Quote:
Originally Posted by $5 submissions
Recent immigrants do it all the time. Worked 100 years ago, worked during my parents' time, and I'm sure it works now. Here's how my own parents were able to do it when they started out:
1) Live together with other relatives.
2) Share all costs
3) Save 25% to 40% of all income
4) Share transportation/plan out routes
5) Buy food collectively and spread out costs
6) Cook food collectively and pack meals for work
7) Participate in "paluwagan" systems (other cultures use differing terms for this) that involve revolving credit
8) buy assets slowly with savings, reinvest asset income
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You're spot on. The Mexicans give a good example for how poorer people should be living. They share places, have no major luxuries like cable, and drive beaters. They'll shop for clothes at Goodwill, garage sales, and discount stores. They also really know how to budget for food. Beans and rice are dirt cheap, plus you can buy a big bag of tortillos for virtually nothing. If you're not into Mexican food, you can make probably 10 PB&Js for $6.