This sort of story is what makes me terrified of poverty.

SueBee

Sunday Post have written a collection of stories about a woman whose family are living in poverty.

http://www.sundaypost.com/that-s-life/real-life-stories/helen-s-letter-the-anger-of-a-nation-1.848082

alastairq

This sort of story is what makes me terrified of poverty.

Well, if one is hamstrung by the need to maintain the status quo, then, a downturn can indeed be terrifying.

But, surely 'poverty' is actually relative?

By that, I mean, if one is intent on living a lifestyle which is under a multitude of social and familial influences, then, any event which inhibits such a lifestyle, will be frightening.

And, having read the article and the 'letter', the over-riding impression I got was, how folk in dire financial straights seem intent on not shedding the lifestyle [and expectations] that put them there in the first place.

This forum is particularly aimed at bankruptcy.



And, bankruptcy does not mean 'poverty'.

What Bankruptcy does do, is enable a completely fresh start.

And to take advantage of such an offer, usually means a whole change of approach, to what is important in life.

This may mean, shedding past influences.

Including, what is actually necessary, to maintain a reasonable standard of living.

Things like, not giving a damn what one's co-workers think of one's attire.

Or, whether heating alone is essential?

The whole article seemed aimed at the principle, that it wasn't fair, that folk should have to give up the basic concepts which society has deemed necessary....and without which, one is in poverty!

The real secret to coping with a reduced income seems to be, [IMHO] to firstly reject all the influences from the past..from family, from upbringing, from society, etc, and focus on achieving what is basically essential to life.

Poverty is really a state of mind.

BAnkruptcy itself, helps one achieve a positive state of mind.

edit..Oh, and they only have a year to go, and hubby can draw his State pension? What with that, and the wife's income, I guess they'll be financially better off than me, for starters?