In partnership with Make It Work Nevada and MI Oakland Forward, we asked 10 people to document their day-to-day expenses and to “show us the receipts” — AKA the true costs of living in our country today, and the challenges of making ends meet as a low-paid worker. These are their stories and receipts.
When a majority of your paycheck goes towards rent or an unexpected or emergency expense, “healthy” foods are often out of reach. With processed and fast food priced much lower than fresh produce and unprocessed food — not to mention 6% of the population living in food deserts making healthier options more inaccessible — low-paid workers and families are forced to make difficult food decisions.
A doctor’s visit can be a financial burden for most. Health care is vital for a person’s well-being and economic security, but medical expenses drive millions into poverty.
In addition to dealing with rent, utilities, and other bills, students working low-paid jobs are also faced with rising tuition costs.
Where we live is at the very core of our daily lives. With a massive shortage of affordable housing, workers and families are placed in a difficult position of having to spend a large portion of their paycheck on rent. When families spend too much on housing, they have insufficient resources for other basic needs.
In addition to having to worry about basic expenses, when workers and families are hit with unexpected costs like a medical emergency, car repairs—or in the case of some child care providers, a COVID scare that results in closing down their business—the effects can be disastrous. Families living paycheck to paycheck, an unforeseen medical bill or flat tire can force parents to have to forgo certain basic necessities for the month—which could mean missing a rent payment or going without food.
