Take the test:

Do you worry about losing your job?

never           occasionally           frequently

Are you afraid to ask your boss or supervisor for a raise?

Did your last raise in pay cover increases in your living costs?

Have you gone to work when sick or put off a vacation because you wouldn't be able to pay bills if you took time off?

Have you put in a little extra time at work without being paid because you think it'll help you keep your job?

Have you put off going to the dentist, eye doctor, or veterinarian (for your pet) until your finances gets better?

Have you put off some household repairs and maintenance until your finances are better?

Do you have at least six months housing and utility expenses set aside in case your household income is suddenly cut or would you use credit to "get you through?"

Do you have a savings account? Do you worry you'll have to tap it for essentials at any time in the near future?

Do you worry about paying for any healthcare even if you have insurance?

Do you put off opening bills for several days after they arrive?

Do you argue about money in your household?

Do you look at people to see if they dress “better,” drive a “better” car, look more prosperous than you do?

When you see someone "dressed better" or driving a "better car," do you think:

When you see a homeless person, do you think:

Do you worry about your "credit score?"

Do you worry your "credit score" might be a problem if you had to look for a job?

Do you think more about

Do you hear about the national economy and feel like you could be "doing better?"

Do you wonder if you'll have enough money to retire?

Do you consider yourself "middle class" financially if your household is making under 50K per year?

Thank you for taking "the test."  It's not easy to confront some of these issues. There are no "right" or "wrong" answers. However, the fact that you took "the test" at all indicates some very important facts:

            You are concerned about your standard of living.

            You have concerns about control of your financial situation.

            You are thinking about your future and that of your family.

America is in deep denial about Poverty.

Poverty is not just about “them.” The US Department of Agriculture is expected to release figures this week that say 46 million of us are on food assistance programs. Poverty for many families, working families, is uncomfortably close. That discomfort has spawned a real sense of insecurity, frustration, and shame.  

Many worry that a cut back of even a few hours a week at work may mean that a bill payment will go out late, a credit rating will lower, a job application will be tossed. While we say we are "optimistic," or "it can't happen to us," we live daily with an undercurrent of fear about our future and that of our families.

Poverty is not just "financial" in nature. The spirit as well as the wallet can be wanting. Even those who are working, paying living expenses, and setting money aside, are no longer sure if it's "enough."

Poverty is not about just "them." It is about "us."