Living on the brink: One family’s struggle to survive the pandemic

The Silvester family lost their entire income when the pandemic took hold in the United States. Nine months later they are desperate for government aid, still struggling to get back on their feet. Read more: wapo.st/2X7ul3x. Subscribe to The Washington Post on KZbin: wapo.st/2QOdcqK
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[@chillyman7340]

The pandemic has taught me not to get too comfortable, because everything you have could go up in smoke.

[@jaynestag95]

Life's fluid and always has been. Live survival mode.

[@chellefell1331]

that poor dads face says it all... you are NOT a failure

[@jeanninepoulin5285]

Surely he can find another type of JOB !! even if it's pumping gas!!! It would be better than nothing!!

[@carlabarrick8538]

Yes I want to reach out through the screen and tell him that. And reassure her. 🙏❤

[@lindapowell4692]

God help them.

[@largeautomobile]

@@jeanninepoulin5285 shυt up jeannine. go be a judgemental karen somewhere else - or preferably not at all!

[@mikerochburns9095]

@@jeanninepoulin5285 My household is also feeling the effects of the pandemic on the entertainment industry, you can't just find a new job like that. & you don't even make sense, getting a new job does not solve the root problem of the pandemic. stage work is a real career. you wouldn't tell a doctor to just leave all their hard earned skills behind to pump gas, would you? it's rude - everyone deserves equal respect.

[@peanutsassyathena]

They had some really significant things that helped them: They had each other (that is so important - no divorce); Were able to sell their house for much needed equity and pay for another house in cash; And, were able to move near family for additional support. Given the suddenness and severity of what they were going through they did an excellent job developing and executing a survival plan. I hope the Silvester's read this, they need to hear and internalize they did a fantastic job under enormous stress.

[@wanda4573]

I agree.

[@lauren9004]

Absolutely

[@Landis_Grant]

Instead of paying off all of their debts and creating a bank account for daily expenses, they used all of the proceeds from the sale of their house toward a mortgage free house at their new location. That was a foolhardy decision.

[@rcas350pilot8]

@@Landis_Grant I did the same thing in 2001. A few years later I was completely debt free mainly because I had no housing payment of any kind.

[@theskiesthelimit-q2k]

I wish them the best.

[@gregsmith6756]

I'm glad they bought their home without a mortgage. They're going to have shelter regardless. Even if the utilities were to get disconnected, they will still have shelter.

[@sandienochs6132]

Until the tax man comes around.

[@ecclairmayo4153]

I'm so glad to hear someone else say this. Everyone in thr comments section thinks they should have rented somewhere and live off the equity. They are forgetting that money will eventually dwindle down to nothing with no jobs especially. Then they are back at square on with no money for rent and no roof over their heads.The kids need a permanent house to call home. Buying rhr house in cash almost ensures they will never be homeless.

[@ecclairmayo4153]

@@Edxecutus - that shouldn't happen too soon hopefully. They said they used the equity to pay off debt and buy the house in thr Midwest. If anything, creditors would take the van if they couldn't pay it anymore but thr house shouldn't be in jeopardy.

[@newmexicoballer3867]

@@ecclairmayo4153 They are struggling to earn money. It doesn't make sense to buy a new home. It's a huge risk. Then they have the pets that sucks up their money when instead they should worry about feeding their children.

[@rainbowkitten8990]

@@ecclairmayo4153 Buying a house isn't always possible. We rent, have been here for 3 years now and always have had rentals. Never been a problem for us.

[@themauriciobunch2442]

That must be so hard. We went through something similar in 2008. We lost our cars and our house. And, we also had two small boys to try and raise in our unfavorable circumstances. We had to apply for state aid for the first time in our lives. It was the most humbling experience in our lives. We are so far from that low point now, but I remember how absolutely stressful that was.

[@juliesprik9479]

Hope things are going better.

[@agodlyhome]

Us too in 2006

[@thomasfristmd1876]

I lost everything too. Its a bad time. We have to have hope.

[@agodlyhome]

@@thomasfristmd1876 it was very hard on us. We made it through with prayer and guidance from the Lord. We are currently doing great! Psalm 121: 1-2---I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

[@thomasfristmd1876]

@@agodlyhome Amen. Thank you. ✝️💐

[@sidehustlevikki1066]

Her first statement really got me to think “we are ppl who have high 700 almost 800 credit score” I feel like we have been taught to focus on things that don’t really bring security to everyday ppl. Having a high credit score and no access to cash will not help you in the instance that something like Covid-19 ever happens again. It’s just a great way to have access to things that you can’t afford to pay for upfront. One thing that the pandemic has taught me is that cash is king. Having 6-12 months of living expenses saved and very little debt would have helped so many of us get through this with out completely sinking. This family has a house that’s paid for but still can’t come up with funds for groceries and other necessities most likely bc they have more debt then they can handle

[@chkngrl]

Yup, my credit isn't that great (mainly because I don't finance everything, my bank even hesitated to give me a car loan because my credit was a "black hole" for 8 years) however I own my own home, have money set aside, have other investments and financial resources and make 6 figures. A high score simply means you play the system to the tune they want you to. Basically it's a measurement of how well you are at managing debt, not how well off you are.

[@dcg590]

Poor planning and living beyond their means

[@amyrivers4093]

There is no point being mortgage free when you can't afford to feed your kids and having to apply for food stamps.

[@freedomworks3976]

1984 and brave new world ... great novels

[@Donnette_BistroLounge_owner]

@@amyrivers4093 that's just silly. It's easier to find food hon, than it is to be homeless.

[@IBLOSSOM33]

It's sad when people go through the struggle. I was talking to my mom about the great depression and she said they had it worse because there was no food banks or government assistance.

[@veroniquevesta7516]

Churches and Temples gave out food.

[@papermason]

@@veroniquevesta7516 Depended on where you lived. In Canada, you got relief. You had nothing. My grandparents gardened, and worked every hour they could. Churches and temples didn't always have enough for everyone.

