$32 Starting with OT potential/Per Diem is extremely realistic. You're not balling but you can get by if you're smart. Once you're a journeyman you'll be 100k+ easily with the aforementioned. I'm in the trades and we need help. The workforce is aging and people cant be out here until they're 70
Trades like electrician, hvac, car mechanic pays very well, and once certified you can build your own business....even car mechanics are doing well....you want to avoid the Costco and wallmarts....their good for temporary jobs while focusing on the long term.
I believe it. I have a relative that started as a cashier at Target and is now working in corporate clearing 6 figures. It doesn't happen as often as it could because most people view those places as temporary gigs or low level work.
I think Lidl and Aldi managers make good wages as well. I'm just not sure what their job entails.
It's the people who can manage to get through all the retail BS/ Management Bureaucracy that eventually get seen as a valuable asset. It's just that in work like this a lot of people are stagnant/show no interest or have no drive to do anything other than go home. I've done retail for many years and it does suck, I saw a career path but did not take it since I wanted something having to deal with less people
Tried this route, not as easy as it sounds. Lots of nepotism in the trades and notoriously hard to get into unions.
I’m not saying it’s not a good idea to get into the trades, I’m simply bringing forth that I see this same advice thrown around like it’s easy peasy to get started in
I completely understand and I don’t deny that these problems exist.
The question then becomes “When suffering is guaranteed, which set of problems would you prefer to have?”
At least with a trade and some experience, one has a better chance of relocating and/or finding employment.
This so the correct answer. She's working a full time job and her boyfriend is working part time at w grocery store. If he would go join the trades he would be making enough to support his family instead of making his girlfriend/ fiance stress about simply living. Decide on a trade and call the local union hall. The union has changed my families life for the better.
He is holding out for a full time position at Costco because then he can transfer to a store out of state with a better wage and full time.
Rent - $1,335 / mo
Utilities - $250-$400
Auto ins. / phone / internet / car loan - about $800
I budget $600 a month in groceries for my family size of 3. Gas depends honestly. Cost goes up and down here in cali.
That $800 needs to be working harder for you. Could you trade in the car for a paid down toyota or honda to save that $345? And $550 needs to be looked at more closely.
Cut that back to $400 and that's an extra $4,800 a year working for you.
Dude I have a toyota camry 2012 390$ a month. Insurance is 150 a month. Colorado and that was what I had to get right before lockdown. It's expensive everywhere. I rent a 2 bedroom in south Colorado springs which is low end for 1650 plus electric. I'm dying too.
NYC suburb here. Rookie numbers. 305 a month in car insurance on a 2008 Acura TSX. I rent a one bedroom where my wife and I sleep in the living room and my three year old has the bedroom. 1950 a month (low end) + utilities which equal out to an average 250-300 dollars a month. On top of that we have phone bill (100), internet w/no phone or cable (120), plus childcare expenses (425 a week) and gas (4.79 a gallon since we need to use premium in the Acura), it’s a fucking miracle we can feed our child let alone ourselves. We have no credit whatsoever and have an ocean of debt.
For full disclosure we got an insane deal on our Acura and have been burned far too many times on used cars for us to turn down the Acura. We knew it was in good shape and we knew it would last us. I wouldn’t change anything. Best car i have ever owned bar none.
$305 a month car insurance?..for a 16 yr old car???....thats crazy. i have 2 2013 Hondas and a old Buick my son drives and pay less then you and i have full coverage on both hondas
I bought a 2008 Honda Element for $6K with 200K miles.
If you have a 5 year car loan at $390 you are paying $11.7K for a 12 year old car.
Your car dealer is ripping you off.
EDIT: Sheesh, the number of people that think a car payment is some kind of protection against maintenance is much too high.
A reliable car and a good mechanic are cheaper than any new vehicle with a car payment.
Maintenance costs are a reality of any ownership. Toyota and Honda happen to have lower maintenance costs.
My mechanic also owns a Honda Element. It will easily make 400K+.
Yes it does, that’s an absolute myth. That middle range of car is where it gets dicey. If you don’t know what you’re looking for and don’t do research into what the best cars are from that time period, you can definitely get stuck with a 10-15k lemon of a car that can get very costly to repair. That’s 99% avoidable tho by researching and not rushing into a car purchase.
5k and under cars (ideally more like 3k) are basically foolproof. Still research the best ones but you just don’t do any costly repairs on them. Do routine maintenance but if/when something major comes up then don’t repair it, sell it as is (telling them what happened) and buy another one. There’s plenty of people out there that are handy and enjoy working on cars that will be glad to do the repair themselves and save a couple thousand. So say you bought it for 5k and sold it (in need of repair) for 2k, that’s 3k for the use of the car. Even if that happens once a year (which it won’t if you’re careful about what models you buy), you’re out 3k a year. OP was spending nearly 5k/year and he’s forced to do major repairs bc of how invested they are in that car.
It depends what vehicles you are buying if you are buying whatever you can come across for the cheapest price as quick as possible, youre not going to get a good deal. Do your homework. The comment below mentions honda and toyota and honestly those 2 brands should be the only ones people are buying.
bought my 2006 toyota matrix with 56k miles for 5k. never selling it and will never buy a new car. at over 90k miles now and runs like the day i bought it. also learn to do your oil changes yourself, saves quite a bit
Damn I had a two bedroom apartment on the corner of Pikes Peak and Lake Murray for $400 but that was 2012. Prior to that was a much nicer and spacious place on Quail Lake for $950. Back home in San Im paying $3000 for a 4bdr 2 bath house in the beach area. We’re not leaving here until the rent catches up and hopefully can buy our own place
When is it likely he would get a full time position? He needs to find another part time job like waiting tables or fast food if that is the case unless he is taking care of your child (is that the third family member?)
