Can You Write A Check For $500?

[my2¢]

I wonder how many of these folks without $500 in funds have a smartphone? Just saying that some folks choose a lifestyle of not doing without - making them cash poor. I've known a few.

 

[JustAnotherNut]

The economy is usually ranked by the employment rates, but doesn't seem to take into account (or enough so) of the cost of living. Even when more people have jobs to pay their bills, doesn't mean they can save anything if it costs more for expenses than it did previously. Nevermind any unexpected expense.

Yes with a bit of scrambling, we could come up with $500 now....but for many years that hasn't been the case. Anytime we did manage to save anything, something would happen that took it, whether a raise in gas or food prices, new tax or expense or whatever. The struggle has been REAL, I'm telling ya

(wondering how in the heck Moonglow 's mortgage is so cheap. Ours is 3x's that much and still cheaper than most in this area)

Your story is many of our stories....I knew a guy who owned a very successful leasing company....beautiful home, nice cars, kids in private schools. A year later (2009) he was driving one of his pals around who'd lost his drivers license for a hundred bucks a day. I lost my nest egg by trying to double it fast with Lehman and Bear Stearns...both hundred year old companies. I was never bitter because I gambled and lost....I did try to find my broker carrying a 33oz Louisville Slugger but he'd blown town.

We've always tried to keep everything within reach by buying an older & smaller house, used cars, etc Just around the time of the recession, hubby's employer started cutting back on benefits provided, hours, pay, etc and eventually sold the business. Hubs had worked there for over 20 years, but those little cut backs, took their toll....then the new owner offered to take hubs on because he knew more about production than anyone else. But the location was across a toll bridge and a further commute. Little things like that may be 'nickle & dime' stuff, but when it comes from several angles, it adds up fast.

 

[Tom Horn]

I wonder how many of these folks without $500 in funds have a smartphone? Just saying that some folks choose a lifestyle of not doing without - making them cash poor. I've known a few.

That was the basis for my OP....they buy a phone and minutes on credit and it costs them 2-3 times as much as it would in cash. Personally I don't want a phone that's smarter than I am.

 

[Marion Morrison]

Good for you if you can but 57% (down from 63%) of us can't, which is the legacy of the worst president this country has ever known. And if you doubt that, look at what President Trump has already done about it in less than 50 days. When our new President says he "inherited a mess", this simple test answers the question...do you have $500 today?

What we found is that according to a recent Bankrate survey of 1,000 adults, 57% of Americans don’t have enough cash to cover a mere $500 unexpected expense. Turns out the CEO was right. And while that may appear dire, it is a slight improvement from 2016, when 63% of U.S. residents said they wouldn’t be able to handle such an expense.

The survey's findings have shed light on how the so-called recovery of the past 8 years has skipped about half of the US population, which literally live paycheck to paycheck, and reflects a country in which many households continue to struggle with their basic finances more than seven years after the official end to the recession.

Putting the numbers in context: despite steady job growth during the Obama administration - which have been focused on minimum wage industries - wages have been predictably slow to recover, with the typical American household still earning 2.4% below what they brought home in 1999, when income peaked. Meanwhile, costs for essentials such as housing and child care have surged faster than the rate of inflation, placing stress on household budgets and making the accumulation of wealth, i.e., savings, impossible.

The bottom line: About four out of 10 Americans said they had enough in savings to cover a surprise $500 expense. Another 21% said they would rely on a credit card, while 20% said they’d cut back on other expenses. Another 11% said they’d turn to family or friends for the money.

"The Reality Is, Half Of Americans Can’t Afford To Write A $500 Check" | Zero Hedge

I don't blame obama. His asslicking sycophantic media is to blame. There is no way a socialist could get away with it unless helped by the media, which includes the entertainment industry.

The fact is they are not making mistakes. Trust that the democrats want dilapidated run down cities with larger and larger groups on the dole...or the teet of you will.

Trust that they want riots in the streets and chaos being reported so they can perpetually prop up the scapegoat.

This is all by design. Did anyone think by electing the first black president that they would yell out that "we arrived!?"

Oh hell no. They need that block of blacks to stay enslaved in their minds. So, the victimologists create groups that cause riots and cry RACISM RACISM RACISM RACISM every day. Hence, the invention of BLACK LIVES MATTER movement.

You have to stand in awe at how efficient and effective they are at doing this.

Trust me. All of that is deliberate by the leftist democrats and establishment republicans.

I agree. You hear these people say "Obama is stupid" No, no he's not. It's by design that all his efforts achieve the desired effect while looking on the surface like a failure. What most regular people don't realize is all these leftists are organized and in collusion with one another while your average person is just living daily life.

 

[Rambunctious]

Social injustice???? Most people that spew those nonsensical words out of their pie holes can't even tell you what it means.

 

[Marion Morrison]

Social injustice???? Most people that spew those nonsensical words out of their pie holes can't even tell you what it means.

Most people that use that word are indoctrinated Stepford Wife-ish snowflake lemmings.

