jorgelito

I think we need to parse this out more because I am in agreement with Ace here. I too share a similar "pull-yourself-up-by-the-bootstraps-mentality" and experience. I lived in poverty and it sounds like Ace has too. Maybe we (all of us here) are oversimplifying the poverty aspect or something. The response above seems to indicate extreme poverty. I also accept that having children changes the dynamic as well.

I don't have alot of sources or references to go by, mostly my own experience, anecdotal, and observational.

But, we all have choices and make choices. Sound financial planning and budgeting is the first step. Smart consumer choices is another example. There are plenty of resources available to assist those that need it. Financial aid for education is quite generous. I knew alot of people on welfare growing up who lived better than me.

I worked 3 jobs to pay my way through community college before I discovered the joys of financial aid. Nothing glamorous: the video store, a pizza place, Starbucks...

I sacrificed and deferred gratification for years (still am). I budgeted accordingly, clipped coupons, made all my meals at home, found cheap housing and took public transportation. I never bought a PS2, had cable TV or even nice clothes. I had my friend cut my hair and I read books at the library for my entertainment. I used the schools computers for homework etc. I lived below my means.

Slowly but surely, I made it. I bought a computer with my first financial aid check. I continued good financial planning and saved every quarter. I quit smoking too. I only spent what I could afford. I am from the east coast, a high school drop out. I eventually got my GED and ended up on the West coast looking for better opportunities.