[@ffgfggrgughb]

May God continue bless her

[@melissahaletky2356]

Sad but true. Going food shopping with government assistance was rough for me. I lived in a predominantly wealthy neighborhood. I wanted to cry and in shame. It was a good I think 3 to 4 miles to a grocery store on either way to another city. It felt like everyone had money to spend to shop at a Trader Joe's. It was not much about grocery shopping, it felt more like who could afford high end frozen meals. I still cry at the thought and anxiety. No one should make you feel guilty about government help.

[@melissahaletky2356]

@@papermason Canada has so many things to do right by people. It is nice to hear you got help caring for yourself. Yes that is a thing.

[@MsLotusBlooms]

I know her husband is sad, scared, and stressed but he's keeping calm. Seems like the wife helps him to as well.

[@teddybear283]

I’m impressed with how well they handled this . Good reminder to be thankful for what we have

[@vanessarushton4610]

Yes indeed !

[@raquelalhaqab5994]

I remember being devastatingly poor several times throughout my life. What gets you through is having the fortitude to keep moving forward no matter what. I think the missing void in this picture is religious beliefs. I think a church, mosque or synagogue could have helped too and a renewed faith in God certainly wouldn’t have hurt. Definitely would’ve at least got rid of the I want to shoot myself or drink myself to death ideologies out of her head.

[@allisonshaw4606]

It bothered me how this family compares credit scores to the “In” of society. No criticism to them, but people shouldn’t be reduced to a score. I’ve been very successful with a lower sore. It’s literally just a risk factor.

[@pinklm0827]

This!!! Credit scores mean NOTHING! They couldn’t buy food with theirs.

[@kara2162]

My credit score is non existant because we have always paid cash and never had any debt besides a 30yr mortgage, which we paid off in 11 years. Build your own wealth and you don't need a credit score.

[@bellarae6375]

I think she was making a point that they are financially prudent and that this can happen to anyone, even if you are responsible.

[@khendallwithanh2127]

@@bellarae6375 they're not financially prudent if they carry around car and credit card debt.

[@burly636]

But that's the reality. You can't even rent without a good score. I worked on mine for years and now it is very good. I realized that the hard way.

[@kenzillasaudio9445]

I highly recommend buying 50 pound bags of brown rice and lentils for 25$ each from the Amish stores. Living alone in my apartment for a year I spent about 250 dollars on groceries for a full year. Plus I'm healthier than I've ever been.

[@athenathaddiamaketes1606]

May I ask how do u cook those 2?

[@yulawah]

wow you are very discipline person. going through hard time like this is not an easy thing to do because human has too many addicitons

[@kenzillasaudio9445]

I boil them together for a little less than a hour in a caste iron pan. I also have oat groats which can be boiled like rice or ground in a blender to make unleavened bread in a pan.

[@jasonwilkins1969]

@@athenathaddiamaketes1606 water...water, heat, and time. Alternatively, you could get an instapot. Truthfully, this is an extreme example. In general, the less food you buy that is directly processed, the more money you will save. You will also be far healthier because there's less sugar. We've started making things from scratch for health reasons and it has paid dividends. Most of our tenants right now are stir-fry recipes made-from-scratch. We just simply by raw veggies, frozen shrimp, and make the sauce from scratch. It's far cheaper to make it from scratch as it cost about two to three times less and has no added sugar and honestly tastes better. The internet is a powerful tool for cooking at home

[@jasonwilkins1969]

Dave Ramsey would approve

[@debbieherrera1605]

I have sympathy for them but hope they realize that they are sitting so much better than a lot of people. They were able to buy a new house with no mortgage. I know a ton of people that is just a pie in the sky dream myself included.

[@jaynestag95]

@A H you mean like the American dream that's forced on Everyone.

[@johnnypham2850]

@@jaynestag95 Not forced on ANYONE

[@lisashears1399]

Me too. They are lucky

[@debbieherrera1605]

@@jaynestag95 I am not forcing anyone to want to own a house. Heck I don’t even want a big house just 600-800 Square feet. And people talk about the American dream was time to talk about mini mansions. If that’s what they went fine, if they want an apartment fine, if they want a trailer fine, a tiny home on wheels (or not) but most people don’t want to be paying rent for there Entire lives.

[@melsy203]

My heart hurts for this family and so many others who are still struggling... 😢❤️

[@MyFavoriteColorIsBLUE]

They have credit card debt and 2 new cars, that's the biggest mistake right there, and a houseful of junk that they can sell to keep caught up.

[@hamfistsman6267]

Yeah. I learned my lessons in my 20s. Some people can only learn the hard way.

[@MyFavoriteColorIsBLUE]

@Co Co we're all in it dear! This couple lives beyond their means, and are now worried about buying a jug of milk for their kids! At any rate, I wish them the best!

[@happydays59]

@Co Co don't you judge the commenters. tisk tisk.

[@suzybailey-koubti8342]

@@hamfistsman6267 I did the same in my 20’s also!

[@freakinfrugal5268]

They did everything "right" by being so proactive and selling the house while they still could. Very excellent to have no mortgage on the new house. But what she said at the end about wanting to cry or drink or shoot herself - OMG, that said it all, I totally know how that feels. And to feel like a failure every day. I hope they signed up for WIC in addition to SNAP. I hope they are doing better now, one year later.

[@MzWonderful2005]

Yes, what she was saying at the end really hit home. Every person in Congress should have been made to watch this!

[@kimberleykimberley2465]

Hi Amy! 😊Yes, it's heart breaking what people are going through. Hope they're doing better now.

[@Landis_Grant]

Mortgage free house but still in debt and little money for groceries, living expenses and Christmas gifts. Equity rich but cash poor. Terrible financial decision to have a mortgage free home. Now, if they take out a home equity loan, they’ll have a high interest rate.

[@khendallwithanh2127]

I dont understand how you're smart enough to pay cash for a house but still have credit card and car debt

[@gunnikr]

@@meghankane1996 I thought that but Then realized that the bank was probably not going to give them a mortgage since both of them were unemployed. But there’s always renting I guess unless unemployment may affect that as well.