 

[Tom Horn]

We've always tried to keep everything within reach by buying an older & smaller house, used cars, etc Just around the time of the recession, hubby's employer started cutting back on benefits provided, hours, pay, etc and eventually sold the business. Hubs had worked there for over 20 years, but those little cut backs, took their toll....then the new owner offered to take hubs on because he knew more about production than anyone else. But the location was across a toll bridge and a further commute. Little things like that may be 'nickle & dime' stuff, but when it comes from several angles, it adds up fast.

The drop in gas prices (THANK GOD FOR FRACKING) has helped a lot. I remember beef prices so high we made do without because of their feed and transportation costs. Thanks in part to $2 gas, there are 5 beautiful beef roasts stashed in the freezer today...just in case it all goes south again. I went survivalist in the last year so we can head up to the Rockies if we had to and get by with the gear I bought. My boat is gone or I'd be catching some bass for the dinner table....on a slow road back, you still need brakes for the downhills.

 

[JoeNormal]

The only help we need from the Government is to get out of our way.

Ummm, help me out here. Your avatar is of the U.S. Air Force. Who do you think funds them?

Hmmm.

Observant.

I'm a civilian now.

Does that help, or is it mandatory I change my avatar?

No, personally I appreciate your service but defense is one of the services that tax money provides and one reason why it's better in some ways that government doesn't get out of our way.

 

[Yousaidwhat]

The only help we need from the Government is to get out of our way.

Ummm, help me out here. Your avatar is of the U.S. Air Force. Who do you think funds them?

Hmmm.

Observant.

I'm a civilian now.

Does that help, or is it mandatory I change my avatar?

No, personally I appreciate your service but defense is one of the services that tax money provides and one reason why it's better in some ways that government doesn't get out of our way.

And I agree.

There is much waste fraud and abuse of our Government and it's inability to manage our Treasury.

I'm not anti-government. I'm not one who wants no taxes or no government, I just expect them to not make it difficult for myself and others to become successful.

Thank you for supporting your service members.

 

[JustAnotherNut]

We've always tried to keep everything within reach by buying an older & smaller house, used cars, etc Just around the time of the recession, hubby's employer started cutting back on benefits provided, hours, pay, etc and eventually sold the business. Hubs had worked there for over 20 years, but those little cut backs, took their toll....then the new owner offered to take hubs on because he knew more about production than anyone else. But the location was across a toll bridge and a further commute. Little things like that may be 'nickle & dime' stuff, but when it comes from several angles, it adds up fast.

The drop in gas prices (THANK GOD FOR FRACKING) has helped a lot. I remember beef prices so high we made do without because of their feed and transportation costs. Thanks in part to $2 gas, there are 5 beautiful beef roasts stashed in the freezer today...just in case it all goes south again. I went survivalist in the last year so we can head up to the Rockies if we had to and get by with the gear I bought. My boat is gone or I'd be catching some bass for the dinner table....on a slow road back, you still need brakes for the downhills.

Just make sure you have a way of sustaining or renewing & rotate those roasts...freezer burn is nasty

 

[Vastator]

I guessing most Americans with union jobs, aka the American workers conservatives despise the most,

could come up $500 in a pinch.

If you don't keep a months salary at hand chances are good that you mismanage your money.

On a number of occasions I would put my checks on my desk and not cash them immediately.

Payroll would continue to come to me and request I cash them or bank them.

I'd have 4 or 5 uncashed checks and on many occasions cash them before the 180 day expiration date.

I had been called into HR for the exact same thing. And man were they pissed.

 

[Tom Horn]

Just make sure you have a way of sustaining or renewing & rotate those roasts...freezer burn is nasty

I know....they're numbered according to the purchase date....buy a new one, eat the old one. I might let it drop down to 3 roasts if the deal I'm working on comes through....if it does I can buy a HERD of cattle...well, a small herd.

 

[Yousaidwhat]

I guessing most Americans with union jobs, aka the American workers conservatives despise the most,

could come up $500 in a pinch.

If you don't keep a months salary at hand chances are good that you mismanage your money.

On a number of occasions I would put my checks on my desk and not cash them immediately.

Payroll would continue to come to me and request I cash them or bank them.

I'd have 4 or 5 uncashed checks and on many occasions cash them before the 180 day expiration date.

I had been called into HR for the exact same thing. And man were they pissed.

It never occurred to me that I had been keeping their books unbalanced.

I never worried about finances and can't remember when I was concerned about income.

Just after high school, and the choice of college or the military, choosing service first, I decided to cash in on all of the change I tossed in the water bottles.

The night before swearing in and 8 pending weeks of BMTS, we celebrated, on me .

The Mrs. has a hard time following where I stash resources.

She won't know until I croak.

If she really knew, I'd be worth more dead than alive, to her. lol.

 

[JimBowie1958]

Don't worry. We liberals will still keep pounding on the topic of low wages, like we've always done.

Get a job spend less than what you have... easiest thing in the world to do

Then why doesnt everyone do it?

And what do we do with those who fail? Just let them starve?

 

[Skull Pilot]

I guessing most Americans with union jobs, aka the American workers conservatives despise the most,

could come up $500 in a pinch.

If you don't keep a months salary at hand chances are good that you mismanage your money.

