You are Beautiful (He, Him) 3 years ago

Sad story.

8points

#37

Every once in a while, you'd find a staggeringly good deal on something and just buy it in bulk. Suddenly you'd have to figure out how to eat eight zucchinis before they went bad, or make gnocchi every meal for two weeks. This also ties into the "know a guy" situation, as if a friend or relative found one of those deals and wound up with a pallet of squid or something, they'd pass the luck around and just give you some of the excess - and of course, you'd be expected to do the same when you wound up with a basement full of salami.

mus_maximus Report

Final score:

34points

POST

Hailey Scullen-Miller 3 years ago

it might just be because i live like this, but i cant imagine not doing that

4points

#38

My father was constantly driving these two things into my head since I was old enough to remember: 1). Hard Work will set you free 2). You WILL NOT get anyone pregnant.

He never meant that hard work would make you rich. He meant that if you're willing to work hard, you can always work some s**t job that puts food on the table, and you'll be so exhausted by days end, you can rest. In my father's eyes food on the table and a good night's rest was all a person really needed. The pregnancy thing was totally about shame. He grew up in the deep south with a Baptist preacher father. My father was around 6-7 in the early 1950's when his oldest brother (15) got a girl (18) in the church preggo. The resulting shame and shunning from the community that ensued drove my father's mother to suicide. I'm sure to some degree, he blames his current life on the pregnancy that he had nothing to do with.

TigerTownTerror Report

Final score:

31points

POST

Ozacoter 3 years ago

I feel so sad that he blames the pregnant couple for his mums suicide and not the toxic community that shamed her into dying.

32points

#39

Don’t ask for anything. The disappointment on their face (disappointment at not being able to say yes) is worse than being told no. This isn’t meant to sound harsh or mean, it’s just something you pick up on if things are especially rough. You want to get them something they want but you just can’t. Not a fun experience.

Report

Final score:

31points

Capelli rosa e patate

POST

#40

It's interesting for me, as an adult, trying to recreate some of the recipes from my childhood and realizing just how little they cost. The thing with the peas and kielbasa? Five bucks for frozen peas, five bucks for the meat, onions from the garden and homemade stock. The delicious cacciatore, stir fries and soups all came from buying a cooked chicken from the supermarket on sale and then wringing every ounce of nutritional value out of the thing that we could.

mus_maximus Report

Final score:

30points

POST

Lauren Caswell 3 years ago

You can make so many meals from just one chicken

15points

#41

35 People Who Grew Up Poor Share What Unwritten Rules They Abided By To Get By We knew the exact date of grocery shopping because that's when the food stamps came in.

labbykun Report

Final score:

29points

POST

Lorelai Dewrell 3 years ago

the 15 of every month

5points

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

See Also on Bored Panda

Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

#42

If the phone rings and mom doesn’t answer it, it’s probably the bill collectors. Same with the front door and why the curtains aren’t open.

BaloraFortuna Report

Final score:

29points

POST

#43

35 People Who Grew Up Poor Share What Unwritten Rules They Abided By To Get By Not have enough blankets at bed time in the winter. No central heating, used to wake up with ice on the inside of the windows and on the windowsills. I was shocked to be in a hot house in winter when I went round friends.

wickit Report

Final score:

28points

POST

MagicalUnicorn 3 years ago

..and old socks/other clothes went around windows to keep as much heat in as possible

13points

#44

I wasn't dirt poor, but I grew up hanging out with my grandparents most of the time (any number of fucked up situations at home). My grandparents were italian immigrants that came to America during the great depression.

So as an almost 40 year old in 2021, I have the values of someone three generations past. Everything about actually surviving life I learned from my grandfather.

The one thing I remember most is he would say "Nothing in life is free, boy"

And I remember as a kid being like "what are you talking about Papa? They're giving out free hot dogs right over there!" (if you sign up for a bank account, or whatever it was)

He would just smile and chuckle to himself, knowing that I would understand soon enough. He was right.