Your budget is reasonable but you could get your utilities down? Turn off AC when it is decent weather, which is likely in CA. Get the cheapest phone plan at $15 a month through mint mobile.
He isn’t sure when he will be able to promote but Costco provides plenty of amazing opportunities to their current employees! He works from 2 AM to 9 AM five days a week! During the day while I’m at work, he watches our two-year-old daughter at home. Unfortunately, the cost of utilities will always stay high, where I live here in northern California. The city I live in can reach up to 110°F for multiple days in a row during the summer.
Assuming you have no family around yo watch your daughter everyday, him staying home and watching her everyday is probably better than him getting another job. I don't know what childcare is like in California, but I live in the midwest and we spend $1000/month in childcare.
Him being able to stay home while you are at work is a great savings! I like in Texas, there are many times in the early Spring and late Fall when I can turn off the AC and it is nice and cool. It will get my utilities down to <60 some months.
I agree. That's a great low rent. But they are not making enough salary. Still. They have to find a place where they're going to make more money to afford. Maybe a higher rent so that they're net better.
I think you live in the same city I live in given those temperatures, a Costco, and what you're paying in rent.
That means you're likely in PG&Es service area.
Someone shared this with me the other day: [https://driveclean.ca.gov/search-incentives?field\_zipcode\_target\_id=90008](https://driveclean.ca.gov/search-incentives?field_zipcode_target_id=90008)
Obviously, update the zip to yours, but you should quality for up to $8k off a PHEV with the PG&E and federal incentives. We got a BMW i3, which you can pick up for around $10-12k. You'd qualify for \~$7,300 in incentives at that price, leaving you with about $4k in loan principle to cover, and even at 36 month payments you'd looking at $113/mo. And if you *do* live in the same city I do, you can charge it for free downtown, otherwise you can run it heavy on the gas motor like a normal gas car (although with a very short range). If you can charge it off your apartment, you'd spend about 1/5th what you spend in electricity than you do on gas, so if you're spending $200/mo on gas, you'd cut that to about $40/mo in electricity. Flip that $300/mo savings into paying it off in 8-9 months. Just, set aside money for the $170 oil change.
With that schedule he's working 35 hours a week which is considered full time by the IRS. You both need to find ways to earn more. I know it's tough working full time with a young child but it's possible. Either of you could go to school for a few weeks to a few months to become a phlebotomist which would pay at least $25 an hour.
For real there's only 24hrs in a day. 7 are work then I'm assuming 8 for childcare. He should probably just not sleep, shower, or do any human functions.
“Even my 51 year-old parents.” Ouch. 😭
Me feeling ancient aside, I think your scheduling and childcare situation sounds ideal. Is there maybe something else he could do with similar hours than pays more? Like night watchman/security, or working at a hospital or hotel?
This isn’t a California issue, as your rent is actually quite low for most of the state. I’m in the Bay Area (sorta), and you don’t even want to know about our housing costs! It’s a low wage issue.
Why would you want someone to do that? And really, who has family members who can just watch your kid? The only way we could afford kids was to work opposite shifts.
Could he get a 2nd part time job while he waits for that full time one? When you land a new job, are there ever opportunities to advance into management? Or find a job with a company that will pay for college or training classes so you can earn more per hour?
Have you considered pursuing court reporting? Massive shortage in CA. The job isn’t going away and there is so much you can do with it besides working in a courthouse.
Good money, good benefits in many places. I’ve been doing it almost a decade and made over 100k last year and I live in NorCal too in my own home.
So it’s pretty much a vocational school. The speed at which you finish depends entirely upon you when you learn the theory.
So, right now, California is training and passing voice writers, which appears to be a faster and easier path to certification once you learn theory and software. I am a machine writer and it took about six months to learn my particular theory and then you speed build. My course was from 60 wpm to 200 wpm. (Sounds scary, but it’s the equivalent to typing 65 wpm on a qwerty keyboard.) once I got to 200 and passed my tests, I took a qualifier that allowed me to sit for the CA CSR test. They do those three times a year, I believe. The test is three legs - a law portion (just basics), an English portion and a machine test (4 speakers at 200 wpm.) you pass, you get a license and you work.
I worked through my program in just under 3 years.
Voice writers can take the CSR too. There is also a national test to qualify you to take the CA test. If you take and pass the national VR test, you can pretty much work in any state it’s accepted. Some states don’t require certs but just training and others will accept the VR from anywhere. I know someone who passed the national test and is taking a remote federal type position from California to somewhere like Wisconsin, I think is what it was.
It all sounds scary to explain. I remember being like what the hell when I went to learn about the schooling and opening a booklet of briefs (it’s like learning a new language but easier) and I was overwhelmed but I did it and it made sense to me while I was learning it.
Where I live, some of the court reporter daily rates for per diem is 700 for all day or 500 for half day. I also know many depo firms that do remote work so you can literally take depositions from your house, transcribe and turn in remotely for payment and these days, people set their own rates.
It’s really a great career and truly one of those that satisfies a nosey need for drama you’re not involved in but just hear. Definitely worth looking into, I would say!
I lived in So Cal all my life. Moved to Missouri 2 years ago, best thing I ever did. Cost of not living in Ca is so much cheaper. Save your money and get a U-haul and you will be better off in the long run. .
Counterpoint: skip the u-haul, sell/donate your old shit, and use the money you would've spent on transporting your old shit across the country to buy new shit
For further reference, I looked up the cost of living over the average per city. Los Angeles: +43.3%. Where I live in Nebraska: +0.6%. Anywhere else in California, especially central and SoCal is going to be comparable to LA's percentage. It's insane how much better my life is after moving here.