[@shayg9126]

Paying cash for house is alot better than paying monthly rent or a mortgage. At least they will have a roof.

[@dressersmith]

@@gunnikr You can't get a rental without a job and this way the family will at least have a roof over their heads. They also stated he got a job and lost it due to catching covid and not being able to work.

[@KEM85]

Take the vehicle back to the dealer. Buy a beater.

[@paresaalizadeh2423]

Sell that damn van and move into a one bedroom apartment until you can survive..Are you serious right now?? You sold your home and bought a new home when you are broke? That is exactly why you were struggling to begin with!

[@paresaalizadeh2423]

I will never understand people.. they are signing up for food stamps and going to food pantries in a brand new car.. the last thing they should have done is purchase a home.. now if the AC breaks they are so screwed

[@themauriciobunch2442]

Iiving in a one bedroom apt isn't easy to do with kids. And people need a reliable car to move around in. I can't fault them for that.

[@paresaalizadeh2423]

I would rather live in a one bedroom apartment with my family, then deal with the stress of not being able to feed my kids. You can find a used 10k car that is just as reliable as that van. It poor choices.. you have to learn to sacrifice and be a bit uncomfortable until you get on your feet. They should have rented an apartment and sold the van and paid 10k cash for a car... then they would have money to buy food for their kids.

[@ecclairmayo4153]

They live in thr Midwest now so they need a vehicle. Buying g rhr house in cash was thr best decision because they will never have to worry about a roof over their heads and ensures their kids will almost never be homeless

[@themauriciobunch2442]

@@paresaalizadeh2423 You can't expect people to have the same perception of reality as you do. What you think is right only applies to you because it's subjective. Just because you're willing to live that way, doesn't mean it's right for everyone. There's not a lot of places where you can find a cheap one bedroom apt in a safe neighborhood. For me, the safety of my family comes first. Will go to whatever lengths I have to in order to keep my family safe. To hell what anyone else thinks of my lifestyle, they don't pay my bills.

[@yogaflirt7]

My heart goes out to this family. This just shows how badly we need to strengthen the social safety net. And everyone needs to be educated in advanced financial literacy skills in school ahead of time. In Asia, the personal savings rate is much higher than in America.

[@rachelkmeck]

People also never stop moving and working in Asia, there’s limits on kids a lot a lot of factory jobs almost everything is made in China. I know suicide is high amongst youth because of the pressure but imagine it’s high in US as well.

[@east_coastt]

Asia is a huge place, where do you mean in Asia

[@Emphasis213]

Their nice house, furniture and car doesn't evoke much sympathy.

[@kaythegardener]

The pandemic started to make news in Jan 2020, yet they bought a NEW car in Feb? It seems that their financial lifestyle was living top tier even before the pandemic hit!! They give the impression that they always assumed that there are never any setbacks in one's lifetime...

[@BlanceDevereaux]

They're middle-class poor!

[@AEvans36963]

@@kaythegardener They're not the only ones who think that. A lot of people got caught with their pants down. Taking life for granted is part of the American lifestyle.

[@emloufox]

And their two dogs and two cats. They’re boo hooing like they’re dirt poor- these people don’t know what poor really looks like. Embarrassing.

[@maryhudson8531]

People don't care they want money they need to pay their bills as well. But they should at least been able to get loans until they can pay it back

[@Al-ht5pi]

I think the problem in America isn’t the pay it’s the cost of everything being to expensive for everyone to afford a place to live. This situation is just going to get worse over time.

[@Mockduck2020]

Wages have been stagnant for 30 years while everything else consistently goes up. After the 2008 recession, many had to start over and never caught up while the taxpayers bailed out large companies and the banks...the banks made out like bandits and left us with the bill. And as people are finding out in this crisis, many of the corporations are making out like bandits again while expecting people to be “essential workers” to be good soldiers and carry on. This pandemic mostly decimated those in the middle or below, while the rich cashed in. This is the new America. Not sure what the dream is anymore.

[@BlanceDevereaux]

@@rd24life Ronnie catered to the rich and middle-to-upper middle classes. He had no time for lower middles classes, working class and certainly not for the poverty class.

[@brendamcondliffe476]

@@Mockduck2020 A nightmare?

[@jennifer7648]

@@Mockduck2020 Yes, wages have been stagnant for far too long and no one in a position of power cares one bit about us, regardless of their political affiliation or position.

[@1949coupe]

I'm usually a postive person who is thankful for what they have, but the reality is its only going to get a lot worse. Inflation is running at 8-10% and has been for some time while the government sells us the 2% CPI lie while they print Trillions to benefit a few who can hold real estate or stocks. Losing 8% purchasing power means that within 4 years, people will loose 1/3 of their purchasing power. This family's struggle is not just due to the loss of a job. Life has gotten so expensive because people are earning less in real terms that everyone hops on a payment plan. So when the monthly income stops, life goes downhill fast. The North American middle class has been borrowing more and more to maintain a lifetyle they think they deserve. Its gotten worse since the video came out.

[@CelesteAnise]

This family had it a lot better than most. There are so many who are single parents that don't have family for support or help and don't have a house with equity in it as well. I am hoping the panedimic will show everyone that we need stronger social programs here in the US.

[@jaydenp4975]

They sold their house and bought another and paid cash. Not many people can do that. They spent their money on another home and now running out of food? Weren’t they going to stay with family? Hope They’re doing better now.

[@desertfamilyhomestead3127]

I thought the same thing, maybe they should have bought a smaller home with a smaller price tag instead of spending it all when their financial future was still so unstable. Hopefully things have turned around for them.

[@desertfamilyhomestead3127]

@Co Co if you don’t have a steady income then you don’t spend all your money buying a house, go smaller and more affordable so you keep money in the bank to support your family. Their new house is not small by any means and they SOLD their previous house and made a profit off it which bought the house they are currently in.

[@BlanceDevereaux]

They seem like nice people but they are not taking advantage of all the services and freebees available to them. Or else they are not being entirely truthful. They have so much support with family and social services etc.