While this was very true and definitely prevented me from getting in some bad situations, I'm also rather stunted when it comes to asking for help, and prefer to do things myself.

Also it's funny to see the trend of high class restaurants cooking the same food my grandmother cooked because it was dirt cheap and charging an arm and a leg.

journeymanSF Report

Final score:

27points

POST

Martha Meyer 3 years ago

Everyone in Europe of the same age grew up with grandparents like that. Mostly because of WW2. My grandparents were thrifty, but the “Nothing in life is free“ attitude is extremely Anerican to me and touted mostly by people who are far from poor to deny actual poor people access to necessities.

2points

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

See Also on Bored Panda

“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

#45

35 People Who Grew Up Poor Share What Unwritten Rules They Abided By To Get By Clothes? Thrift store.

Final score:

27points

POST

Kay Meurig-Bowden 3 years ago

Or hand me downs from older siblings/cousins

17points

#46

My husbands family wasn’t rich, but they were comfortable. They went out to eat and always ordered appetizers and dessert. Meanwhile we were lucky to go out to eat at all. To this day, I still hate ordering appetizers at a restaurant. It just goes against the grain for me.

catword Report

Final score:

26points

POST

Helen Haley 3 years ago

Appetizers, and dessert. May not be rich, but that is well off.

14points

#47

I was the scholarship/grant kid at a wealthy private school. So I was never allowed to invite people home because we didn't have a mansion like everyone else did. Legit, when I went to sleepovers, they were in mansions. Homes I still haven't seen the likes of in my adult life among peers. Just old money type homes. I could make playdates for the mall or the movies or we could meet at the amusement park my mom got free tickets to. But don't invite them home. And if you're getting dropped off, any excuse for them no to come inside. At least they can imagine it's bigger or more opulent inside.

WorthyLocks Report

Final score:

24points

POST

Martha Meyer 3 years ago

This is honestly just sad. It would have benefitted those rich kids to see a normal home once in their life.

15points

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

See Also on Bored Panda

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

#48

Never ever EVER ask for anything at someone else’s house, even family. You may accept if asked, but otherwise it’s a whuppin’. This has made it extremely hard as an adult to interact in a world where you’re pretty much expected to say something if you want something. Also made me extremely judgmental (and let’s face it, a little jealous) of folks who never have any issues asking for what they want. Spoiled brats, the lot of ‘em!

mellowbordello Report

Final score:

24points

POST

TheGirlFromTheNorth 3 years ago

Relate so much to this... Guess how many times I've been thinking "Oh I'd like that/want that" but kept quite, and later when it came out "how I felt", they've answered: "But why didn't you say something?"

13points

#49

A real treat was getting donuts and chocolate milk in the morning.

labbykun Report

Final score:

24points

POST

LoveThePanda 3 years ago

Soooooo relatable

2points

#50

Take care of your stuff and keep it nice because you're not getting more of it if you break it.

I've got a Pokemon soundtrack CD from it was the Pokemon movie that had Entei into the unknown in it I don't remember what the name of the movie was though

I think it came out in like 2004 yeah so I'm 28 now I've had that CD since I was a kid at one point I gave it to my sister who's 24 so she was a decent amount younger than I was when I gave it to her and then recently she found it and asked if I wanted it back and I said sure

The cover art and everything that was paper is pretty worn but the CD itself is in pristine condition and it doesn't have scratches all over it and it works perfectly fine and this CD is well over a decade old and was passed between two young children and had a lot of use out of it.

I've got many other things from my childhood that was passed between me and my sister that is still an amazing condition because we were told if you break it you're not getting another one

ElephantExplosion Report

Final score:

24points

POST

Sue User 3 years ago

I still have the fish her price farm , used by my brother and me and my kids. The chicken is missing , but still in good shape.

