The Census Bureau defines poverty as annual income below $22,314 for a family of four. if broken down to an hourly wage 22,314/12 months= 1859.50 monthly... 1859.50/4 weeks= 464.88 per week. 464.88/40 hours= 11.62 per hour. I make a little less than above hourly, but to be fare I do have bonuses and overtime that take me over said final line. However at that hourly wage I am the only one in my home that caries a full time job, my wife is pregnant with our second child. So technically I am above the line but honestly not by much. Now for my poverty stricken status My rent is paid, my bills are paid, I have no car notes, no major dept as they are all paid off, I have a modified 2001 jeep wrangler, a 2001 jeep cherokee that has more in suspention, tires, and aftermarket parts than its kbb value, I have a 98 camry as a daily driver, a motorcycle, a seadoo, and an expencive habit of firearms. Now my point is not to brag about all the things I have, but to brag about all the things I dont. I dont have government handouts, I dont need to steal, I dont feel sorry for myself, as my family is happy and honestly untill today I did not even realise that I lived in poverty. I actually have to say from what I see of poverty I live a preaty ok life, granted I dont have thousands stored away and I dont play the stock market. I also dont sweat bills at the end of the month and am usually able to go out on family outings two or three times per month be it to okc to visit friends and family, to the zoo, or just a date night with the wife. now I find this perplexing to see that I feel I am living a good life with a happy healthy family with pleanty of toys, but I know so many people in middle to upper class ranges that struggle day to day to put gas in there vehicles, lights in there house, or even food on the table... What gives?
