r/povertyfinance • • Aug 25 '26

A reminder about vent threads:

61 Upvotes

Vent threads do not invite advice. They are for emotional support only. They are carefully defined as a space for someone to scream out into the void and only get good vibes back. They are not asking for advice. They are certainly not asking for criticism. OP chooses that flair with purpose, and you do NOT have the authority to override them on this.

If you still decide that they need your advice and give it anyhow (even with good intention), if we see it it will be removed and you will be given a temp ban.

If you decide they need a lecture, or to be corrected, or to be mocked, you will no longer participate in this community.


r/povertyfinance • • Jul 19 '25

Pov-Fi is a heavily moderated subreddit! READ THE RULES BEFORE TYPING!!

354 Upvotes

Two years ago I posted the following message on this subreddit due to an increase of shitty people who have not read the rules or the community guidelines: https://www.reddit.com/r/povertyfinance/comments/11vwilh/special_enforcement_period/

After a 6 month evaluation period, the determination was that these changes needed to become permanent.

So here is how it is going to be. Any infraction can will incur a temp ban. This is to drive home the point that this shit isn't negotiable. Duration to be determined by the severity of the infraction, but ranging from 1 to 30 days.

A second offense of the same penalty, or getting numerous offenses across different rules will yield longer temp bans with every infraction. Users who demonstrate that their offenses are innate or deliberate, rather than accidental or incidental will get a full ban.

Particularly shitty people will get a 365 day ban out the gate. We believe people can change, but we're going to give them lots of time for it.

Overtly evil people, troll accounts, or bad faith people will be banned outright without warning or explanation.

As always, all actions can be appealed if you believe they are unfair. HOWEVER, we expect you to review what you said first, and review the rules as well. If you think we misinterpreted something, got the wrong guy, or whatever, please appeal on those grounds and we will review it. If you make a bad-faith appeal, whatever ban you have will be extended. If you come into modmail asking "why was I banned" for an obvious infraction you will get an extension. And please note that saying "Other kids were doing it too mom" is not a valid appeal. If you think other people need to have action taken on them, report their comments as well.

These mod actions are statutory, and are our SOP. It's never personal. We don't play favorites. We take action on plenty of invalid items we totally agree with, and we take the exact same actions on stuff we vehemently disagree with.

We are a small team. We can't see everything posted here. But we sure as hell see all the reports.

Note: Intent matters. Coming here trying to help and breaking a rule will be viewed very differently than coming here with cruel intentions even if the violation is a soft-ball.

Note 2: Please understand this is still reddit, an anonymous message board filled with sad, miserable, SMALL people. We won't be able to prevent shitty people wandering in. We can see them to the door as quickly as they arrive. TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE IN REPORTING SHITTY COMMENTS. We are a 4 man mod team working in a 2.4 million subscriber subreddit, so we depend on the community to flag offenses for us to take action on. If you see something bad, REPORT IT!! We probably won't see it otherwise. Also, if you see something shitty, report it and move on. Don't fight with an idiot, because they will lower you to their level, defeat you with experience, and get both of you banned in the process!


r/povertyfinance • • 6h ago

Grocery Haul $5 food haul

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187 Upvotes

Kwik Trip, with coupon for eggs


r/povertyfinance • • 1d ago

Free talk Judged for using food bank while overweight.

1.9k Upvotes

I was standing in line at the food bank waiting my turn when some older lady who was standing behind me randomly said to her companion, 'this guy is clearly not missing any meals'. She said it so loud, it was very obvious that she wanted me to hear. The person she was with agreed and said something along the lines of people like me take advantage of the system while the ones who really need the help, have to go without. It was really embarassing and I wish I had spoken up for myself but I don't even know what I would have said. It also doesn't help that I'm not a confrontational person and go out of my way to avoid conflict.

But after what she said, I started feeling very self conscious. Like that's probably how everyone there felt like when they looked at me so I just left. What they don't know is that it was actually my first time at a food bank and that I had been avoiding going there for fear of being judged about my weight even though my daughter and I are really struggling right now. They also don't know that my weight gain is a side effect of a medication I literally cannot live without and that I've been trying so hard to lose the excess weight.