3points

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

See Also on Bored Panda

Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

#51

Having a car in high school. I went to a high school with a lot of upper middle class over achievers. I was the only kid on the varsity baseball team who didn't have a car, couldn't afford one, no family car to borrow and had to ride my bicycle to practice. I was also socially awkward and had no friends on the team to ask for a ride. I was a good player but withdrawn and never got on well with teammates. I became the guy who enters every room feeling like everyone there already knows each other.

A_Refill_of_Mr_Pibb Report

Final score:

23points

POST

Helen Haley 3 years ago

When you can't fully participate with your 'peers' growing up because of a poverty disparity, really takes a toll on ones social skills and social circle.

15points

#52

Cold? Put on more layers. Hot? Stand in front of a fan.

Final score:

23points

POST

Rosie Hamilton 3 years ago

You had a fan? Layers on, layers off. That's it.

9points

#53

Don't ask for anything because you won't get it.

MamaOnica Report

Final score:

22points

POST

#54

When someone calls, your parents are “in the shower” and you’re able to take a message.

Woman Refuses To Chip In For Babysitting Because She Doesn’t Even Have Kids, Asks If She’s A Jerk

Final score:

22points

POST

See Also on Bored Panda

“This Breaks My Heart”: People Stunned—And Angry—After Woman Buys Lost Luggage From Airport

#55

Not being able to wash your clothes until you could do a full, and I mean FULL machine. Getting a stain on a fresh shirt meant scrubbing it with soap over the sink.

GroundbreakingMove69 Report

Final score:

22points

POST

Martha Meyer 3 years ago

I didn't grow up poor and I'm not poor now and I don't run a washing machine that's half empty. That would just be wasteful.

13points

#56

Ask before you get ANYTHING to eat

Odd-Row9485 Report

Final score:

22points

POST

Lsai Aeon 3 years ago

This was law at my grandparents. Except when I asked, I was told I was a F*****g orphan, I didn't f*****g belong and to get the f**k out. Yes, I was adopted, my adult cousins were assholes. I spent a lot of time in the backyard eating apricots and peaches I picked off the tree...

7points

#57

The expectation that you should be overwhelmingly grateful for absolutely everything at all times (actual objects, services, attention) really takes a life long toll on you. Has a way of making you feel forever 'less than'.

Report

Final score:

22points

Helen Haley

POST

Sky Render 3 years ago

Fortunately I didn't get that from my parents. If we didn't want something, we wouldn't be deprived of other things as punishment; we just didn't get that thing. Not that we got a better thing instead, but seeing as we had allowances, we could save up for something if it was really that important for us to have it.

2points

#58

It sucked to have to have a computer for school but not be able to afford it.

HughGrunt Report

Final score:

21points

POST

Hailey Scullen-Miller 3 years ago

my parents thought i didnt need mine for school, when 2 outta my 3 classes are completely online, and they took it away. i literally have to sneak it around the house

5points

#59

College? You’re paying and you sure as hell aren’t there to dump your money to party or for an “experience”. There are cheaper ways to do all that.

Final score:

20points

POST

Cecilia Herrera 3 years ago

I had a roommate in college that completely stopped going to any classes after the third week of the second semester of our freshman year, (first year in college.) She didn't say anything to her parents about this until she flunked out, of college, at the end of the semester. In case you are wondering, she spent the rest of that semester, partying, i.e. drinking, going out with friends, drinking some more, and so forth. So, if you went to college, and earned your degree because you knew better than to waste the opportunity that you worked hard to pay for, then you came out ahead of the deal.

3points

"I Didn't Start The Dryer": Karen Gets Taught A Lesson After Throwing Out Neighbor's Wet Clothes

See Also on Bored Panda

College Student Does Exactly As Told After Roommates Demand They Keep Their Stuff In Their Room

#60

never ever ask for money.

tatt3rsall Report

Final score:

20points

POST

MangleTangle 3 years ago

Ask for money? No, you go wash the car or mow the lawn for 5 bucks.