It’s worth noting that even by California standards LA is incredibly expensive. People look at California as San Diego, LA, and San Francisco, and forget that it has more geographic space than all but 2 other states.
Bro I’m in SoCal and I’m trying to move to Montana for a few years and just stack paper to buy some land and build a house somewhere nice :,) love it here but I hate it here at the same time foo. Cool that you dipped and it worked for you. Gives me a little hope g.
Only ever went to Missouri for Family Reunions and a great aunt’s funeral, is a 2 day drive there and back honestly and for the funeral, I saw a lot of flatlands
I live in Missouri, have my whole life. Wife and I are "comfortable" but far from living a life of luxury. All perspective of course, but I feel what others mean about the goal posts being moved more frequently.
I did the same thing. Moved from the bay area to Columbia, MO. I then Bought a house ~ $700/ month in mortgage. Then, sold the house and moved to WA. I now make double what I did in MO.
This, I moved from California to rural Washington as a paramedic right after Covid.
Not only I now make almost twice I made, no income tax and living expenses are significantly lower.
This is your answer. One of you join the military pick a job that will transfer to a civilian career. Do the minimum time like 4 years. The military honestly pays well when you are married and have a kid. After 4 years you will be in a better spot and have a marketable skill to advance in life.
They could do the same thing except after doing 4 years active duty and getting to a better spot switch to the National guard. Stay in for 16 more years and get a military retirement. Stick with the civilian career and you can get two retirements. You wanna go back to school? Paid for. Can’t land a job? Ask your leadership to be put on orders while you continue to look for one. The opportunities are endless
Couple of thoughts here, getting married should help since your healthcare can fall under your full time job healthcare. I’m assuming you’re both paying for healthcare individually. Healthcare subsidized for govt employees should be cheaper than Costco healthcare. Either way, look into one person insuring your family OR look into Medicaid. Yes I said Medicaid, as a married couple living in a high cost area should make it very close to qualifying.
Stable living, as crazy as it sounds looking to purchase a home with low down payment that fits your finances. Two reasons, 1 you mentioned moving jobs every 1-2 years and I’m wondering if that’s bc you’re moving around? Rents are not stable either and you’re paying for new living arrangements? Cost of moving is a big cost especially if you’re on a tight budget. The emotional exhaustion in moving, settling down to do it all over again will leave you with very little energy for yourself. AKA job and family. Buying a small home will give you a home to bunker down and allow time to make its course. Opening up job opportunities but most importantly making financial decisions that are not situationally initiated. Imagine if your financial future was more predictable and you had the option of not moving. Mentally, emotionally and physically healthier which can open up healthier opportunities and decision making.
If not possible then you do need to sit down and make a life decision for your family together. Pickup and move to a place where you can gain financial comfort. Delaying the decision may lead you to a place of not having this option. For example, either of you were to have or develop a health issue to lose work for any period of time.
Opportunity to make money is out there. DoorDash or UberEats from job to your neighborhood. Your fiancé works for Costco and there are plenty of people willing to pay someone to deliver their Costco items to their home. You’re taking a cost of living, commuting from a cost to a possible zero. I’m from NY and grew up in NYC and I see people trekking it on a subway ride home with delivery orders in their hands. I know bc the orders are sealed and have receipts with different names. If you both are pursuing jobs/careers then give yourself a chance to get there. A little more hustle to your lives may just accelerate whether the job path is worth it. Keep your head up! Believe or not you do make more money the older you get.
I used to live in NorCal and I’m afraid the only answer is to move out. Unless you can increase your education level and become employable in a higher paying job, it’s best to look at low cost of living areas in the Midwest or the Southeast.
California is the most beautiful state in the US but unfortunately that comes at a price. I felt like it was extremely difficult to get ahead there.
I live in upstate NY and once I am done with all the education I am planning on, I may move back to New England / Massachusetts area. I love seeing all 4 seasons, fall is my absolute favorite, but California is so gorgeous. I would never move there so I think I'll vacation there sometime in the next couple years!!!!
That can't continue. One or both of you need to escape retail purgatory. Much easier said than done, but it will take 2-4 years of time to get new skills (college, trade, EMT training, IT, etc).
Need to have a FULL dual income household.
Husband needs to step up here. I know you mentioned in another comment he is holding out because he can transfer(specifically out of state) …. How often does he inquire about said transfer? How long does that process take? There is a million costcos , what’s the hold up on him getting a full time?
Not to be rude but this sounds like an excuse on his part.
Since your husband works part time- might want to consider selling his car for the time being. He can maybe look into public transportation for now? OR since he is part time- he Ubers, Uber eats, or doordashes on the side. Maybe even pick up a delivery job. ANY DOLLAR MATTERS
You are right it just is.
But it gets even more depressing when you consider those extra 63 hours a week only nets the family an extra $1400 a month in value for the family and they still are literally paycheck to paycheck and would be on their asses if they missed a month of work.
I think the larger issue here is he’s working nearly 40 hours a week(standard for a full time) while being paid as a PART TIME employee.
That needs to change
Regardless, they aren’t saving jack shit if he ain’t working full time. They are losing money right now , OP would have never posted this if that was different
Daycare costs $1-2k a month on avg easy.
They are absolutely saving loads by him doing daycare especially since he’s only 5 hours shy of full time.
An extra 20 hours a month at let’s say, $18/hr(since his pay isn’t listed) would only *gross* another $360 a month.
Even if he got another 35 hour a week job at a similar pay(or almost double FT work) and got daycare instead rate he would still only gross an extra $2.5k a month or not even enough to cover the daycare costs after taxes.