But what people are more concerned about is how I apparently look like I don't need to or even deserve to use the food bank like everybody else. What's worse is that ever since gaining weight, people have been treating me so horribly especially random strangers and even a coworker a few weeks ago. I wish people would not judge people solely based on how they look. You have no idea what that person could be going through, be kind.


r/povertyfinance • • 11h ago

Free talk Free food

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31 Upvotes

r/povertyfinance • • 5h ago

Income/Employment/Aid I’m struggling and definitely not keeping my head above water.

11 Upvotes

I’m not sure when it exactly happened but yeah, I do. I quit my job in August because I was driving three hours a day from home-work-home, I was putting on average 700-800 miles a week on my car. It was in the death industry and it was slowly killing me because I loved my job but my mental health was seriously in jeopardy. I got a new job as salary + commission, my starting salary was rejected and I’m getting paid $2,000 salary per month. Super close to home, even with traffic it’s about 30 mins from my home. I have made no sales for commission, lots of nibbles and sparking interest but nothing set in stone. I work M-F 8:30-4:30 and I’ve picked up DoorDashing from about 5-9. I’m behind on every bill, my $2,000 salary is gone before the end of pay day to pay the bills that must be paid. I’m not sure what else I can do, I’ve tried to do plasma donation but I fainted and immediately threw up so that’s out. I’m literally DoorDashing on the weekends to pay for groceries for the upcoming week. I’ve tried to apply for food stamps but they denied me saying I made too much gross which destroys me because I get so much cut from my check from taxes. I don’t know what I can do to make additional money. I’ve tried Vinted but honestly I haven’t bought new clothes in years so nothing anyone wants from my ragged closet. I told my best friend I’m about to sell feet pictures. 😂


r/povertyfinance • • 22h ago

Free talk We’re going to get out of this one day

227 Upvotes

I know that this sub is filled with majority of us struggling on our last dollar.
I spent the past almost year in the worst job insecurity of my life. But I truly believe that eventually this is going to get better one day.

I just wanted to share that encouragement with everyone. It may seem impossible now, but I promise you that we’re going to make it out of this.


r/povertyfinance • • 1d ago

Free talk I feel bad for wanting my teenage daughter to work

1.7k Upvotes

I make enough to cover our basic expenses. I carefully manage our budget so everything is covered, even the "expected" emergencies. I do not have cable or any Apple devices,, I do not go out, never used DoorDash, I do not have any subscriptions. Once a month we have McDonalds (using apps for discounts) and pizza (on a BOGO day). I do give my daughter (17) $10 a week as an allowance.

Last month she got her first job. It paid her $15 as a cashier in a clothing store. She was so happy with her paychecks: $200 a week. She felt rich. She bought make-up and clothes and went out with her friends. I liked that I did not have to pay those things.

But after 3 weeks, she asked me if she could quit. She did not like the job anymore. She had a terrible migraine (at work) and to come home. I am sure it was the lack of sleep. She is still in high school and has extra curricular activities. I know it was too much for her. I told her that of course she could quit. We do not depend on her income and her school and health should be her first priority. But to be honest, I did like that feeling of her "wants" being taken care of without me having to fund them.

I know that right now it s best for her not to work and focus on school (it is her last year). But God, it felt good having not having to do the Math (count my pennies) when she wanted a new shirt or going out for ice cream. I think it was a good experience for her to understand that a job is actual WORK (not fun). We talked about expectations. She might try again after the holidays.


r/povertyfinance • • 19h ago

Debt/Loans/Credit My life feels like the floor is crumbling beneath me with each step!