1point

#61

A/C was only for company. I lived in S. Florida and didn’t know I could use the air conditioner without having someone over until I moved out of my parents home.

AwesomePossumID Report

Final score:

19points

POST

Sue User 3 years ago

We ran the air conditioning because when we didn't, the furniture fell apart. Too humid or something. So air conditioning, like 75 , was cheaper than new furniture.

3points

#62

Im still poor! Do what you need to do before doing what you want to do. And then my mom would order take out, go to the movies, buy junk and then cry 3 days later because we dont have enough to pay a bill or bills like rent, water or electric. I never had proper pants because my legs are so long and after 2 washes i was wearing high waters. She still does this too! Complains to me and my kids when we buy something with whatever little money, like toys or hair dye, yet she spent the money the insurance company gave her to replace the roof of the house with to go to a supernatural convention. So we get rained on in our house with as many leaks as there is! Yet it is everybody else who needs to save to fix the roof, not her.

blacksheep0502 Report

Final score:

19points

POST

Travis Roth 3 years ago

My birth mom pulled this same crap. She still has multiple closets stuffed with clothes she hasn't been able to wear for decades, all bought on credit cards she's probably still paying on. Meanwhile, I had exactly ONE pair of hand me down jeans my uncle gave me. Wore them every single day for a year. Never got washed. Grandma finally washed them and they fell apart in the machine. My uncle gave me some old jeans and a few button up shirts, a few of which I still have.

11points

Guy Divorced 3 Years Ago Drops Off 3 Y.O. With His Ex-Wife Completely Out Of The Blue

See Also on Bored Panda

“All Three Shot Out Pink”: Triplets' Baby Shower Turns Sour, Pregnant Wife Wants A Divorce

#63

I can’t comprehend buying expensive clothes and even cheaper clothes I need to get on sale.

Getting only one new school outfit a year as a kid makes me appreciate being able to buy clothes now but paying a lot for one item still doesn’t make sense.

ThoughtIWasDale Report

Final score:

19points

POST

Sue User 3 years ago

I can't buy them in a store unless it is super sale (like 70% off) . I go second hand.

5points

#64

You had a garden. You just... did

mus_maximus Report

Final score:

19points

POST

Isabel Care 3 years ago

My grandma was one of the few people who got a crop of potatoes in a drought in 1976. She used to send us to collect seaweed which she dug into the soil to retain moisture.

0points

#65

Vacations for leisure. LOL

Final score:

19points

POST

Rosie Hamilton 3 years ago

No holidays at all. Never had one as a child. Not even in the same country. My father didn't take time off from work - he'd take the odd day off to take us to the seaside in our clapped out old banger that would break down half way there. He'd then walk miles to get a part to fix it - no calling a garage or rescue service. If he couldn't fix it we'd be walking. Only had a vehicle because we lived on a farm and it was essential. Nearest bus stop was miles away.

7points

#66

You are perpetually young. Going to a movie? Only during matinee showings AND you are 12 years old until you’re 16. At a restaurant, you’re also 9 forever.

Final score:

18points

POST

lenka 3 years ago

If you could afford to do anything of these things at all then you werent poor.

4points

#67

It was normal for money we got for Christmas, birthdays, and (from ages 14 and up) jobs to go to our parents for food and rent. Things did get better when we started working but as the family was doomed to fail due to abuse when we inevitably left at 18 and our parents divorced it left us with nothing. Working four years living at home and none of us were able to save money or go to post secondary until years later.

If we were upset about contributing we were deemed selfish and accused of not caring about family.

Not-yo-ho-no-mo Report

Final score:

18points

POST

Grumble O'Pug 3 years ago

That is a mind game to play with kids. Sheesh.

3points

#68

If your shoes don't require duct tape, you don't need new shoes.