[@NNicholeHE]

@@BlanceDevereaux They might not have known

[@mediterraneanworld]

If they could have they should have moved in temporarily with family for 6 months to a year and perhaps rented out their paid-for home in DC to weather the storm and make such decisions later. Now, the situation is quite different. They clearly did not have the famous 6 month emergency plan and were over-extended regarding their lifestyle. I do not blame them, insofar as this is the expectation in America. It is a consumer-driven economy. I see there, friends and family who burn money on Amazon, take-out, and the most ridiculous things 24 hours a day - they can afford it, but why? I really don't see the pleasure it gives or the value accrued. Pay for your kid's tutor or music lessons, or new skill aquisition.

[@sharoncrawford3042]

Im so thankful that my husband has kept his employment through the whole pandemic. We are in our early 60s. We have no debts. Have some savings. We are christians. We always give, and depend on God to supply. He has been faithful for over 40 years. I feel bad for the younger ones with children who did lose jobs.

[@Rafi88]

Amen, may God continue to meet your needs and see you through.

[@suzybailey-koubti8342]

My husband kept his job and even had overtime during the pandemic. We have insurance and food. We are so grateful to God! We are both in our mid-60’s also. The pandemic has almost destroyed our country and the world! Please make sure to put God first in your lives. You may lose material things but He will provide! We will get through this! ❤️🙏

[@michelarosier1918]

Amen, to that, I feel it, yes the Lord always provides and make ways to his children who believe and call on to his name.

[@earnold1896]

@@michelarosier1918... yeah my husband lost his job at 64 and was out of work for a couple of months (quite a while before the pandemic) then through mine and our sons prayers got another job in an office which he liked way better and is still working at 69. He is a manager. God is good to us. I doubt many get employed at 64 in a private company when people in their 40s cant get work. Many apply for the same job in my country. We see miracles. I thank God a lot.

[@maryhudson8531]

Amen. The Lord is my provider as long as I do my part in faith

[@al-faruq2017]

It's a sad feeling when u see such a family moving from place to another because of poverty😔,this pandemic wiped out thousands of families and poverty reigned over the world, hope u will find a job and make it easy for ur family

[@freedomworks3976]

Some people specialize in poverty

[@alihamud322]

This is a warning to the people that think that USA is heaven.

[@daniellamoreno3616]

America is still full of opportunity but there is also a lot of poor and poverty if you're not handed the right opportunity or right business things can always go up and down no matter what!

[@eastboyinc6873]

everything is propaganda. specially when hispanic people become resident and went back to their country they spread out the meaning that usa is a paradise .

[@lynneanthony168]

I think that bubble has been well and truly burst.

[@kara2162]

I'm an America living in Europe and the only way I can explain to people here what it's like is that the middle class in america has become non-existant. You are either wealthy or poor and it can all change overnight if your child gets sick and you don't have health insurance.. People here can't believe it.

[@ndukulusudikucho_]

They advertise a lot that's a problem, in 2050 all developed Countries will be in serious recession, why? Interest interest interest that's why it is prohibited in Islam , mortgages are killing their People

[@5thdimensionliving727]

Thank you for sharing their story. I’m so sorry they had to go through all of that because of the fall out from the pandemic. I’m really happy they became mortgage free now. I hope they have found regular work. The pandemic has taught me many life lessons. I will never take anything for granted ever again. It’s been a very humbling experience for me. I wish this family all the best for the future 🙏🙏

[@dannyshipley7590]

The frustration is endless....but with faith and Family beside u...please don't give up. One day we gonna look back and say YES......I survived!

[@ricks.1318]

This is a PRIME EXAMPLE of folks that "Live BEYOND their means" !!!!! 2 kids, 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 car payments ..... Spending MORE than they earn !! The classic American Failure .....

[@missdesireindependance5194]

This is why people she watch Dave Ramsey. It’s better to buy a cheap car with no car notes just in case a person lose their job.

[@MrBrewman95]

@Love B still not a good excuse. They still should have planned better.

[@MrBrewman95]

@Love B well not having two expensive SUVs with car payments of 500 each on top of a mortgage is a good start. Having two pets on top of having two kids was stupid too. Pets are expensive and people don’t realize. You gotta pay for food, vet visits, sitting and it goes on and on. They were stretched way beyond their income.

[@cynthiatowers1038]

@Love B Selling a lot of what they don’t need instead of paying monthly storage fees. Not having so many pets, having a healthy emergency fund, selling one car & working opposite schedules. Buying cheaper condo instead of another house or even renting until they get steady work? They could have used the cash from the sale of the house for affordable rent & living expenses. While concentrating on work & careers. With one car, they may be able to do Uber, food deliveries, pizza deliveries, etc. Those are the a few ways to prepare. It takes conscious planning, creativity & sacrifice.

[@kaitlyng.473]

@Love B If you're making payments, you cant afford it.

[@vickymastroianni8929]

I feel bad for all who have struggled thru this...they bought a house with cash and have no house payment. They have a place to live. Many many many are homeless now. There are people that have truly lost it all. This family is very fortunate.

[@TheSesilye]

Yep they really are lucky.

[@WaveRider1989]

Using all your savings to pay off rhe house isn't good idea I don't think. Gotta have some savings. Rather pay it within 15 year period if possible

[@MikaMitenaLives]

This breaks my heart. This is everyone’s world right now

[@TheSesilye]

They have a house with no mortgage not really the same.

[@LONEWOLF-rq5tl]

@Ann Carr You had better count your little blessings then because it can just as easily be you. I dare you to say that it can't. God will take everything from people sometimes just to open your eyes,heart and to humble you. You might be in need of a humble awakening with that mindset.

[@rcas350pilot8]

@@LONEWOLF-rq5tl God will take everything from people sometimes just to open your eyes,heart and to humble you TF outta here with that bullshit.