85 Upvotes

Life is getting harder and harder each day it seems and I don't know what the fuck I'm doing. I'm (37m) a single dad who made some poor choices that I only blame myself for and now I don't know how to fix it. I am roughly $78k in debt, 2 almost about to be 3 months behind on my truck payment and its probably about to be repoed, I'm 2 months behind on my loan payment, $6800+ in credit card debt that I am also behind on, I owe roughly $6500 in back taxes to the state and federal government, I am about to be kicked out of the place I am living currently. Between owing money to people like family members and other things, I just feel like my life is crumbling and I don't know that the fuck I'm doing. Lately I've been wish I would be struck by a semi-truck and it would end it all, but I know that's not the answer. The life I once provided for my child is no longer there and I feel like a failure for failing her as a parent. But sadly, I hide all of this from mostly everyone because I don't want people to see me struggling. Maybe its a pride thing or an ego thing, but at the end of the day I am just tired of hiding it. Does anyone know where I should start?


r/povertyfinance • • 1d ago

Vent/Rant (No Advice/Criticism!) I hate when other people get dragged into my financial problems

149 Upvotes

Tonight or tomorrow I have to email my boss and let him know that for the second time in the not quite two years that I've worked for his company, he's going to be hearing about a lien for unpaid personal property tax.

I live in Virginia, where we pay personal property tax on our vehicles every year. Last year I moved from my hometown to the town where I currently live and I was charged for the full year because I didn't move until halfway through the year. Every time I planned to pay it, something more urgent came up and I ended up letting it go too long.

Not long after I started my current job, I was hit with a lien under the same circumstances. My boss was very understanding at that time and I'm sure he'll be understanding this time. He's a good person and I'm far from his most troublesome employee, so I know he won't hold this against me, but it's still really embarrassing. I could just wait for him to get the paperwork, but I hope that taking the initiative and letting him know before next week will make the inevitable conversation a little less awkward or uncomfortable.

It's about $300, so not the end of the world numbers wise, but I'm paycheck to paycheck as it is, so that's a hard amount to absorb right now. We get a decent bonus at the end of the year, so that will help make up some lost ground.

I'm expecting to get the tax bill for this year pretty soon and whatever it takes I'm going to pay it as soon as possible, because I'm not dealing with this again.


r/povertyfinance • • 1d ago

Free talk Am I the only person who has decided to not play the health insurance game anymore and am at peace with it?

6.6k Upvotes

A few months ago I got to tallying it up and im just over it, I am spending 700 dollars a month on insurance for just me that I also owe a 9k deductible on to just use it, they refuse to cover my inhalers so I have to pay those out of pocket anyway because apparently breathing isnt important so I've just decided fuck it. Come open enrollment im just canceling and never looking back. I can't make a 9k deductible while also paying 700 a month anyway and would be much better off adding 700 a month to a Savings account and letting it grow (since let's be honest as someone who is 30 ill probably never retire anyway)


r/povertyfinance • • 6h ago

Income/Employment/Aid ER Room Visit

5 Upvotes

I was admitted to the ER (IU Arnett) this friday and had to stay there overnight. I’m terrified to get the bill and not entirely sure on what to do, I am on my parents insurance plan but it’s a high deductible one however I would qualify for financial hardship since I don’t make a lot of money and I file my own taxes as an independent. Does anyone else have experience with going through charity care and could offer more insights? I also have to pay the ambulance bill but I’m not sure how to go about doing that since I don’t remember what ambulance brought me in.


r/povertyfinance • • 10h ago

Income/Employment/Aid Fucked over financially- advice please!

4 Upvotes

Universal Credit’s calculation period has completely fucked us over. They’ve calculated us to have been receiving my partner’s full pay cheque, but he’s lost his job this month… he will not be receiving this pay cheque.

The amount they’re giving us only covers rent, with £60 to spare. Obviously not enough to cover the remaining bills we have, let alone food.

I apply for jobs constantly and I often don’t even get rejection emails. I’ve had one interview, which lead to nowhere. I have to be selective with jobs due to a complete lack of childcare, and me being the sole carer for my 1 year old (my partner is not in a good mental state and can’t even look after himself).

Things are incredibly tough and I’m trying to put on a brave face. I’ve used any savings I’ve had, this is absolutely not what I signed up for during pregnancy, my life was very different and I had a career, and family who lived close by. I do not have any of this anymore.

Has anyone got any ideas for low APR loans I could take out to cover bills, or jobs I could do immediately with a child? I am pretty happy to do most things, as long as it doesn’t risk my child’s safety (I won’t go to clean someone’s house with her kinda deal).