1ThruZero Report

Final score:

18points

POST

Rosie Hamilton 3 years ago

My sister's total embarrassment when the sole came off her shoe and the cardboard inners, made from cereal packets and replacing the worn out inner lining, were revealed. ☹

13points

#69

Allowance? That’s for rich kids with trust funds. You need to complete all your assigned chores first and then if there’s any extra work you can think of you can earn some pocket money.

Final score:

17points

POST

River Webb 3 years ago

pocket money? doing chores is something you have to do because you're part of the family, and not doing them is 'selfish'

10points

#70

Your sister goes with you to your friend’s house. Always. No whining.

Final score:

17points

POST

Lauren Caswell 3 years ago

Damn. I was the little sister. Not fun being the tag-a-long

3points

#71

If you don’t have dinner that night, ramen is a viable substitute

NordyNed Report

Final score:

17points

POST

Helen Haley 3 years ago

Substitute? Ramen was dinner.

17points

#72

Never tell your friends that you couldn’t afford food or give them any clue about what it’s like at home. My mother used to ask me if I told anyone how we live and that’s when I started questioning our situation.

theguy4785 Report

Final score:

16points

POST

#73

Call “important looking” men Sir. Even if it’s the gas station manager. Because even he was more successful than my father.

Sirnando138 Report

Final score:

16points

POST

Evil Little Thing 3 years ago

Here in the south, children are expected to speak respectfully to all adults, no matter how skeezy looking.

14points

#74

Your own toys and gifts? No, it’s a joint gift for you and siblings.

Final score:

16points

POST

Kristin Ingersoll 3 years ago

My brother and I had to share our records. I remember a brutal fight over Michael Jackson's Thriller. Guess who has it now?? <>

2points

#75

Don't do anything bad or illegal.

But if you do, don't get caught.

Bail is expensive. Lawyers and court fees are expensive.

throwaway9111q Report

Final score:

15points

POST

#76

Hide money or it will be "borrowed." Also, don't get attached to anything because if it's any good it'll be sold in a yard sale, and if it has any value it will be pawned. I got the same CD player for three Christmases and birthdays in a row...out of pawn for birthday, pawned again a month later, out of pawn for Christmas, pawned again by March, etc.

kitchenwitchin Report

Final score:

15points

POST

Hailey Scullen-Miller 3 years ago

we dont have expensive stuff, except for a table set that we have to take care of, because its actually *really* expensive-- dragon design on a table and six chairs, hand carved worth a lot more then the $150 we gt it for

2points

#77

Friends are over? Boy do we have some chores for you. Friends are for stacking wood, not for playing.

Final score:

14points

POST

Vorknkx 3 years ago

The trick is to turn stacking wood into playing ;)

3points

#78

Leave the TV on when you leave the house.

Final score:

11points

POST

CATMONSTER2018 3 years ago

What? Why would you leave it on? ... Also, The cheapest TV I could find over the last 30 years was $150... Thats alot of food.

3points

Storytelling, journalism, and art are a core part of who I am. I've been writing and drawing ever since I could walk—there is nothing else I'd rather do. My formal education, however, is focused on politics, philosophy, and economics because I've always been curious about the gap between the ideal and the real. At work, I'm a Senior Writer and I cover a broad range of topics that I'm passionate about: from psychology and changes in work culture to healthy living, relationships, and design. In my spare time, I'm an avid hiker and reader, enjoy writing short stories, and love to doodle. I thrive when I'm outdoors, going on small adventures in nature. However, you can also find me enjoying a big mug of coffee with a good book (or ten) and entertaining friends with fantasy tabletop games and sci-fi movies.

Read less »

I'm a visual editor at Bored Panda. I kickstart my day with a mug of coffee bigger than my head, ready to tackle Photoshop. I navigate through the digital jungle with finesse, fueled by bamboo breaks and caffeine kicks. When the workday winds down, you might catch me devouring bamboo snacks while binging on the latest TV show, gaming or I could be out in nature, soaking up the tranquility and communing with my inner panda.

