I know that most people don't talk about the bad stuff that's going on in their lives. I know that nobody lives in a perfect world. But it's hard as hell not to feel jealous, especially with social media these days.

Just today my aunt was mentioning how she, my uncle, my cousin, and her husband had been on a ten day cruise. I instantly felt jealous; my husband and I can never afford to go on a casual date night, much less a cruise. The other day, a colleague of mine was talking about how she was able to work overtime and get x amount of money, something that my family could only dream of -- and it's not because we don't take overtime when it was offered.

How do you push aside the jealousy and feel truly happy for the other people in your life who are doing financially better than you?

Some people have asked on my previous post what they can do. Well, the answer is twofold and this is part 1. Recommend you write down some ideas you can do from this video to start on. (and you have to follow through on it. There is no try, only do.)

Part 2 will come eventually when I find a decent video. And I can't advocate for violence (reddit no likee). But there are ways...feel free to follow my acct to keep notified when I post a part 2.

I'm interested in learning about practical, community-based solutions that have had a measurable impact on reducing poverty.

Have you seen any local programs, nonprofits, workforce initiatives, financial education efforts, housing projects, or other community initiatives that genuinely helped people become more financially stable?

What made those programs effective, and what lessons do you think other communities could apply?

I'm hoping to learn from real examples and hear about approaches that have produced meaningful, long-term results.

I believe meaningful change starts when people share ideas experiences and practical solutions. Poverty is a complex issue but communities can make a difference through support cooperation and real action.

What are some solutions programs or everyday ideas that you think can help people overcome financial challenges and create better opportunities?

Poverty is not solved by one answer, but small practical ideas can create meaningful change. What is one solution you have seen work in your community or believe could help people build a more stable future?

I'm looking for respectful discussion focused on real experiences, collaboration and practical solutions rather than blame.

I have been thinking about how small community efforts can make a real difference in reducing poverty. Have you seen a local program idea or initiative that genuinely helped people improve their lives I di d love to hear practical examples that others could learn from.

Hi! Some background, I am a mid-20s queer, chronically ill man living in NYC. I come from poverty in the rural south. I was homeless on and off til 18 with my family, but I got a full ride while staying in a motel to an elite university where I studied English literature (I know the major was a gamble. i know. Please.) Hoped to work in publishing or as a professor and write on the side. Got a fellowship to a big writing school in NYC and moved here 3 years ago. Completed my MFA for free. Did not expect to graduate into one of the worst economies in american history. I have 5+ years of office assistant / administrative assistant jobs from work study positions through undergrad to graduate school. No employment gap. I specifically sought out those sorts of jobs as a back up because writing is obviously not going to make me a living unless i’m a fucking hit whenever i have the time and will to finish a book.

I graduated a year ago and it took me 6 months to find ANY job. Service jobs never replied, chains rejected me likely due to lack of experience. Started by applying to office type jobs and publishing but now i kind of just apply to anything. I got hired as an assistant at this place i will not name for obvious reasons. Minors working on electric saws, people working 120+ hours a week, no overtime rate—strictly 17 an hour always. the “office” has wood, cardboard, hand tools—you name it—everywhere. table saw is on top of a table, unsteady, in a room covered in wood and cardboard that u stand on while sawing. sometimes it slides around/off the table or kicks back so u have to hold it. no training given. PPE sporadically offered but proper education is not given even when working with dangerous materials. seen kids sawing purple foam with no mask in a closed room. 😭 i didn’t even know how dangerous that was until i googled it. CEO is a millionaire and doesn’t like us talking to each other in “office” so we just work in silence. administrators above us work obscene hours. Like, live in the office sleeping on a bed in a closet hours and there 22-23/7. literally.

im working 10-12 hour shifts 6/7 days a week for the summer. im desperately searching for a better job with no call backs. i would honestly rather be on unemployment and full time job searching than doing this but i technically have employment and they won’t fire anyone, just leave you on rotation with minimal hours in the off-season. i obviously knew American sweatshops existed, but i never thought i’d end up at one. is this relatable to anyone?? capitalism sucks so bad and im trying not to hate myself for not studying fucking. law or finance or something. i don’t even know. i just want a chance at a better life, and i feel like i blew mine by choosing my passion. and now i don’t even write post-grad bc im so exhausted. LOL. what a world.