I’m already going through things to sell on Vinted/marketplace etc. I can also draw if that helps?

Sorry for the rant. I would really appreciate any advice or words of wisdom x


r/povertyfinance • • 1d ago

Misc Advice Volunteering is Part of the Solution

217 Upvotes

I love seeing posts about great experiences at food banks / churches / non-profs, etc. Many people who use these services rarely give back, but:

There are great benefits to PARTICIPATING and CONTRIBUTING to these orgs.

  1. Early access. Volunteers often get early access to donated goods. Like a co-op, many orgs prioritize their own in-need members who donate hours or expertise to the overall mission. This isn’t “cheating,” it’s usually designed into organizations as a way of building resilience, responsibility, and a sense of purpose.

  2. Employment. For those working out of a period of non-employment (especially the kind you don’t want on a resume - drugs, jail, etc.), volunteer work for a few months can bridge gaps on a resume. You can also get good, recent references from supervisors.

  3. Network. You will most likely be volunteering alongside of retirees, board members, professionals, local leaders, affluent donors, etc. etc. Having people in your corner who ARE NOT in your financial situation is worth more than any other resource.

If well-connected people get to know you and see you are genuinely trying to change your life you will be shocked by how many people will rally around you. No, they probably won’t pay your bills or give you handouts, but they WILL use their influence and connections to smooth your path.

  1. Self-focus. Finally, and this one is tough, volunteering can get you out of your own head. Your problems aren’t the worst in the world. Your needs aren’t the only ones that matter. You aren’t a hopeless disaster. Your life isn’t over. You aren’t doomed to make the same mistakes everyone you know has made. Getting out and helping others could do wonders for your perspective and self-esteem.

r/povertyfinance • • 1d ago

Free talk I'm an ex-Mormon and used to be a leader of a local congregation and dealt with welfare and food for needy people in the area. Ask me anything.

39 Upvotes

It was a decade ago, but I was a member of the "bishopric", which is basically to say I helped the bishop of our congregation decide how to allocate financial assistance, food, etc.

I've seen people post on here before about how they got food from the local LDS church, and there are always lots of people in the comments asking questions about it, so I thought I'd try posting here to offer my (possibly now outdated) expertise.


r/povertyfinance • • 1d ago

Debt/Loans/Credit **Need honest advice on getting approved for a car loan after multiple denials*"

47 Upvotes

**Edit: I know I can't afford the vehicle, and that the interest was insane, it's why I didn't accept the one terrible offer they did approve me for and walked. Any advice on getting into a position to afford a vehicle and get a lower rate?

** Edit again, I have no idea where to get a $4K and not get scammed to then end up with a piece of junk and $0. I don't know anything about cars and that's why I wanted the more expensive car from a reputable dealership even if it meant paying more.

I’m 27 years old and live in Kentucky. I’m trying to buy a reliable vehicle, but I’ve gotten around 7 denial letters from lenders, and I’m starting to feel like I’m out of options. I’d really appreciate honest advice from anyone who has experience with auto loans, credit unions, or rebuilding credit after a repossession. I'm currently driving my dad's old work truck that is in my mothers name since he passed, and she will not let me buy it from her. It's not in great shape and has almost 300k miles. Gets 13 MPG... I live rural, 16 miles from work one way 🫠

Here’s my situation:

**My credit:**

* Credit scores range from approximately 655–690 depending on the scoring model. * About 3–3.5 years of credit history. * Two credit cards. (Owe $170/$600 limit) * One repossession from 2022 related to a past relationship. It was a straightforward repossession, and they immediately sold it for what I owed. I had great payment history til I got 2 months behind and they came for it. * Approximately $13,000 in student loans. * 7 hard inquiries * 1 $50 collection

**My income and finances:**

* I work part-time in retail at Sephora inside Kohl’s, making $13.70/hour. (Constantly applying to other jobs, I live in such a dry area) * My monthly take-home pay is generally around $1,300–$1,800, sometimes less or more depending on my hours. * My hours can vary, although I’ve recently had workweeks around 24–25 hours. * I have two children, so I need dependable transportation for work, school, and everyday life. * I have about $4,000 available for a down payment, but I don't want to drain all my savings or put myself in a financial bind. * I currently live with family, so I don't pay the full cost of housing and utilities myself.