Read less »

What do you think ?

POST

Javiera Gotelli 3 years ago

As someone from a sh*th*le contry who lived in the U.S for a while, I still can't understand how "the greateast country in the world" can waste money going to war instead of taking care of its people... What a joke!

45points

mph seti 3 years ago

The US's main waste isn't war, it's handouts we give to the people who don't need handouts. ie: the wealthy.

22points

Casey B 3 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

0points

Laugh Fan 3 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

0points

Gyro Pilot 3 years ago

35 posts about poor people overcoming and you make this about yourself and politics?! Reread the theead and then edit your sad comment

-2points

El Dee 3 years ago

I recognise a lot of this and I didn't grow up feeling 'poor' The thing that saddens me most is the lack of access to healthcare. In my country you pay only for cosmetic dentistry and for glasses. If you are poor you don't pay for the glasses and if the dentist can make a case for you it's possible to have cosmetic work done too. Prescriptions are free too, for everyone. This makes the US look like a third world country..

31points

Marina 3 years ago

where do you live? I'm coming!

9points

Aeon Flux 3 years ago

This is an amazing post.

17points

Aaron Kara 3 years ago (edited)

I didn't read all of these but many of these examples come from people who may be financially poor but have significant social capital. They seem to have strong family ties and supportive networks. Which is awesome. They can learn from their roots. I grew up in some nasty conditions and it became the catalyst for so much dysfunction. My emotional education was ruined because of it. It's interesting. A society's social fabric isn't always downstream of its economic strength.

10points

Alex Bailey 3 years ago

I agree. Even in the smallest of things. Siblings often learn to pull together and look after each other. You are grateful to be fed and often are cold and the petty stuff doesn't come up. I read some of the examples of supposedly normal sibling relationships where kids argue and complain to parents about things like 'he's breathing on me'. Flipping heck - I'd have been grateful, would have been warmer. Houses with no heating are not funny. That's what I remember most from my childhood - being cold.

8points

Willows 3 years ago

I remember the first time I had three meals a day was 12 years old at my friends house,, I remember asking them why they did eat so much and stuffing food in pockets to share with my siblings.... also asking my mom why we never when to another state whilst kids in my class had already been to other countries...I’m sure many had it worse than me but I didn’t realize how poor I was until I got older.

7points

Leo Domitrix 3 years ago

This was my life. And i still live in this mindset. B/c, in the US, I need those pennies for basic healthcare. Make do, or do without. Never carry debt. If you can't pay cash, you don't buy whatever it is. Education first. Hard work. Necessity mothers invention. Everything. And I never felt poor till rich people scoffed at me. So I scoffed back. :-)

6points

Rainbow Panda 3 years ago

Donate your items if you don’t need them anymore. You might make someone’s day a whole lot better. ❤️

5points

Oskar vanZandt 3 years ago

My father was a blue collar worker and my mother a home-maker who did part time jobs when we were older. We never had to do without heating, or food, clothing and medical care. By national standards we lived below the official poverty line but we never felt poor. My brothers and I all had part time jobs by the time we were fifteen, working summers to afford some extras during the school year and to go to college and university. I was well looked-after and content. I make better money than my parents ever did but I still live frugally compared to many others (and in much less debt).

3points

Meme Mee 3 years ago

I put myself through college. I never wanted fancy cars or boats or anything like that… I just wanted to be able to go up and down the grocery aisle and buy anything I wanted. Over the years I developed a taste for the cheap stuff. I'm still very very very very frugal. And some of my learned habits (not food related) don't have anything to do with money or lack there of. I just don't waste things. I've always volunteered. I can't think of a single thing (non-food item) I own that I did not buy on sale. Doesn't matter how much money you have, if you grow up for in your head you're always for. You're always looking for value.