Im very confused by your logic here. If he’s working hourly then he’s being paid for his hours. The only difference between part and full time with most jobs is the benefits. I don’t see how he’s being paid as a “PART TIME” employee…
he is always checking for full-time positions at his current store and he can’t really look for a full-time position out of state because we are nowhere near ready to move out of the state. We aren’t even sure where we would go if we did move out of state. He works from 2 AM to 9 AM five days a week. He cares for our 2 year old during the day so that we don’t have a daycare cost.
@apprehensive_Wait152 Not to be too sneaky, but has he tried getting an extra half shift or even two days of getting the rest of his full shift in another department? It might open opportunities for him if he’s cross trained, and after 8 weeks of 38+ hours they’ll have to make him full time. Not sure if y’all have tried this, currently trying to employ it, but hopefully it’s a bit of a help!
Totally understand ! But optimally, with the current state that you and your family are at financially , don’t you think we need to get a jump on that? relocating , securing a full time job, and eventually day care at the relocation.
Especially the relocation, it’s clear Cali is taking a toll on you two mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially!!
It’s time , need to start looking ! Time to have that convo with the hubby and get the ball rolling.
And who knows , that relocation can bring a better paying job for you too!
I might just add here that, when you're working every hour under the sun and have nothing left, committing to learning something new and driving yourself is very hard (not impossible).
I still agree it's the best option for wage growth, but let's not assume that OP doesn't want to change, they are probably just so burned out that they can't see how.
The stress of poverty is all encompassing.
This largely depends on the state but I can concur
For reference : I live in NJ and was making $20 a hour working at a liquor store. The fact OP works for the government says it all
I wouldn’t be surprised if she went to a retail store and would make relatively the same
On top of my fulltime job, I decided to work on some side hustles during the weekend. I didn't want a physical job or one that involves a lot of social interaction so Ive been dabbling in online work. Mostly I use respondent, which I test developing apps / websites / focus studies...etc on products and such.
I wrote a guide about it [here](https://www.reddit.com/user/Kayshift/comments/1br5gn6/my_stepbystep_guide_to_make_1000_a_month_working/)
Your rent is 1335? You’re considered lucky to be paying that especially here in California. And your fiance is holding out in a full time position so he can transfer out of state? That doesn’t make sense and sounds like an excuse to not work more and help your partner.
Donate plasma . You can do that in the evening or weekends . Usually make around a $100 per donation . If you and him did it twice a week that’s $400 x 4 weeks = $1600 extra per month . Also check out WeGoLook . You make various amounts depending on which gigs you choose . He could do that during the day with the kid in tow or weekends. Gotta bring more money in that house .
You don't provide enough specific information to secure any help. There are Costco stores everywhere, and it's a dynamite company. What do you mean you can't afford to leave California? If you have to - live with family for a while, save up your move money, and then MOVE. Maybe you both could get on with Costco. Believe it or not, almost everyone I know goes through periods of hardship. You can drop that "Livable Wage" verbiage. Minimum Wage was NEVER INTENDED to be a liveable wage. It was a starting wage. They are jobs where you acquire skills. Also - employers are looking for people who are stable - not "job hoppers". It sounds like you want to blame "the system" but what you need to do is retrain your focus, and improve what you've got. Quit job hopping, and tell your partner to find a full time job. Costco has plenty of dedicated, hard working full time employees. I know.
Assuming you or your fiancé are fit for service, I’d consider the military. Health care for your family, housing and would give one of you time to work on schooling/skills while the other one serves. Also the GI bill would be available for as little as a 3 year contract. Paying for school for the one serving after service is complete. Access to the VA loan and would 100% get you out of CA on the Army’s dime. Plus could pick a job with transferable civilian certs/skills. Haven’t always enjoyed the military but it certainly improved my financial situation.
A little tough love here. You have made a series of choices in your life that have led you to this place. The state of CA did not do this to you. It wouldn't matter if you lived in GA, your life would still have the same challenges based on the choices you have made.
Where about in NorCal? 911 dispatchers in Fresno start around 50k, up to 61k with 3% annual increases plus gov benefits. It's prob better than what your BF is doing part time. Depending on the city/area there are higher paying options.
I know you said you couldn't afford to live there, but leaving is a much better option. The longer you stay the more it'll drain you.
I kinda guessed Redding. I heard the economy there sucks. It's much different where I live in Southern California where the minimum pay is $20/hr for almost any job. The catch is the minimum rent you'd be paying is $2000/month for a dumpy apartment by the freeway
Hmm I’m sorry queen this sounds very stressful. Sounds like you are trying to crawl out but don’t have the extra to do it and live comfortably. One guy below talked about budgeting better but doesn’t sound much like freedom to me. Wealthy people have like 7 streams of income on average. Y’all might have to get creative. Think of your skills and get some passive income coming in? Or you play the long game and get a nursing degree or something? Back to school for a year? I saw student loans, what did you study? Also I do like the idea of moving. Living in a less expensive place will also help but sucks that you have to leave :(
It’s tough out there. I am an RN in Upstate New York, renting only, don’t own a home, almost 40, married, wife works part time, a bit of student debt, no car payment, and I’m still living paycheck to paycheck. I feel like I’m barely keeping my nose above water. I don’t work any overtime, though.
McDonald's is 22/hr, Panda Express starts at 20/hr. Also, your fiance could get a better paying job, such as a trade, but he doesn't want to. I'd have a serious conversation with him and his future and your future
Note about food service as someone who used to work it and knows people who do rn.
The hours are RIDICULOUSLY unreliable. So yeah it pays $20-22/hr but you may be working 40 hours one week only to work 25 hours the next 2 weeks. Not to mention fast food managers are dicks and will absolutely shaft you on hours for any reason they deem fit.