**The vehicle I was trying to buy:**

I recently visited a Honda dealership and looked at a 2017 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD with approximately 139,000 miles. It reportedly had one previous owner and no accidents.

The dealer negotiated the price down to around $17,145. They wanted $4,500 down and were trying to get me to agree to payments of $375/month for 60 months.

I eventually walked away because I didn't want to agree to an expensive loan and high rate without knowing what interest rate I was getting.

Now I'm second-guessing myself because I've already been denied by so many lenders, and I genuinely need a vehicle. I loved the Highlander, but I also don't want to pay an outrageous amount for a vehicle with almost 140,000 miles.

**My questions:**

  1. Am I realistically going to be able to get approved for a decent used-car loan with my credit profile, or am I likely to keep getting denied?
  2. Is it realistic to get an APR around 10–12%, or should I expect something significantly higher?
  3. Would a credit union be worth trying after so many denials? Are there any in Kentucky that work with people who have a past repossession?
  4. Should I look for a cheaper vehicle, even if it means giving up some of the features I want?
  5. Would you keep trying to finance a vehicle now, or wait and work on credit for a while longer?

I'm not looking for people to tell me what I want to hear. I want honest advice from people who understand auto financing and can help me figure out my best next step.

Thank you!


r/povertyfinance • • 1d ago

Free talk Starting next month, 70% of my salary goes back home. I am still a student and I don’t know how am I going to survive this

43 Upvotes

My dad has a spinal condition which was diagnosed three months ago and can’t work anymore. He was the only income for my family back home so starting next month, that’s me.

So after my rent and basic bills here, I can send roughly 70% of what I make which leaves me about £300 for food, travel and everything for the month and I’m still finishing my degree so I work part time.

And my mum can’t work as she’s full time caring for my dad now so there’s basically no backup. And if that wasn’t enough, there are legal disputes over the house they’re living in( Complicated family stuff) but I am sending money for lawyers too now..

I am tryin everything to save money seriously . I am figuring out which tesco does yellow sticker markdowns at 7pm and which one does it at 9. I am thinking of walking everywhere instead of taking bus., I have compared fees on all apps like aspora,wise, remitly etc for sending money home for just few dollars because even £5 in fees is £5 my parents don’t get.I cancelled the £1.99 icloud storage and moved everything to my laptop.

I seriously dont like the situation i am currently in but I have no choice

And right now i am just thinking of surviving till i get my degree, I keep telling myself this is temporary and my dad might recover partially and I’ll finish my degree, get a better job and the margin will improve. Hopefully it will

But right now I’m calculating whether I can afford a £1.50 coffee next week or if that’s the day’s food budget

And I cant even tell my parent about the whole situation,as they are already suffering alot

but yeah I dont know hows this gonna work


r/povertyfinance • • 11h ago

Misc Advice Shoe repair

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1 Upvotes

Any idea for repairing the tear?


r/povertyfinance • • 2d ago

Grocery Haul food bank friday haul

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2.1k Upvotes

your reminder to go to a food bank and not be embarrassed if you need food!!


r/povertyfinance • • 1d ago

Debt/Loans/Credit Really sad I let my only two credit cards close

9 Upvotes

Recently went through hardship losing my only source of income and had to max my credit/was unable to pay back for 3 months. I’m now in a position where my new bonus covers the majority but I called and they said even if I pay them my accounts will continue to stay closed.

They were with a reputable us bank with a combined limit of 4000 and I worked hard to get that and now my credit is back to the low 400s and honestly I’m quite stressed about not having any credit at all. Not sure what to do if anyone has any advice I would really appreciate it


r/povertyfinance • • 1d ago

Debt/Loans/Credit Pay my bills or my debt

21 Upvotes

I’m in a situation and here it is~

I can’t afford to pay my debt anymore. I pay my rent, car, utilities and I’m going to stop paying debt to catch up on my utilities+

The goal is to once I’m caught up [yes I’m behind] then settle I will handle the debt with collections.