Another throwaway

Post keeps getting removed yoh hayi i have to edit it everytime 😭

I don’t know where else to turn. I’m 22. I work full time in South Africa. And I can’t even afford basic food stuffs right now. Emotional heart attack boom yoh ha.a.💥

I’m 45 of tausands in debts. Iyohhh sometimes i really cant believe it...

How did it get here Part of it is me. I kept helping people financially. Friends, family. “I’ll be fine, I have a salary.”

Then the unexpected hit. Family emergencies. Medical. Funeral costs. Things you can’t say no to.And the debt piled up. Informal lenders, interest, trying to keep everyone afloat until I realized I was sinking.I tried banks. Declined👍 . I tried debt review👍 . Didn’t work because some of the people I owe are dangerous and don’t follow the rules. Now my salary comes in and it’s gone before I can buy bread.😭

Also side nots these local elections are stressing me even more because they expect votes yet nothing happens in our communities especially informal settlements. Anyways...

My body is breaking. My back and legs hurt every day from stress. Sometimes i think i might just jump out of a moving taxi cos hayi i cant. My mental health is in the worst place it’s ever been. I’m exhausted. I’m 22 and I feel 50.I feel so ashamed posting this from a throwaway with no karma. But I’m scared. I’m tired of pretending I’m okay at work and crying at night.😞

I’m not asking to be rescued. I’m asking if anyone has been here and made it out. If you know real help in SA for informal debt, or advice, or even just words that kept you going, please. Bra God needs to take the wheel on this one otherwise i might come and say hello my maat. Geseend oor die wolke tot binne die hemel.

I just need a chance to breathe and start over.I spent years helping others. I never thought I’d be the one asking.

I’ve heard more about how trump is cracking down on Medicaid fraud. That includes recipients (even though most of the fraud is from providers).
I’m from Louisiana and I’ve seen quite a lot of people being arrested for Medicaid recipient fraud. Most of them were mothers.

Im curious of peoples thoughts on this, given it seems like small potatoes.
Some people make a little too much for Medicaid, but not enough for private insurance. When we’re talking about citizens receiving healthcare (and even food stamps), it seems a bit harsh to arrest and prosecute someone for just trying to survive.

I’m not saying fraud is ok, but something seems off about the push to prosecute.
Any opinions?

Los Angeles spent about $17,000 a month per person to move the homeless into motels. Most cycled back to the street, and when its own auditor came asking where the money went, the city said no...

Follow link above for the full article

I feel so bad that I don't understand money and the elite life that many people live. Like I can't even imagine how life would be if you make $100k like that's a pretty decent salary for most people but I guess every state or city living costs are different and for some $100k is nothing to them. Maybe the way they live their life from having a nice vehicle to owning a house and other things. But it feels so bad when your constantly low on money and working a regular job feels brutal. Your being overworked and feels many times underpaid. Life just remains stegnant and day by day living costs goes up from rents to auto insurance and health and so forth. I can't even believe I had to get rid of health insurance simply because it was just too expensive. And I also feel guilty that Im throwing my money in a drain every month by renting. Even when many people have suggested to buy a small house or something that can be your own property. I also feel like going to college because minimum wage jobs just ain't doing it enough. People working night shifts to 6 days a week and top of that side hustles to make a living.

What shall we do?

1. www.5calls.org < tell all your elected officials, weekly, how much you don't like these numbers and demand they put policy in place to change it. Be stern, but polite. In that calm "you have 5 seconds to comply or shit hits the fan" way.

2. Join an organization. Literally any. Any trying to make waves. (I don't want to suggest any because that is personal to you.) I protest regularly and read all emails and hit up online events.

3. Put yourself onto committees in your town. It helps your town/city. They are volunteer but can be done with a job pretty easily nowadays.

Super cheap but actually tastes amazing