Can one live on minimum wage?

[mtsen]

indeed, the fact is that someone somewhere ( may be near you ) is making a life with minimum wages. Some may even be happy about what they have.

on the other hand, not everyone is happy with their maximum wages ....

[TurnDebtIntoDebt]

For a single person that is living with a roommate or parents, it's possible. Living on minimum wage can be done, but with great strain. Living on little is hard when even trying to be frugal.

[connor_zen]

There's a great book called "Nickel and Dimed" that posits the question whether one can live on minimum wage. Even if the numbers work out, it's still apparently very difficult.

[Saving_spree]

I think you should try a part time job too which will bring in an extra dollar.

[SoCalifrugal]

It is possible, one has to get creative. However, I would suggest to people to try for something that pays more or work two jobs. Sometimes people can't do it only because they don't want to. Either they don't want to work more or give up something in their life, even temporarily. Usually because they think they won't be as happy.

However, if anyone is willing, it can be done. It's hard but possible.

[GrimJack]

I found this fun tool to play around with. It will calculate your take home and you can add different kinds of withholding above and beyond.