[@LONEWOLF-rq5tl]

@@rcas350pilot8 You can believe what you want there little buddy and that's your right with the free will GOD gave you. I'll leave you with this proof of what I said. Go to the holy scriptures and learn what GOD allowed to happen to JOB and what he lost,which was everything and guess who he let take it from him,that's right SATAN himself!! You're not talking to me like that and cursing at me,you're cursing and talking to GOD like that. Careful now!!

[@Francebras]

When I think about guys like Mitch McConnell who managed as a senator to amass a 30 million dollar fortune, I feel nauseous.

[@ellietoper8584]

Think about Biden and everyone ( Dem or Rep ) in DC who has also amassed tremendous wealth being a "public servant". It is a disgrace

[@JJ-hw9dt]

@@ellietoper8584 Typical Democrat to point out a Republican. They refuse to point out that it is their president they voted for, not us, that has a crisis at the border, and is allowing all of these millions and millions of dollars to go to undocumented illegal immigrants to take care of them. Go to Biden for your money. He has it.

[@abigailwander7276]

@@JJ-hw9dt more like billions of dollars went to the billionaires through tax cut.

[@quaithom3138]

@@JJ-hw9dt They They They. Whether you voted for Biden or not, he is now the President of the United States - he is your president. Grow up.

[@JJ-hw9dt]

@@quaithom3138 not my president sorry I don’t need to acknowledge him as anything other than the piece of 💩 he is...

[@trash-girl84]

Never get too comfortable in life. Never live like your job will always be there. Keep your life small and packable. I grew up poor and learned this very young and its still how I live. I've worked this whole pandemic. Think outside your box. Join a different field. Dont just sit there and complain. Make moves.

[@thextinaway]

great advice!

[@trash-girl84]

@Co Co and rich people talk about the money they DO have lol your comment is pointless.

[@nightowl6811]

Yup! Im debt free at 48! One son he 18 now, i never wanted to get married not my thing. Home paid off 3 cars paid! Zero college degree. Born and raised in Los Angeles near dodger stadium. I’ve had all kinds of jobs since I was 17 and still continue to reach new goals and soon financial independence in my 50s. Zero college degree is the solution ladies and gentlemen.

[@sarahjones-jf4pr]

Michelle Wholley Great advice, really good common sense,but what happens to disabled people,they can think out the box but cannot always take the action to prevent financial ruin and to avoid circumstances that are not their lack of sensible planning ,savings do not last for ever,and not every body has family.

[@trash-girl84]

@@sarahjones-jf4pr these people aren't disabled. I'm talking about able bodied people who set themselves up to be caught off guard like this. Stick to the subject at hand.

[@mum2jka]

One of thousands of similar stories and it's heartbreaking.

[@WhoToldYouThatAtlanta]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 she definitely can apply for WIC program they provide vouchers for milk, cereal etc. for children under 5. I pray things work out for them and she’s able to maintain her sobriety 🙏🏽❤️

[@lindadrinks-johnson1904]

I'm sure she is getting all the state benefits. She has money.🤔

[@alexlewis8143]

Government assistance wants you to burn through all money be rock bottom then help

[@Afmedic85]

@@alexlewis8143 it depends on the state, some it's easier to get benefits. I tried getting WIC in California when I got fired (because my husband was deployed) and was told my husband made too much. Got rejected by unemployment too, no idea why

[@fernandagarcia877]

@@Afmedic85 California cost of living is way too high. Especially in the silicone valley where I live. I tired to apply for medi-cal was told I make too much money, yet I couldn't pay my $3,500 rent for a two bedroom APARTMENT, bills, car payments, food, clothes. Oh and at the end when you do taxes they take money way because you have no health insurance because you made too much money. It's insane

[@angelabell8725]

@@Afmedic85 You do know you can appeal right.

[@ssunshyne9479]

The last thing they needed to be worried about is Christmas when ur trying to keep the lights on and kids fed.

[@gxoxoxo]

Exactly focus on important issues not Christmas you could save a lot of money not using them Christmas lights.

[@numerologicatarot3333]

Contorted priorities!..

[@chellefell1331]

girlll... my son didnt have a Christmas this year and it broke my heart... I felt like a faulure.

[@beverlystaley9698]

It is easy to say that in a comment section but how do you explain that to a little 4 year old boy and 2 year old girl? Sorry Santa won't be coming here this year. I know that the basics of utilities, rent/mortgage, food etc come first as priorities BUT it leaves you heartbroken for your kids & feeling like a total failure. It is devastating to go to the kids school for free lunches during spring break- when you worked so hard all those years so you would not be struggling. This pandemic has truly been devastating for so many families. Couples fighting bc they are stuck at home dealing with so much worry over their futures & then having to put on your game face for the kids - like you got this under control when you simply don't.

[@numerologicatarot3333]

@ Beverly Staley, perhaps ppl should not teach their children such materialism. This way, you don’t set them up for disappointment all over gifts. Wasting money on buying an exuberant amount of gifts just to go along with society on a specific day is a bit… brainless.

[@traciemendoza1946]

Loss for words but this family has my heart. We all see the struggle is real and piercing. I know this can only make this fam stronger. And much success in the end. May God keep you all in his favor..

[@face76]

This was interesting to see how one family was affected by the pandemic. But those that truly struggled are the ones that lived pay to pay, didn’t have the credit they did, have a house to sell, or a family to move by. Well this family struggled. They were very fortunate to still have a house they owned, a car, food, and at least one person working. A lot of people lost their lives. Became homeless.

[@lindseyyoung9149]

Exactly what I was thinking while watching. Sure they struggle but definitely not near what some have experienced from this. Awful all the way around.

[@nicola6234]

I also feel like they easily could've sold a lot of their stuff to make some extra cash. So many unnecessary items can be seen in this video, seems to me like they lived above their means even before the pandemic.

[@Landis_Grant]

A lot of despondent people committed suicide.

[@Landis_Grant]

@@nicola6234 Typical consumer driven American family household. During the good times, they are carefree grasshoppers while the ants are storing grain before the harsh winter.

[@TheDevilsquid]

$16 may be low pay but when you've got nothing you'll happily take it and learn some new job skills along the way. Thousands of people in America live of a $16 an hour wage...

