Being poor doesn’t just mean not having money — it’s a whole experience that makes life in general way more challenging than it should be.
Source: Unsplash While many reasons that people end up in this financial situation are systemic, others come down to the daily grind of just trying to get by. Those who’ve never struggled to put food on the table or pay their bills think all you need to do is pull yourself up by your bootstraps and bam! You’ll be rich. However, anyone who’s had to choose between heating their house or paying their rent will know that’s not the case. Here’s why breaking out of poverty isn’t as easy as people think.
1. Everything costs more when you’re broke.
Being poor is expensive. From high-interest loans to overpriced corner store groceries, it feels like there’s a secret tax on not having money. Can’t afford a bulk shopping membership? Congratulations, you’ll pay double for essentials at the petrol station. The less you have, the harder it is to stretch it.
2. Emergencies never take a day off.
Flat tyres, medical bills, surprise expenses—life seems to have a sixth sense for when you’re barely hanging on. Just when you think you’re getting ahead, boom—an emergency wipes out your savings (or what was going to be your savings). The universe certainly has a cruel sense of humour.
3. Good credit is a catch-22.
You need good credit to get better financial opportunities, but you need money to build credit in the first place. Oh, and if you’re paying late fees on bills just to get by? Kiss that good credit goodbye. The system feels rigged because, well, it kind of is.
4. “Budgeting” doesn’t fix being broke.
People love to say, “Just budget better!” but you can’t budget your way out of poverty when there’s simply not enough to go around. You can cut all the lattes and avocado toast you want—if the maths doesn’t add up, it just doesn’t add up. Turns out, you can’t stretch zero dollars into a miracle.
5. Saving is a luxury.
Everyone says you should save 20% of your income, but when your pay cheque barely covers rent and groceries, there’s nothing left to save. “Emergency funds” sound great in theory, but when every dollar is spoken for, saving feels like an impossible dream. Most people aren’t choosing not to save—they just can’t.
6. Time is money, and both are hard to find.
Juggling multiple jobs or side hustles leaves little room for things like education, networking, or pursuing opportunities that could lead to better income. When you’re stretched thin, thinking long-term feels like a luxury. Survival mode doesn’t leave much room for strategising your way to wealth.
7. Education is expensive.
“Go to school and get a better job” sounds great until you look at tuition costs, student loans, and the time it takes to earn a degree. For many people, the idea of going into massive debt to *maybe* earn more down the road feels like gambling with money they don’t have. Plus, textbooks alone cost an arm and a leg!
8. Networking is hard when you’re working all the time.
People say, “It’s who you know,” but building connections takes time and energy—two things that are in short supply when you’re hustling to make ends meet. Happy hours and networking events aren’t an option when you’re working the night shift or catching up on sleep. Climbing the ladder is tough when you’re barely holding on to the first rung.
9. Debt keeps piling up.
Once you’re in debt, it feels like you’re always playing catch-up. Interest rates don’t wait for you to get ahead, and minimum payments barely make a dent. It’s like running on a treadmill that keeps speeding up while you’re stuck in place. Getting out of debt often feels impossible when new expenses keep popping up.
10. Affordable housing is a myth.
Source: Unsplash Rent eats up a huge chunk of income, and finding a “cheap” place often means sacrificing safety or living conditions. Meanwhile, landlords keep raising prices while wages stay the same. Owning a home feels like a distant fantasy when just paying rent on time is a monthly struggle. Housing costs alone can keep people trapped in poverty.
11. Payday loans are a trap.
When you’re desperate, payday loans can seem like a lifeline—but they come with sky-high interest rates that quickly turn into a nightmare. Once you’re in, it’s hard to get out, and the debt keeps piling on. It’s like trying to put out a fire with petrol—except the fire is your financial situation.
12. Self-care costs money.
Everyone talks about self-care, but when you’re broke, even small luxuries feel out of reach. Spa days, gym memberships, or even therapy might sound nice, but they’re not an option when you’re deciding between groceries and gas money. Sometimes self-care is just getting through the day, and that’s okay, too.
13. The cycle is exhausting.
Living pay cheque to pay cheque wears you down emotionally and physically. It’s hard to think about breaking out of poverty when you’re constantly putting out fires. The stress alone can make it feel like the system is stacked against you—and in many ways, it is. But every small step forward matters, and sometimes, hope is the most valuable thing you can hold onto.
