Could you make it as a low-income parent?

[Inkachu]

This is a really interesting game. I've played it through several times, and each time was able to end the month with more money in my pocket. Some of the questions aren't realistic for everyone, and sometimes they don't offer an option that I would actually do, but it definitely illustrates the difficulties a single, low-income parent faces. Care to try it?

SPENT

 

[Keri]

Played it. I made it to the end of the month with money, but it was still very hard to make some of those decisions. I admire single parents, no matter their income level. I am so thankful that I never had children with my ex.

 

[Inkachu]

Played it. I made it to the end of the month with money, but it was still very hard to make some of those decisions. I admire single parents, no matter their income level. I am so thankful that I never had children with my ex.

For sure! I had to laugh at the available groceries, cause those are pretty much the things we live on. Ramen noodles to the rescue!

 

[Tink]

I had 400+ left at the end of the month.

 

[Obzocky]

I made it through with money to spare.
Although it looks like i'll be the horrible "eat your free lunch or starve, food is food" type. Also known as "the worst mother EVER"*
Didn't enjoy the food options, but needs must eh.
People underestimate how hard it can be to bring up a child by yourself, it was bad enough trying to manage younger relatives.


*I've been told by the younger sibling/little cousins whilst they were still in the under 10 bracket that I was horrible and mean for not buying sweets and whatnot. I know it would happen x]

 

[Rhye]

Ugh, the things I did just to keep money so that I can feed my kids and everything else. I feel like the worst person in the world. I don't know how my mother did it, and still gave us everything we wanted (well, not everything). I praise her everyday for this, and will give her the biggest hug and kiss when I get home tonight. I know what she went through, I know exactly what she went through, but this is just so hard. And I don't even come from a single parent home and we struggled, I can just imagine.

$120 a month....I feel like crying now.

 

[Fremdin]

I don't even need to play that game to know I couldn't make it

 

[Oddish]

$301

I felt stressed playing the game and failed the typing test! argh.

I got fired, didn't let my child got a birthday party or the museum and didn't receive dental care.

 

[Oddish]

Did it again and had $511 left over

 

[PassionFruit]

Sadly many people are living like this. I managed to have four hundred dollars left. But at the cost of being a horrible friend and opting out of my child's baseball game.

Also the one with buying lunch is interesting, six dollars doesn't seem like a lot for salad, but it is when your budget is tight. It's true that many low income people suffer from health problems like obesity or heart disease. I mean, have you seen how much fruits and vegetables can cost? :o I've been eating wheat bread recently and it's amazing how much more expensive it is.

 

[Blank123]

had just over 400 at the end of the month.

 

[Gym]

$472 left over.. buy my cell phone was turned off due to lack of payment..lol

 

[FaithPrevails]

Am I the only one not willing to let a "friend of a friend" live on my couch?

 

[Inkachu]

Also the one with buying lunch is interesting, six dollars doesn't seem like a lot for salad, but it is when you're budget is tight. It's true that many low income people suffer from health problems like obesity or heart disease. I mean, have you seen how much fruits and vegetables can cost? :o I've been eating wheat bread recently and it's amazing how much more expensive it is.

Yup! I usually get my veggies frozen because it's so much cheaper, and they last forever. But fruit is really tough, I usually wind up getting canned/jarred fruit. I miss the taste of fresh things

And yeah, the price of a really NICE loaf of whole-grain bread...sad.

 

[Inkachu]

$472 left over.. buy my cell phone was turned off due to lack of payment..lol

Yeah, my gas got shut off, but I had to keep the electric on! I'd rather have my food in the fridge not spoil and be able to flush the toilets, and suffer a few cold showers or wear some extra layers to stay warm.

 

[K9_Trainer]

I apparently ran out of money on day 6 Guess I should have got rid of the pet lol.

 

[K9_Trainer]

Ok I tried it again and got to $197, but I'm driving an unregistered vehicle, I have no cell phone or internet, I ignored a bill, I dented somebody's car and drove off, I owe a friend hundreds of dollars, I got rid of my pet and I totally neglected my hypothetical kid's education and emotional well being.

 

[crishmael]

I had $284 left over, and even though some of the things were a little wild, some of it really brought back a lot of memories of growing up with my mom and my brother. I'm gonna call her tonight and thank her.

 

[Niels]

On my first attempt, the money only lasted for 5 days. On a subsequent attempt, I made it to the end of the month with $1001 left over.

 

[Obzocky]

Must admit the only thing I didn't skimp on in that little game happened to be the education/emotional bits for the child.

Apart from ice-cream and free food.
One's an unnecessary treat, the other a necessity.


Haven't had the pet question yet, going to keep playing until I do. Just to see what happens.



Edit:

It's an interesting thing that makes you see how you have to prioritise when living off of a restricted income. I can manage it in real life for one person, but adding more to the mix would just be very stressful. The food bill would be possible, but finding somewhere child friendly/catering for school activities/hobbies/childhood politics it'd just be arghworthy.

Arghworthy.