[@debbieframpton3857]

After working for the same company for 20 years I was making $13.80 an hour with those wages I managed to pay off my house no debt I quit working a year ago living on just Social Security no pension I would love to have made $16 an hour

[@janejan9728]

@@debbieframpton3857 20 years ago in the year 2000, 13.80 would be 21.51 in today's money. You forgot inflation. You were making a lot more than him. Cumulative inflation over the past 20 years has been 56%, meaning that your dollar back then was over a third more valuable than todays dollar.

[@Mockduck2020]

@@janejan9728 she still has to pay today’s bills. And I don’t believe someone making $13.80 in 2001 would be paid $21+ an hour today for the same job. That is a big part of the problem. Everything has gone up except wages.

[@ms.anonymousinformer242]

We finance a home,feed a family,pay bills etc... on one income which is not much more than that. Its more doable in the southern states , in my opinion though. I couldnt imagine living in Cali or NY the way things are.

[@stylefoodwithlaila4914]

Wow.....very touching and humbling. My prayers go out to this family. I respect how they kept the whole family together....cats and dogs. Seem responsible. I have been blessed during this pandemic. I literally dont know how I would have faired out if I didn't have a lucky blessed life. My heart to all those with grit to struggle day to day with a smile and hope.

[@bobbiek2960]

My husband and I were retired before the pandemic. We were lucky. I started selling/donating masks. Probably made well over 4000+ masks and was able to give back. My daughter and I bought grocery store gift cards and gave them out around the holidays. One lady who got in touch with me wanted me to mail the masks to her work, cause she lived in a motel. Since I lived near her work, I dropped them off with 100.00 shoprite gift card and 100.00 cash. We are still in touch, she now has a home and two jobs. One is full time with awesome insurance. She’s a single mom of two boys and one is autistic. I met many ppl and have so many stories. This was just a short one.🥰

[@aloeglow2066]

How do you sell your house and your still broke. Managing your money is very important. Live according to your means !

[@karynm3365]

Now more than ever, it's extremely important to have at least 6 months in savings, NO credit debt, and a years supply of food storage. We were hit extremely hard in 2008 and learned our lesson well. We are at the point now that we are totally out of debt, have savings and food storage. I can sleep well at night.

[@zmaxpro5681]

600 IS NOTHING

[@AjitKumar-yp2on]

It’s sad to see families struggling. The bright side is that they are healthy and they will eventually get back to their lives. Proud of the mom who is smiling.

[@myfrugalraggylife7104]

Well I felt so sad for this family until I read they paid outright for a house !! it could be so much worse, people are ending up on the street with no food or anything !!!!!!

[@SnapszDuhh]

Agreed. I’m sorry but they are doing much better than a lot of others. I saw multiple things they could sell in this short clip. They could definitely give up one of the cars. All those animals cost money to feed. No offence but I’d probably give them away.

[@bellona6356]

@@SnapszDuhh yikes. They could be getting dog food from a pet food bank for free, and if they are healthy they wouldn't be a financial burden. Many people consider their pets family and aren't willing to put them in a shelter to die or be potentially be abused. I wouldn't do that either.

[@namu5583]

I have 2 cats, found them on the street. They cost me $15 a month, and I already felt it on my finance.

[@back2the80s]

Nobody asked u to get two cats. Vet bills cost more than that

[@namu5583]

@@back2the80s true. The cats choose me.

[@annes7651]

Having kids is expensive 💸.

[@joyaustin6581]

Plus the dog

[@MrTmenzo]

@@joyaustin6581 pets are cheaper than humans children though

[@zuzanazuscinova5209]

@@MrTmenzo definitely

[@YourJulietnet]

Imagine being a single parent.

[@maryhudson8531]

It's very difficult. But I set myself up not to have anymore kids. My legs are glued shut

[@Ytreecv]

I hope they made it through this. They are good people ♥️

[@mathildaapril1175]

They didn’t save when they had an income? In Asia, the government does NOT bail out its people.

[@Iworkwithnitwits]

I do not know how many working class families can save while raising a family.

[@joyaustin6581]

@@Iworkwithnitwits this is probably true for those making minimum wage but others don’t appear to sacrifice. I frequently see a long line at Starbucks, houses full of clutter, newer cars and processed foods. If you own property, invest in a fruit tree. Eat the fruit and sell or trade the extra. Cats and dogs mean vet bills, food and litter expenses. I look around my house and see how I’ve wasted money. I’ve bought books I could have borrowed from the library, clothing I don’t wear, designer labels and things just because I wanted a different color.

[@desertfamilyhomestead3127]

@@Iworkwithnitwits it’s called living within your means.

[@sonyaberry9805]

We have EBT and wic. Do you guys have similar programs? They are supplemental food programs

[@valerieannrumpf4151]

If you have a decent size property, you can grow a vegtable garden and have some fruit trees. Whatever you don't eat now, you can learn how to preserve it for latet. There are many instructional videos on KZbin on how to grow a garden for beginners and how to can or store your produce.

[@katreid4189]

Watching on May 25, 2021. Would love to have an update on this family. I pray things are getting better for them.

[@byebye7773]

Watching July 22, 2021. I will like the same

[@cityonfoot6023]

Watching August. I really hope things are going better for them. Seriously. We need to get ahead of this virus ASAP.

[@bettyjeanzepeda4767]

8/9/2021 same

[@nickhuysen4643]

19 August 2021

[@Tom_Samad]

Watching on 14th October, 2021. Would love to see an update on this family too.

[@SnapszDuhh]

I’m sorry but I don’t feel sorry for them. They knew were in debt but instead of using the money from the first house to maybe rent a place just for 6 months - 1 year they put ALL THE MONEY IN ANOTHER HOUSE. Like wtf. I would have used the money to make sure all the bills were caught up with.

[@blane6592]

Interesting how credit was their “saving Grace” in the beginning of this…but now credit about to be your grave! Credit aint never saved no one!

[@SeansModelBuilds]

That's why I paid off all my debt while I was deployed. Now I am debt free with a positive net worth.