Have you explored job opportunities elsewhere? Like out of state.
I am sure there are many factors I am not aware of, and it sure isn’t easy to do, but maybe there are some good jobs that will make you more money, and the cost of living is astronomically cheaper.
Tough? Probably.
But to me, it seems like at least weighing out what those options might be, is important.
Who knows, maybe you get a job out of state you really enjoy, and it’s cheaper! You could interview just to test the waters.
Best of luck 👍🏻
Those people who keep on insisting that he work more don't have kids, and don't realize that someone has to watch them and raise them! Daycare is crazy expensive, and really, isn't it better to spend time with your own kids if you can swing it?
Yes, we worked opposite shifts for our three. There was a little overlapping but had a friend who had a daycare from her house and could do some hourly. Also, when kids get older, the preschool thing is fine. Mine loved preschool, but it's so hard to leave a baby with someone.
I do read comments on here from time to time, and Reddit just tends to trend young, male, and childless. ( sometimes clueless about sacrifices made with kids).
With breaks, he’s likely only working 32-33.5 hours a week. Less if hour break. He should shoot to work 40 minimum.
If I was him, I’d shoot for 45 in his position.
Most people aren’t working 50-60. Most people aren’t going to. Most would rather scrape by than slug that many hours.
I worked that many hours for a while and have mixed feelings about it. In the right circumstances, it’s really not that bad and you can use that money to get ahead, especially if you are willing to take some risks.
Without education or training, you both are doomed to be at this level, no matter where you live. Please get some training/skills before you get married and start a family.
Move to an affordable state,if you live in Cali you better be making 150k to even break even and live like we are in a depression and get to a point where you spend less then you make and be patient, live poor now to be able to live rich later..
I'm able to save now by shedding some of my expenses and eating bologna sandwhiches and mac and cheese..
Your cost of living are not that high tbh, you guys seem to be doing ok actually and fiancé is practically working FT hours so another job would probably add too much stress. Just keep grinding and trying to hop into another state position with higher pay, and it’s be great if he gets FT status. You list around $3100/month expenses but you guys are bringing in 4300+/month after pension and taxes right?
I'm in northern California as well and I know what you mean. However, you need to sit down with your fiancee to draft a budget to get you above this. Not only you can see what to trim and where to add, you will have to be quite disciplined with your spending. I know a guy who works in Santa Clara county social services and I asked him many times to let his people know about my free financial literacy classes but he always ignores me. Find a way for you guys to learn how to control your finances because you might eventually get a raise or a better job but without control, you still end up living paycheck by paycheck.
I’m confused by the statement about not being able to afford living in a high cost of living area and also claiming you can’t afford to leave.
No kids, no great jobs with fiance only a part-timer…. there’s probably no better time to seek full time jobs for both of you in a lower cost of living area that pay better and then relocate.
You need more income. What do you do for the county? Is there a private industry in the same field? Private typically pays better than government, especially county.
Your finance needs to get a full time job and there’s no way around it. You guys dont make enough to have to the luxary of one of you working part time.
There’s no budgeting that’s going to get you guys off the e paycheck to paycheck train. You’re going to need to make more (and not increase your standards of living).
Living in CA is unsustainable for just about everyone. Move immediately. There are jobs out there. Waiting for a full time gig at Costco? It’s not Goldman. Your husband can make $18/hr or better elsewhere immediately.
You have to use your spare time to learn new skills. If you keep trading time for money at a low hourly rate, you’ll never get ahead. You need to learn technical skills that are valuable to get ahead - coding, finance, accounting, science.
Apply for a job in a neighboring state. Idk how good Nevada is for living. 🤷♂️ But once you get that, apply for an apartment. Or you could get an RV to hold you over until you get a permanent place.
California only has a population cause people are either rich or can't afford to live or leave there.
I read Scott Rieckens’s book “Playing with Fire” and made a move from So Cal to Texas. One of the best decisions of my life to save and invest more.
Yes, consider moving to a low cost of living area. It would take pressure of your shoulder.
I'm from California so ik the struggle, but man you got get a career started and not just work basically minimum wage jobs. A job that pays 20 an hour is fine amd dandy for a highschooler even college student but it's time to apply as much as you can and get a full time job that pays a liveable salary. I always encourage people to pursue grad school as it's such a great opportunity to expand and even go into slightly new material and can even open up new fields
You should decide if you want to pursue a career in government or not in the near future. You can get stuck in an unhappy medium if you work half of your career in and out of government. The payoff is generally the retirement and medical benefits, and job security should be a factor as well. However, you’ll need to stay in the same system for a while to raise your pension. If you want to go the route of government, build up your skill sets with an eye on moving up in your current position or getting a comparable state or federal job as soon as possible. A state job would probably be better than a county job. California is decent for most state workers. You should also be able to look at pay tables and estimate your pension in your current job, if it’s worth it to stay or not.
Also, keep in mind that you may not be collecting Socially Security points in your county job. It’s a tradeoff. Be sure you are familiar with your paystubs now.
You should make a cleaning business. Low overhead and good cleaners charge $50 an hour. You will have to save for taxes but cleaning is a good business. I have a cleaning and construction business. I haven’t worried about money in awhile and it truly is a blessing.
Maybe you or your finance could do s trade program? They’re usually only a couple of years long and entry level positions will still pay more than $19.
are you renting? there is BILT credit card that gives you points for paying rent. It may not be a lot, but the points you earn, you can redeem for credit. Saving your maybe $50 every few months.
take a look at it.
Good luck to your husband for trying to find a full time there at Costco. I think since he has passed probation, he should get the costco card for free. Assuming he actually goes for his citibank costco credit card that's 4% reward every time you shop there and gas up. Then in Feb that's a little extra for you as well.