3points

Rick Villarreal 3 years ago

I didn't see this one, so I hope someone sees it here. Rule: you get a job and you bring your paycheck to your mom. She gives you allowance (like $5-$10)and uses the rest to help put you through school, pay for bills, or get you new clothes. I this this until I know longer lived at home and it felt strange to have all that money.

3points

Amy S 3 years ago

Absolutely. I have friends who saved up for a deposit on their first home while living with their parents, I was always jealous of that.

1point

Patti Vance 3 years ago

mom raised 3 kids in 60s w/o food stamps/assistance on secretary salary. not easy. father didn't pay support so we knew things were tight. but, there was the time that father brought over a case of chicken noodle soup & case of tuna to 'help out'. mom was creative w/soup & tuna was standard for home lunch. but, eventually, i started getting teased re tuna. had a field trip & told mom not to make lunch as i didn't want to stink up bus w/tuna. next day, lunch was ready anyway. turns out it was chicken salad...or so i thought. got home & thanked mom. then she told me that she had drained, strained, rinsed tuna, added chicken boullion, celery, & mayo for 'chicken salad'. mom was awesome.

3points

Javiera Gotelli 3 years ago

Your mom was great 🥰

1point

Jarrod Nichols 3 years ago

Having to move in the middle of the night.

2points

Saara-Elina Kaukiainen 3 years ago

I never knew I was poor as a child. Sure I lived with my dad at his parents house. And sure I never got any new clothes straigh from the store. But I had food, my own bed, security and love. I got a toy every christmas and birthday, and we had crepes with sugar and jam every wednesday. Every summer my dad would take me to the Linnanmäki fairgrounds at Helsinki for a day. I had a happy childhood. Even if we were poor.

1point

Tonja Massie 3 years ago

Most of these I have learned growing up, mostly after my dad walked out and left my mom with 4 kids and nothing else. I remember feeling ashamed, even though my friends never treated me any different if thei families had money, but I was still embarrassed. Today I teach my kids what I learned and make sure they know that it's either college or military after school. Being ridiculed like #19 just pisses me off. Family is supposed to encourage, not berated for wanting to be successful.

0points

Lisa Pick 3 years ago

I'm from Australia and I remember my excitement every Christmas because my Uncle would bring a bottle of soda and things such as ham never existed in my household, I will never forget one Birthday I got a bag of Minties (candy ), some of the best feeds I had were at Church. I'm still a happy, healthy and educated adult with very well balanced children.

0points

Billy The Kid 3 years ago

For all those living in London and needs a suit and shoes for a job interview, then check this out - https://www.suitedbootedcentre.org.uk/

0points

Mike Rodrick 3 years ago

Every example I just read is a product of capitalism, with the possible exception of those from foreign countries. The richest country in the world & we have over 500,000 homeless people, including innocent children because we value wealth over people. The poor in this country are treated like lepers & to be avoided whenever possible because they're an embarrassment to the country & a drain on the economy because they use government safety nets to survive, & those who do, are the lucky ones. With this condition, it's truly amazing that we call our country the best in the world & yet chastise other countries for human rights abuses. It says much to the world about who we are as a society.

0points

Csaba Horvath 3 years ago

Many of these can be useful even if you are rich. Especially to reuse everything, don't waste, or give things to others.

0points

Franc Esca 3 years ago

Almost none of these are unique to poverty.

0points

Tamera Gardner 3 years ago

M husband and I were driving through my old neighborhood and he asked “why are all these people walking?” I asked “have you never been in a poor neighborhood? Not everyone has a car.”

