For most Americans, financial emergencies such as a treatable illness, leaky roof or car-insurance deductible are difficult—but doable. Not so for the one-out-of-every-eight Americans who live in poverty. For a family of four, that income is $18,810 or less, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Just how far does $18,810 go?
$18,810 total annual income
- 5,674 basic shelter
13,136
- 2,383 utilities
10,753
- 4,498 paying for and fueling a car
5,255
- 5,616 food, even with $1,249 in food stamps or other public aid
-351 deficit spending begins
- 890 average out-of-pocket medical expenses with health insurance.
-1,241 credit-card debt or loans increase
- 3,386 child care, after subsidies
-$4,627 total annual deficit
Expenses above are based on averages for families at this income level, according to the Bureau for Labor Statistics’ Consumer Expenditure Survey. Not included: vehicle insurance, taxes, education, clothing, finance charges, entertainment, school supplies, furniture, life insurance, gifts or everyday emergencies.
Sources: 2003 U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau for Labor Statistics’ Consumer Expenditure Survey (
www.naccrra.org).
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