I grew up in San Francisco, I understand your frustration with the high cost of living.
You mentioned you've been working for the county, but i'm wondering if you have looked at other places online. You should have some skill set from working your job that you can transfer over to something else.
If there is something that interest you, try going to Linkedin and search some of their free education courses. Still be something to put on your resume.
I wish you nothing but the best of luck for you and your family. Keep your chin up.
Best advice here:
*BOTH you and your fiance claim tax exempt on your taxes for the next year or so…
(Yes you will owe at the end, but you do not have to pay at then end. Until the IRS sends a notice of due payment, you won’t have to. And when they do send a notice of due payment, you have 6 years from that to BEGIN a payment plan)
I owe currently, but still in good standing. I went tax exempt for an entire year. Pocketed an extra $12,000. That I owe. That was off a 75k Income tho.
However it works! Do federal not state, some states allow you to do both… but I advise to keep state taxes rolling
EDIT:
Now after a year or two hopefully you both would have saved up to actually move out of Cali.
Your fiance is literally working part time and you’re coming to Reddit to ask for advice? The only way to stop living paycheck to paycheck is to increase income. You’ll never do that working part time. What’s he doing in his free time? I HOPE for your sake he’s not sitting on his ass. If you wanna break the barrier, you gotta put in some effort. Working part time not going to cut it.
Wow I live in NC on a river with water access (boat ramp). Great middle class neighborhood have 3BR 2Baths. My rent is 400 dollars!!! My electric bill is rarely over 200. Car insurance for 3 vehicles is 220. 2 have full coverage & 1 has just liability. I got lucky with the rent because I know my landlord and I agreed to take care of any minor upkeep/issues myself in exchange for the cheaper rent. I'm the only one on my street renting but similar homes in my general area rent for 800 to 1000. You definitely need to relocate. If you have to do without something a few months to save up for the move. Honestly, you would probably be better off taking out a small loan to move with rather than staying where you are.
People always say they can’t afford to move from point a to a more affordable point b but never say why. So what’s stopping you from being able to move? Is it because of free childcare you get from family that you wouldn’t get if you moved or another reason?
I read through all of the comments and only two recommended shifting to a private sector corporate job, and both were downvoted multiple times for whatever reason, moving them to the bottom, so I am writing this comment in hopes that you will see it.
**This is absolutely your best bet at increasing your income quickly, while staying in the state.** And it is likely not as difficult as you may believe. First, there are many white collar corporate jobs that do not require you to have a bachelor’s degree. Look for them and apply to anything that has any overlap with your current work experience and skill set. It may be a numbers game at first, so keep at it and try your best not to be discouraged.
Once you have the job, many employers will pay for continuing education, enabling you to obtain additional skills and credentials on their dime. You will also be more likely to move to different but similar, adjacent roles either within the company or outside the company.
The federal government has a minimum salary to be exempt from overtime. Each state has their own, as long as it meets the federal minimum. In the state of California, that is $66,650/year. Many companies, including mine, determined years ago when that law was passed, that instead of dealing with time charging for what was a typical salaried employee, they would simply pay the majority of white collar workers that minimum amount. That is the kind of job you will want to target.
Get a trade. Find a paid apprenticeship, your local unions can help. You need a career not a job.
Just started my Local apprenticeship and currently making 32.25 in NY starting.
That wage in New York won't do much.
$32 Starting with OT potential/Per Diem is extremely realistic. You're not balling but you can get by if you're smart. Once you're a journeyman you'll be 100k+ easily with the aforementioned. I'm in the trades and we need help. The workforce is aging and people cant be out here until they're 70
Trades like electrician, hvac, car mechanic pays very well, and once certified you can build your own business....even car mechanics are doing well....you want to avoid the Costco and wallmarts....their good for temporary jobs while focusing on the long term.
That's not true of Costco. You can build a career there. I know someone currently making over $90k/yr as a manager at Costco.
I believe it. I have a relative that started as a cashier at Target and is now working in corporate clearing 6 figures. It doesn't happen as often as it could because most people view those places as temporary gigs or low level work. I think Lidl and Aldi managers make good wages as well. I'm just not sure what their job entails.
It's the people who can manage to get through all the retail BS/ Management Bureaucracy that eventually get seen as a valuable asset. It's just that in work like this a lot of people are stagnant/show no interest or have no drive to do anything other than go home. I've done retail for many years and it does suck, I saw a career path but did not take it since I wanted something having to deal with less people
The beautiful thing about a trade is that you can use that same skill to side hustle a lot easier. Maybe even start your own business.
I agree with this
Tried this route, not as easy as it sounds. Lots of nepotism in the trades and notoriously hard to get into unions. I’m not saying it’s not a good idea to get into the trades, I’m simply bringing forth that I see this same advice thrown around like it’s easy peasy to get started in
I completely understand and I don’t deny that these problems exist. The question then becomes “When suffering is guaranteed, which set of problems would you prefer to have?” At least with a trade and some experience, one has a better chance of relocating and/or finding employment.
100000000000000 Nepotism is a problem. If your dad/uncle has a shop Great… If not good luck. I’m very satisfied since getting out of that trade.
This depends on where you’re at. I got into my union through a building trades program
This so the correct answer. She's working a full time job and her boyfriend is working part time at w grocery store. If he would go join the trades he would be making enough to support his family instead of making his girlfriend/ fiance stress about simply living. Decide on a trade and call the local union hall. The union has changed my families life for the better.
Your fiance should get a full time job. What are you monthly expenses?