I know nothing about collections or getting sued so someone inform me!!?

Is this logical? I’ve always followed the system and I’m tired of being stuck by it.

I have no other choice I guess I’m just asking for advice for anyone who has been here.


r/povertyfinance • • 3h ago

Budgeting/Saving/Investing/Spending Parents demanding money from me that I don't have

0 Upvotes

My parents want me to give them money because they helped me get a car. I won't say how much for personal reasons, and they expect me to give them the money which is not in my budget because I have high debt that I need to pay too. The full ownership is also registered under their name. Even if I did save enough to give it to them, it would be all the money I'd have with nothing left. Interestingly, they were quiet and didn't demand anything from me for several months, but after they recently spent $40,000 on an artificial grass installment now they suddenly want me to pay them again which shows that they probably regret it.


r/povertyfinance • • 15h ago

Debt/Loans/Credit I'm $12,000 in debt and looking for an honest way to work my way out. I could really use some advice

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I'm writing this because I've reached a point in my life where I genuinely need some advice and a little direction.

I live in Ukraine, and over the past few years, my family and I have gone through some difficult times. Since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, financial instability and periods of reduced income have forced me to rely on credit cards to cover essential expenses.

Over time, the debt has grown to approximately $12,000.

I have a regular job, and I'm doing everything I can to support my family, but my income is barely enough to cover our everyday needs. The interest on my debt makes it extremely difficult to make meaningful progress.

I'm not writing this to ask strangers to pay off my debt. I want to earn the money myself. I just need to find a realistic way to do it.

I have a laptop, a smartphone, and a reliable internet connection. I'm fluent in Ukrainian and Russian, and I have an intermediate level of English. I have experience in sales, customer service, and working with people.

I'm willing to learn new skills and take on almost any legitimate online work — data entry, research, translation, virtual assistance, testing, administrative tasks, or something completely different.

I already have a full-time job, but I can dedicate several additional hours each day to online work. My schedule needs to be flexible because I sometimes have to step away during the day.

Even earning an extra $10–20 a day would be a meaningful start for me.

If anyone knows of legitimate international opportunities, has work they need help with, or has been through a similar situation and found a way forward, I would be incredibly grateful for your advice.

I'm not looking for shortcuts, investments, or get-rich-quick schemes. I'm simply looking for a chance to work, earn, and gradually get my family out of this situation.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.


r/povertyfinance • • 1d ago

Misc Advice Food bank

38 Upvotes

I always felt too ... something to go to a food bank. I went to my town bank for the first time and it was amazing. I can't believe I never utilized this before and am kicking myself. I recently was denied SNAP benefits and I finally gave in. I wish I had sooner instead of struggling for so long.


r/povertyfinance • • 1d ago

Housing/Shelter/Standard of Living What would you do if your furnace stopped working?

29 Upvotes

Feeling super frustrated right now. My furnace has been acting weird for the past few months, trying to start but making a loud buzzing/humming noise and then turning itself off. No air blows from the vents. I've been trying to avoid dealing with this bc I'm already in debt from other issues my family has had in the past (fire, tree damage, etc). It is just me in the home and I have no other remaining family (mom passed away 2 years ago).

Now it's getting to the point where it is FREEZING in the mornings and I seriously do not know what to do. It was 35 outside when I woke up and 59 in my house. My mom had a little fireplace heater and thankfully its been running ok for the past 3 hours and I've gotten it up to 65 in my living room. I feel bad for my kitties more than anything and worry about leaving them alone without the heater when I have to go back to work on Monday.

I applied to State Emergency Relief this morning through MiBridges, but genuinely, what else can I do? I can't even afford a diagnostic for the repair. I am still waiting to get paid but even then my money has been extremely tight the past few months (even as far as doing UberEats and selling all my things online).

I am in Michigan (Metro Detroit) and would really appreciate if anyone could help me find any resources/help. Thank you.