0points

Humansarethevirus 3 years ago

Amazes me how people keep having kids when their in poverty!! So selfish to bring a life into poverty and most are slaves for the parents. Unbelievable

0points

S M 3 years ago

I felt like I had read this article before and realized I had--pretty much the same thing was on Buzzfeed a few days ago. https://www.buzzfeed.com/stephenlaconte/people-who-grew-up-poor-rules-reddit

0points

Ellen Ranks 3 years ago

Reading all this I just realized that my family was poor for years as well. I always believed the only time I was poor was a few years when I was a student and sometimes could not find work. I used to go and steal toilet paper rolls in public buildings. Survived on brown rice with lentils and onions, and home made lemonade for the vitamin C. I have tried selling just about everything that was in the house. And I did not have access to a washing machine. Have you ever tried handwashing a load of jeans and towels? And wringing them dry after? It HURTS and gives you blisters. On the upside, I was so skinny I had a supermodel figure.

0points

Gyro Pilot 3 years ago

Some people with money think and act as presented in this thread. Others laugh and call them cheap, but odds are they've rescued themselves and remember or learneed well from poor elders. Remember the concept of the millionaire next door?

0points

Felix Feline 3 years ago

I grew up poor because my mother gave away most of the money my father earned to televangelists and my father stopped caring. Three pairs of pants and one pair of shoes to get through three years of high school, no school trips, no prom, and no extras, ever.

0points

Petra Schaap 3 years ago (edited)

we didnt have a lot of money but were not dirt poor. But always: if you wanna have something, save money for it or work for it, NEVER get a loan (like neverrrr everrrrrr) If you cant save or work for it, do not get it on payments.

0points

Amy S 3 years ago

What if your car breaks and you need it to get to work? Your options would be get a loan or lose your job. What if your oven breaks and you can't cook a meal for your kids? Lots of poor people get into debt because they cannot save and when an emergency happens they have no choice but to borrow money (and because they are poor that borrowing costs people much more). Which traps them in a cycle of poverty.

2points

Ula 3 years ago

True story.

0points

Brittany 3 years ago

I'm glad I don't have kids yet. I'm constantly trying to reevaluate my parenting skills, so I don't screw them up unintentionally.

0points

Cathy 3 years ago

I'm in my 60s without children

0points

D Peterson 3 years ago

We weren't poor but we didn't have money for extras. There were five of us in a 900sf house , one bathroom, no basement, no garage, no family room. Today 900sf is so small it's considered a tiny house for just two people. We grew up not know most people had more. But I always knew many people had less. We've downsized to a 550sf home & it's very comfortable, easy to clean, & more than enough for the two of us. I'm thankful everyday for all I learned from my depression era grandparents.

-1point

Amy S 3 years ago

I don't know what country you live in but if your standard of poor is one bathroom, no garage and no basement you should come visit the UK! The average terraced house is 688 sq. ft. and I literally don't know anybody with two bathrooms or a basement (that's even though I'm middle class now, as are many of my friends).

0points

POST

Javiera Gotelli 3 years ago

45points

mph seti 3 years ago

The US's main waste isn't war, it's handouts we give to the people who don't need handouts. ie: the wealthy.

22points

Casey B 3 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

0points

Laugh Fan 3 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

0points

Gyro Pilot 3 years ago

35 posts about poor people overcoming and you make this about yourself and politics?! Reread the theead and then edit your sad comment

-2points

El Dee 3 years ago

31points

Marina 3 years ago

where do you live? I'm coming!

9points

Aeon Flux 3 years ago

This is an amazing post.

17points

Aaron Kara 3 years ago (edited)

10points

Alex Bailey 3 years ago

8points

Willows 3 years ago

7points

Leo Domitrix 3 years ago

6points

Rainbow Panda 3 years ago

Donate your items if you don’t need them anymore. You might make someone’s day a whole lot better. ❤️

5points

Oskar vanZandt 3 years ago

3points

Meme Mee 3 years ago

3points

Rick Villarreal 3 years ago

3points

Amy S 3 years ago

Absolutely. I have friends who saved up for a deposit on their first home while living with their parents, I was always jealous of that.

1point

Patti Vance 3 years ago

3points

Javiera Gotelli 3 years ago

Your mom was great 🥰

1point