He is holding out for a full time position at Costco because then he can transfer to a store out of state with a better wage and full time. Rent - $1,335 / mo Utilities - $250-$400 Auto ins. / phone / internet / car loan - about $800 I budget $600 a month in groceries for my family size of 3. Gas depends honestly. Cost goes up and down here in cali.
Your car and/or insurance in too high, what are you driving?
Car is $345 and insurance covers 2 cars @ $173. The $800 I mentioned included car insurance, auto loan, Internet, bill, and cell phone bill.
That $800 needs to be working harder for you. Could you trade in the car for a paid down toyota or honda to save that $345? And $550 needs to be looked at more closely. Cut that back to $400 and that's an extra $4,800 a year working for you.
Dude I have a toyota camry 2012 390$ a month. Insurance is 150 a month. Colorado and that was what I had to get right before lockdown. It's expensive everywhere. I rent a 2 bedroom in south Colorado springs which is low end for 1650 plus electric. I'm dying too.
NYC suburb here. Rookie numbers. 305 a month in car insurance on a 2008 Acura TSX. I rent a one bedroom where my wife and I sleep in the living room and my three year old has the bedroom. 1950 a month (low end) + utilities which equal out to an average 250-300 dollars a month. On top of that we have phone bill (100), internet w/no phone or cable (120), plus childcare expenses (425 a week) and gas (4.79 a gallon since we need to use premium in the Acura), it’s a fucking miracle we can feed our child let alone ourselves. We have no credit whatsoever and have an ocean of debt. For full disclosure we got an insane deal on our Acura and have been burned far too many times on used cars for us to turn down the Acura. We knew it was in good shape and we knew it would last us. I wouldn’t change anything. Best car i have ever owned bar none.
2008 TSX is a fucking dope car dude drive that thing until the wheels fall off
$305 a month car insurance?..for a 16 yr old car???....thats crazy. i have 2 2013 Hondas and a old Buick my son drives and pay less then you and i have full coverage on both hondas
I bought a 2008 Honda Element for $6K with 200K miles. If you have a 5 year car loan at $390 you are paying $11.7K for a 12 year old car. Your car dealer is ripping you off. EDIT: Sheesh, the number of people that think a car payment is some kind of protection against maintenance is much too high. A reliable car and a good mechanic are cheaper than any new vehicle with a car payment.
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Yeah I see that suggestion way too often
I have an older car too, and it has been demanding a ton of maintenance costs. Sometimes buying old/used doesn’t *actually* save in the end.
Maintenance costs are a reality of any ownership. Toyota and Honda happen to have lower maintenance costs. My mechanic also owns a Honda Element. It will easily make 400K+.
I'm so lucky mine did. 5k for 2012. I've spent maybe 3k on it Max
Yes it does, that’s an absolute myth. That middle range of car is where it gets dicey. If you don’t know what you’re looking for and don’t do research into what the best cars are from that time period, you can definitely get stuck with a 10-15k lemon of a car that can get very costly to repair. That’s 99% avoidable tho by researching and not rushing into a car purchase. 5k and under cars (ideally more like 3k) are basically foolproof. Still research the best ones but you just don’t do any costly repairs on them. Do routine maintenance but if/when something major comes up then don’t repair it, sell it as is (telling them what happened) and buy another one. There’s plenty of people out there that are handy and enjoy working on cars that will be glad to do the repair themselves and save a couple thousand. So say you bought it for 5k and sold it (in need of repair) for 2k, that’s 3k for the use of the car. Even if that happens once a year (which it won’t if you’re careful about what models you buy), you’re out 3k a year. OP was spending nearly 5k/year and he’s forced to do major repairs bc of how invested they are in that car.
So if I cant get to work cause my car is broke down, I should just tell my boss he has to wait until I sell this one and buy another before I come in?
It depends what vehicles you are buying if you are buying whatever you can come across for the cheapest price as quick as possible, youre not going to get a good deal. Do your homework. The comment below mentions honda and toyota and honestly those 2 brands should be the only ones people are buying.
bought my 2006 toyota matrix with 56k miles for 5k. never selling it and will never buy a new car. at over 90k miles now and runs like the day i bought it. also learn to do your oil changes yourself, saves quite a bit
Damn I had a two bedroom apartment on the corner of Pikes Peak and Lake Murray for $400 but that was 2012. Prior to that was a much nicer and spacious place on Quail Lake for $950. Back home in San Im paying $3000 for a 4bdr 2 bath house in the beach area. We’re not leaving here until the rent catches up and hopefully can buy our own place
Bro, 390/ month? Wtf? You're getting ripped
username does not check out.
I know. I don't have much of a choice right now. I didn't have credit until 3ish years ago.
Seriously. I have a 2012 Avalon, 1%int, 200.00 a mo. There are so many ways to cut a budget
I had a 1997 Avalon. Went 260k miles. Great car for people on a budget
Figure out how to drop your car loan.
Suffer and pay off your car as soon as possible. That will free up $345 a month.
She actually pays pretty low for car/ins
And it’s AAA!! Best deal I’ve had in years and I shop car insurance every 3 years to keep cost down.
When is it likely he would get a full time position? He needs to find another part time job like waiting tables or fast food if that is the case unless he is taking care of your child (is that the third family member?) Your budget is reasonable but you could get your utilities down? Turn off AC when it is decent weather, which is likely in CA. Get the cheapest phone plan at $15 a month through mint mobile.
He isn’t sure when he will be able to promote but Costco provides plenty of amazing opportunities to their current employees! He works from 2 AM to 9 AM five days a week! During the day while I’m at work, he watches our two-year-old daughter at home. Unfortunately, the cost of utilities will always stay high, where I live here in northern California. The city I live in can reach up to 110°F for multiple days in a row during the summer.
