Minimum Wage - can't make ends meet with it.

It's not the same in every state because the cost of living isn't the same. Someone's minimum wage my be $6.15 an hour but to rent an apartment where they live is probably about $400 where as the place you live has $7.50 minimum wage but it's $650 for an apartment

Minimum wage SHOULD be the same in every state! ;) A lot of workers here depend on tips... We are mostly supported by our tourism. I am looking to apply for a part time/seasonal job and I don't expect to get very many hours so that they don't have to pay benefits or lunch break...

Why isn't minimum wage the same with every state? I don't get it. Oh...yea...the underlings are not full-time so they wouldn't get benefits, that was one of the percs for the assistant manager.

Thank you. And thank you for giving me the best response. Im sorry I didnt reply sooner, I just now got the alert that you had given me best response.Like I said, I am working as a bellringer for salvation army right now, and you would be amazed at how people that you can TELL have money just snicker and turn up their noses, as Im standing there in 30 degree weather in a wind breaker, ringing a bell for 6-8 hours a day! Its sickening!

It amazes me how so many benefit from those who work for minimum wage. The people who break a sweat while turning the key to their Mercedes, while wearing the latest high-end fashion clothes, and eating at restaurants that charge $40 for an entree. I remember when my kids were little, I never had new clothes. I had only a few outfits, which I had for years. My coat consisted of 2 heavy sweaters and a scarf that I knitted myself. Let these people try to live one month off what we make.

Huggers to you Bella.

I know... my husband and myself have figured it out.. if someone is working for minimum wage then chances are they would be better off economically sitting on there bottom collecting state aid. That wouldn't be the right thing to do but you can see where it might pop into someone's head. I believe where we live minimum wage is going up to $7.00 an hour and I am with you... There is absolutely no way I would work for $7 an hour unless my kids were going hungry etc....Dh and myself have had this discussion many times. What are we doing we are working our fingers to the bones so someone can go out and lease a new porsche... etc... We are both coming to the realization that we do want to work for ourselves... he is educated in computers and does very well at it, however just can't seem to take the dive and quit his job and do it full time. I agree he is being very responsible considering we have three children. I have started working in the last couple of years in hopes that he will soon take the plunge... After his business takes off... I to want to take the plunge and leave the "working world" and do something on my own....I am sick of making corporate america richer while the poor people who slave their hineys off have a hard time putting milk on the table for their kids. Do you think those people who are driving the million dollar cars care?

And some people wonder why there are so many people applying for welfare benefits.

I am truly at my wits end here. Most of the jobs I have applied for think I am over qualified. What the hell does that mean? Others pay so low that I am trying to think what we can live without now. I am so sick of this flippin economy. I realize that things could be worse and remember how it was when in my Grandmother's time, but in today's world it shouldn't have to be this way.

What really sucks is that my husband is unemployed too. Even with both of us getting unemployment checks, we are going bust. I will not lower myself to work for minimum wage so I can line the pockets of the rich.

in Arizona starting January it goes up to 6.75 an hour.

I have been so out of it, I just found out that ours is only $7.25 per hour.

In reality diligently!

The government needs to get with it and up the minimum wage.

The rich just keep getting richer off the sweat of our backs.

What is minium wage where you live?

My guess if it the minimum wage is the minimum they can make it would be the same. The only thing that the assistant manager got that was different from the other employees was health insurance. I didn't even bother to ask if they had to pay a portion.

No, I've not thought about that, but now I will. Thanks!

Have you ever considered opening a day care home and take in a couple of children to care for. This is something that I am considering. In our state there are few options for day care. I already have a few people that say they will enroll their child with me if I should open it.

Thank you for your support. Good things come to those who wait.

My goodness. That is ridulous.

Hi! Some people have raised the theory that in a few years, there won't be a "middle class" anymore. It'll just be "rich" and "poor." Sounds like we're well on our way toward it.

I think we are just about there now. My husband is 70, still working full time, and is a professional man. We cannot hardly make it pay check to pay check. How does anyone retire? And, I cannot even take care of my medical needs. We both have worked so hard our whole lives, and we will until be die I guess.

I just shake my head. There is much truth in the rich and poor statement.

Bare minimums. In my state the average 2 bedroom apartment with heat is $720 per month. The average take home pay based on minimum wage is roughly $238 a week and $957 a month. From the balance after paying rent you need to pay for your electric which could run about $40. If you have a phone, $60. How about a little luxury like cable, basic cost is about $50. The cost of gas for your car if you have one will most likely wipe out whatever you have left. And then there is food. The state will give you food stamps if you fall into income guidelines. Insurance may be granted to you by the state if you fall into income guidelines. Daycare assistance is provided if you fall into income guidelines. These programs are funded by the taxes of the working people. So, we can go to work for less, pay for what others can't afford, and we count pennies to afford a tank of gas.