[@daniellelemay2696]

Everyone does deserve healthcare. Living in Canada and knowing we don’t have to worry if an accident a surgery an illness will devestate us- I can’t even imagine. Our taxes are high, but I would much rather know we can seek medical attention if needed.

[@nazmed8141]

Same for us in the UK American living is unimaginable .

[@tomstickney5500]

@@nazmed8141 your free Helf care is costing some buddy it's not free

[@ashotofmercury]

@@tomstickney5500 it is free at the point of use! And Britain still spends less than half per capita than the US does! 👌🏻

[@sarai5467]

@@tomstickney5500 we all pay it with taxes and non of us see this a burden because our mentality in the UK is not like Americans 🚮

[@zooks3894]

@@sarai5467 Australia is the same as the UK. Everyone can access healthcare if they need it. Thank goodness.

[@neokennime6756]

They're not the only one. There are thousands have been struggling as well

[@hamfistsman6267]

Millions

[@momsurvival8147]

I love how she made everyone wear a mask but none of her family including herself wore one 🙄🙄🙄

[@randommercedesmgtow3675]

And yet people are protesting 2k stimulus check?

[@TeslaBoy123]

2k hahHahahaha u joking or whats is nothing to support a family in 🇺🇸 soil Sample bill every single month without excuses or drama Mortgage or rent $1800 electric bill $130 Natural gas bill winter $180 Water bill each month $160 Trash bill $40 Internet fhone bill $190 Groceries each month $800 And counting

[@randommercedesmgtow3675]

@@TeslaBoy123 internet and phone 190? U wasting money

[@daniellelemay2696]

I think people are protesting because the government is printing money like crazy. So then what happens? The cost to buy groceries and everyday emenities skyrockets. That 2k, all of a sudden costs those families that desperately need it even more in the long run.

[@randommercedesmgtow3675]

@@daniellelemay2696 hmmmmmn. Price control needed

[@marcycat]

Another helpful budget tip is not to have more kids unless the budget allows the finances needed.

[@ronbaltazar8773]

I feel bad for them but they are still in a way better situation than most people these days. They have a house with no mortgage, they are healthy, they have friends and family who love and support them, etc.. And no, I'm not from the States- where I live we have no food banks, no stimulus checks from the government, etc.. I hope for things to get better for everyone.

[@back2the80s]

Was only 3 stimulus not lots of money

[@RecyclingMama]

foodstamps.?...and living in a morgage free home?...i thought they moved so they can live with in their means.

[@stefaniekristine1072]

I felt this 😢 I hope things got better for the family

[@missdesireindependance5194]

I’m glad they have family to help them out. It’s good to own a home or car in times like these.

[@phenakeil902]

I live with no car. Every month wonder if I will have enough food for the whole month. I live Olin section 8 housing. Poverty before Covid and still poverty in 2021.

[@Jdhdbsbsjdnraqowirjfndksjdndj]

Thank you for saying with such raw clarity what so many of us have been feeling.

[@codacreator6162]

This is sad in so many ways.

[@paprgl]

So much sympathy for this family.

[@janettouhey7728]

okay i have also been through some rough times with 5 kids . The worst was having a critically ill child and No income . In their situation i would of got rid of one of the cars and car loans,, bought a good older car . We would of rented until job security returned . We survived with 1 car and rented until we could afford to buy a home . I hope it all works out for them and they don.t become materialistic . Kids don,t need a fancy home, just a safe clean one with parents that love them .

[@bunnylover6481]

They said one of their cars were totalled.

[@back2the80s]

Need income to rent duh

[@dayleblair3494]

What is so awesome is they fought tooth and nail to survive and are so positive!! Hoping that all is well now! xoxo

[@laurenbradynutrition]

I'm having a really hard time feeling bad for this family. They sold their home which enabled them to buy what looks like a nicer home in cash with the equity from the first home. Now they live closer to family. She started a new career. I feel bad for the families living in motels and cars, but not for this family.

[@rafangille]

i think it’s the point of the video. these people don’t live in poverty, but shows that the pandemic has destabilized the middle class

[@laurenbradynutrition]

@@rafangille Any family who has enough equity in their home to buy another home cash is doing much better than the middle class.

[@princesssadieloo]

I’ll be forever grateful I studied nursing. Scary to work front lines of pandemic but fortunate to have steady income and access to healthcare for my family. So scary to think of uprooting without a concrete plan for employment, especially with children involved. These are troubling times. 😔

[@kinser919]

Being happier with less is the lesson.

[@jennifer7648]

These people are temporarily living the way those of us who are below poverty have always had to live. We are super grateful to God that we have family close and have had their help all these years or we would not have made it. Even with both of us working and cutting ourselves off at having 3 kids, we are still just not able to make ends meet on our own because of the wages being stagnant for the last 30 years and prices that keep rising. It is especially hard when the family members who help us out just can't seem to understand this and think we should be doing fine on our own and give us crap about us needing help. They keep thinking we just need to budget our money even though time and time again I have shown then our budget and how we just don't make enough to make ends meet. I hope they realize none of this is their fault. We struggled with that same thing for awhile, but then realized it really is not our fault not matter what!

[@TravelingDorks]

My wife and I make more than enough to qualify for the 2k per individual family member, but my heart aches for the families that are out of work and struggling through this pandemic. At the very least, a $2000 stimulus needs to be passed to help everyone who has suffered financially, emotionally, and psychologically through this difficult time. And I am more than happy to support the stimulus even when it means we don't personally qualify for it.

[@liasummers1824]

This is why you don't depend on one paycheck.

[@J.Anita24]

I thought about quitting and being a stay at home mom.... then I saw this... I can't leave me husband hanging.

[@missdesireindependance5194]

I was thinking that. If she had a salaried job, that could have helped them until he found work. Real estate jobs is for people who have money saved up.

[@J.Anita24]

@Angelina Pattern Right! I'm submissive to my husband but I also work. We have 3 children and I manage the house as well. Not like the old days where women stayed at home with 7 kids and could live off 1 income. There must be a balance.

