There are several expenses today that I never had when I was younger.by floridacatlover » Mon Jan 17, 2022 8:00 am
I totally agree that Mackie’s lunch calculations are the way to financial security, especially for anyone making a low or moderate income. I never made a lot of money but I was always VERY careful with what money I had. I was never into many of the Tightwad Gazette-type frugal activities (saving soap scraps, making homemade condiments and laundry detergent, etc.) but I almost never went out for lunch when I was working. Even now the vast majority of my Starbucks get togethers once or twice a month use Starbucks gift cards earned on Bing.
I must say I’m a believer that many people who say they “can’t make it” are not trying hard enough. Not the case for those who earn a very low income but for many. That is why I’m against some of the benefits in the Build Back Better bill which to me sets the income qualification level too high.
TV was free if you had a TV and antenna.
Telephone was a land line and very expensive, long distance even more expensive.
2 cars Until I started working at a job, and there was no bus to get to work we only had one car.
My hospital bill when I had my oldest in Manhattan was about $900. I was in the hospital a week because of complications. Straight inflation puts that at $8,094.25. Medical costs have gone up much more. My insurance covered only $300 of that amount.
The internet didn't exist, I used the library regularly. I rarely bought a book if I did it was a sewing reference book.
Clothes were expected to last awhile except for children who out grew them.
Coke or other sodas were a once in a while treat. Coffee was made at home.
Penny