On a number of occasions I would put my checks on my desk and not cash them immediately.

Payroll would continue to come to me and request I cash them or bank them.

I'd have 4 or 5 uncashed checks and on many occasions cash them before the 180 day expiration date.

I had been called into HR for the exact same thing. And man were they pissed.

It never occurred to me that I had been keeping their books unbalanced.

I never worried about finances and can't remember when I was concerned about income.

Just after high school, and the choice of college or the military, choosing service first, I decided to cash in on all of the change I tossed in the water bottles.

The night before swearing in and 8 pending weeks of BMTS, we celebrated, on me .

The Mrs. has a hard time following where I stash resources.

She won't know until I croak.

If she really knew, I'd be worth more dead than alive, to her. lol.

you weren't

your employer cannot tell you when to cash your checks even if you waited until after the time frame posted on the check they would have to issue you a new one

 

[Rustic]

Don't worry. We liberals will still keep pounding on the topic of low wages, like we've always done.

Get a job spend less than what you have... easiest thing in the world to do

Then why doesnt everyone do it?

And what do we do with those who fail? Just let them starve?

The progressives want to take care of them, let the progressives finance them.

 

[OnePercenter]

We had to pay for Obama phones....

That's Reagan phones.

 

[koshergrl]

Don't worry. We liberals will still keep pounding on the topic of low wages, like we've always done.

Get a job spend less than what you have... easiest thing in the world to do

Then why doesnt everyone do it?

And what do we do with those who fail? Just let them starve?

You'd be amazed at how intelligent people are.

Once they figure out that their caloric intake and a roof over their heads is dependent upon a modicum of prioritization and budgeting, they learn to budget REALLY FAST.

And no, nobody in this country will starve unless they are being kept in basements by their owners, and t he owners opt not to feed them.

 

[OnePercenter]

Good for you if you can but 57% (down from 63%) of us can't, which is the legacy of the worst president this country has ever known. And if you doubt that, look at what President Trump has already done about it in less than 50 days. When our new President says he "inherited a mess", this simple test answers the question...do you have $500 today?

What we found is that according to a recent Bankrate survey of 1,000 adults, 57% of Americans don’t have enough cash to cover a mere $500 unexpected expense. Turns out the CEO was right. And while that may appear dire, it is a slight improvement from 2016, when 63% of U.S. residents said they wouldn’t be able to handle such an expense.

The survey's findings have shed light on how the so-called recovery of the past 8 years has skipped about half of the US population, which literally live paycheck to paycheck, and reflects a country in which many households continue to struggle with their basic finances more than seven years after the official end to the recession.

Putting the numbers in context: despite steady job growth during the Obama administration - which have been focused on minimum wage industries - wages have been predictably slow to recover, with the typical American household still earning 2.4% below what they brought home in 1999, when income peaked. Meanwhile, costs for essentials such as housing and child care have surged faster than the rate of inflation, placing stress on household budgets and making the accumulation of wealth, i.e., savings, impossible.

The bottom line: About four out of 10 Americans said they had enough in savings to cover a surprise $500 expense. Another 21% said they would rely on a credit card, while 20% said they’d cut back on other expenses. Another 11% said they’d turn to family or friends for the money.

"The Reality Is, Half Of Americans Can’t Afford To Write A $500 Check" | Zero Hedge

Republicans fought raising wages for working class Americans.

Why is Arizona the number two working class poor State?

 

[Skull Pilot]

Good for you if you can but 57% (down from 63%) of us can't, which is the legacy of the worst president this country has ever known. And if you doubt that, look at what President Trump has already done about it in less than 50 days. When our new President says he "inherited a mess", this simple test answers the question...do you have $500 today?

What we found is that according to a recent Bankrate survey of 1,000 adults, 57% of Americans don’t have enough cash to cover a mere $500 unexpected expense. Turns out the CEO was right. And while that may appear dire, it is a slight improvement from 2016, when 63% of U.S. residents said they wouldn’t be able to handle such an expense.

The survey's findings have shed light on how the so-called recovery of the past 8 years has skipped about half of the US population, which literally live paycheck to paycheck, and reflects a country in which many households continue to struggle with their basic finances more than seven years after the official end to the recession.

Putting the numbers in context: despite steady job growth during the Obama administration - which have been focused on minimum wage industries - wages have been predictably slow to recover, with the typical American household still earning 2.4% below what they brought home in 1999, when income peaked. Meanwhile, costs for essentials such as housing and child care have surged faster than the rate of inflation, placing stress on household budgets and making the accumulation of wealth, i.e., savings, impossible.

The bottom line: About four out of 10 Americans said they had enough in savings to cover a surprise $500 expense. Another 21% said they would rely on a credit card, while 20% said they’d cut back on other expenses. Another 11% said they’d turn to family or friends for the money.

"The Reality Is, Half Of Americans Can’t Afford To Write A $500 Check" | Zero Hedge

Republicans fought raising wages for working class Americans.

Why is Arizona the number two working class poor State?

I said it before I'll say it again

If you spend more than you make and never save a dime it's your own fault no one else's