[@jadecollins7693]

@@J.Anita24 ew, why are you submissive to your husband?

[@Calebandscout]

@@J.Anita24 I stay at home with two kids and am not submissive to my husband at all. Works for us.

[@zeemarion5514]

I feel like this guy is full of excuses and needs to man up and support his family

[@thecalmwayhome8483]

You guys were blessed enough to own a house that after the sale, allowed you to pay CASH for a new house. Some people are on the damn street. Count your blessings.

[@back2the80s]

@@rd24life must have proof of income to rent ugh sheesh

[@back2the80s]

@@rd24life dude rentals still want proof of income. Bank account balance is irrelevant. Balance is not income. You are idiotic for thinking you don’t need income as landlords require proof. What stops then from spending balance when not paying by year?

[@aldralee]

We have such terrible financial literacy in this country and a culture that values image over genuine financial security. I feel so bad for these folks. It takes so much effort to learn how to manage money responsibly and get your spending in line with your genuine values and priorities. The pandemic has been such an awful learning experience for so many. And too often, the needed financial awareness is still lost on folks. Ug.

[@deborahgoodwin4995]

Praying for the families effective by the pandemic 🙏😇🙏

[@mpat100]

Blessings and good luck for the Silvester family

[@maivajyang5291]

I live in the Midwest and my family are also struggling during the pandemic too but we are relay on the food pantry. I have 2 big freezer of meats.

[@lauragilchrist2954]

She almost lost me at the beginning judging people's credit scores-mine is at a good rate but who the hell cares, what does a person's cc score have to do with it I know good hard working people with some low cc scores...ugh. people. but I watched it and I feel her pain and the struggle is real for so many

[@barbaravyse660]

They shouldn’t have bought a house right away. Now they don’t have money for other expenses.

[@KH-tx6lg]

See the Michael Murphy comment. He is now living in a van. Having a place to house your kids is a basic need. You can find help for everything else.

[@alexlewis8143]

They can't get evicted now it's better to buy a house out right and get help with power and water and food. It's easier when you debt free also.

[@ecclairmayo4153]

Having a home paid in cash almost guarantees that they will never be homeless. It's thr right thing to do

[@jonathanjones3126]

@@ecclairmayo4153 unless you fail to pay property taxes aka government rent

[@ecclairmayo4153]

@@jonathanjones3126 - yup, tgsts why I always say "almost" guarantees you won't be homeless

[@dachicagoan8185]

10:42 You're thinking about Christmas? If I was in your position, there would be no talk about that holiday until 2022 or 2023 LOL

[@davidericbateman4370]

Children don't understand that... I'm going through the same thing now trying to figure out how my wife and I are going to buy ours gifts and it's only October.

[@dachicagoan8185]

@@davidericbateman4370 i'm sorry to hear that. I didn't think of what the kids expect.

[@spragzpc1]

This the reason we want 2k & not $600

[@Asheffc]

This kind of videos makes you be extremely thankful for everything you have, if you have a house, water, food and money coming to pay what you need you give thanks every night... That's what i do, i'm extremely thankful because i know many families around the world are heving really bad time...

[@papermason]

for me the point of all this is to prepare, you just don't know what's around the corner. The people who live a modest life and put away money, almost always fare better than those who live as if nothing will ever happen. You noticed I qualified my statement with "almost", there are always exceptions to the rule.

[@MissAshten]

This mirrors my story. Sold a house after job loss, moved 3k miles to a smaller city, started real estate to make money, bought a house cash and just now found gainful employment outside of real estate

[@rcinelli7056]

I absolutely love the moments of positivity. Mind set is so important through hard times . Good luck , so sorry this happened.....😢

[@doctoralstudent1441]

This video is a lesson in living beyond one's means. This couple sunk all their savings into their house, racked up lots of credit card debt, and owned two cars. Whatever happened to living within one's means? During the pandemic Walmart, grocery stores, FedEx, etc were all hiring. When you are out of work ANY work should be entertained. This couple is just another example of what NOT to do in life.

[@Roques-rage1706]

God please bless this family 🙏🏽 ma'am please don't feel that bad. You are important

[@oktofio9690]

I'm from Indonesia.. I need an update about this family... we here feel the same struggle and even worse, but we believe we're gonna overcome this difficult situation...

[@emmynem6847]

This is sad we should be grateful for the things that we have!

[@frankmangan2113]

Well said ...You must be rich

[@vanessarushton4610]

A very sad story, but I’m glad that You Tube posted this video, because this lets you know that this pandemic has reeked havoc financially and physically , on so many lives no matters who you are or where you live , everyone can see how this virus can change your life for the worst . It’s said to see a whole family suffering like this ,but when you look at those innocent kids and they do not know what’s going on , with an uncertain future that is what really makes you want to cry because they deserve that security that their parents try every day to give them , and that we all had as children, you look to your parents to give you shelter from the storm’s in life and to give you that much needed hug and smile . This is very sad , but this is the world that we sadly live in today . This video is good for those who think that their alone and are struggling through this pandemic. I just wish that the government would do more , because they do have the resources.

[@coric4990]

We need more stories like this that shows the real impact of the pandemic. At least there is a family that is speaking out and showing their story on you tube. Bless this family.

[@Michelle-pn9xt]

Everyone on the planet has lived through the pandemic. We all know what it is like.

[@CharleneONeill-q2h]

Thank you for this video.

[@michaelbrown5768]

Want a reason to always have at least 6 months worth of expenses saved? Watch this video!

[@tharris2853]

Not trying to be a jerk here but delivering pizzas wasn’t an option?

[@MarcyJ2F]

Why would they put all of the money from the sale into the second home instead of using it for monthly bills?

[@carecc7191]

This woman is a self-indulgent drama queen. She is in a BETTER position than most people. Buying a house with cash, that's rare. No family NEEDS two cats and two dogs, that's FOUR MORE dependents. She is the type to expect less from herself and MORE from everybody else: the workers wear masks, not her. I feel sorry for the family that she is going to dump herself on.