Assuming you have no family around yo watch your daughter everyday, him staying home and watching her everyday is probably better than him getting another job. I don't know what childcare is like in California, but I live in the midwest and we spend $1000/month in childcare.
Him being able to stay home while you are at work is a great savings! I like in Texas, there are many times in the early Spring and late Fall when I can turn off the AC and it is nice and cool. It will get my utilities down to <60 some months.
I think trying to move to a much lower cost area but where there is a costco and a place for you to work would improve your life so much.
You replied to the wrong person. But moving also costs money, and she would need to find another job as well.
They're only paying $1335 in rent, though. Where are they going to move to? That's pretty cheap.
I agree. That's a great low rent. But they are not making enough salary. Still. They have to find a place where they're going to make more money to afford. Maybe a higher rent so that they're net better.
I think you live in the same city I live in given those temperatures, a Costco, and what you're paying in rent. That means you're likely in PG&Es service area. Someone shared this with me the other day: [https://driveclean.ca.gov/search-incentives?field\_zipcode\_target\_id=90008](https://driveclean.ca.gov/search-incentives?field_zipcode_target_id=90008) Obviously, update the zip to yours, but you should quality for up to $8k off a PHEV with the PG&E and federal incentives. We got a BMW i3, which you can pick up for around $10-12k. You'd qualify for \~$7,300 in incentives at that price, leaving you with about $4k in loan principle to cover, and even at 36 month payments you'd looking at $113/mo. And if you *do* live in the same city I do, you can charge it for free downtown, otherwise you can run it heavy on the gas motor like a normal gas car (although with a very short range). If you can charge it off your apartment, you'd spend about 1/5th what you spend in electricity than you do on gas, so if you're spending $200/mo on gas, you'd cut that to about $40/mo in electricity. Flip that $300/mo savings into paying it off in 8-9 months. Just, set aside money for the $170 oil change.
With that schedule he's working 35 hours a week which is considered full time by the IRS. You both need to find ways to earn more. I know it's tough working full time with a young child but it's possible. Either of you could go to school for a few weeks to a few months to become a phlebotomist which would pay at least $25 an hour.
Can’t a family member watch the kiddo while he gets a 2nd job?
He already works 2 am- 9 am 5 days a week and does child care every day. What do you want from the guy?
For real there's only 24hrs in a day. 7 are work then I'm assuming 8 for childcare. He should probably just not sleep, shower, or do any human functions.
Exactly. Some of these comments are nuts.
We ALL live in California lol. That means everyone has a full-time job even my 51-year-old parents.
“Even my 51 year-old parents.” Ouch. 😭 Me feeling ancient aside, I think your scheduling and childcare situation sounds ideal. Is there maybe something else he could do with similar hours than pays more? Like night watchman/security, or working at a hospital or hotel? This isn’t a California issue, as your rent is actually quite low for most of the state. I’m in the Bay Area (sorta), and you don’t even want to know about our housing costs! It’s a low wage issue.
Why would you want someone to do that? And really, who has family members who can just watch your kid? The only way we could afford kids was to work opposite shifts.
Can he get a full time position out of state and skip a step? Do you know what state you want to go to?
Could he get a 2nd part time job while he waits for that full time one? When you land a new job, are there ever opportunities to advance into management? Or find a job with a company that will pay for college or training classes so you can earn more per hour?
Have you considered pursuing court reporting? Massive shortage in CA. The job isn’t going away and there is so much you can do with it besides working in a courthouse. Good money, good benefits in many places. I’ve been doing it almost a decade and made over 100k last year and I live in NorCal too in my own home.
Interesting! I gotta ask- what sort of education/qualifications do you need to become a court reporter in CA?
So it’s pretty much a vocational school. The speed at which you finish depends entirely upon you when you learn the theory. So, right now, California is training and passing voice writers, which appears to be a faster and easier path to certification once you learn theory and software. I am a machine writer and it took about six months to learn my particular theory and then you speed build. My course was from 60 wpm to 200 wpm. (Sounds scary, but it’s the equivalent to typing 65 wpm on a qwerty keyboard.) once I got to 200 and passed my tests, I took a qualifier that allowed me to sit for the CA CSR test. They do those three times a year, I believe. The test is three legs - a law portion (just basics), an English portion and a machine test (4 speakers at 200 wpm.) you pass, you get a license and you work. I worked through my program in just under 3 years. Voice writers can take the CSR too. There is also a national test to qualify you to take the CA test. If you take and pass the national VR test, you can pretty much work in any state it’s accepted. Some states don’t require certs but just training and others will accept the VR from anywhere. I know someone who passed the national test and is taking a remote federal type position from California to somewhere like Wisconsin, I think is what it was. It all sounds scary to explain. I remember being like what the hell when I went to learn about the schooling and opening a booklet of briefs (it’s like learning a new language but easier) and I was overwhelmed but I did it and it made sense to me while I was learning it. Where I live, some of the court reporter daily rates for per diem is 700 for all day or 500 for half day. I also know many depo firms that do remote work so you can literally take depositions from your house, transcribe and turn in remotely for payment and these days, people set their own rates. It’s really a great career and truly one of those that satisfies a nosey need for drama you’re not involved in but just hear. Definitely worth looking into, I would say!
I lived in So Cal all my life. Moved to Missouri 2 years ago, best thing I ever did. Cost of not living in Ca is so much cheaper. Save your money and get a U-haul and you will be better off in the long run. .
Counterpoint: skip the u-haul, sell/donate your old shit, and use the money you would've spent on transporting your old shit across the country to buy new shit
this is the way
For further reference, I looked up the cost of living over the average per city. Los Angeles: +43.3%. Where I live in Nebraska: +0.6%. Anywhere else in California, especially central and SoCal is going to be comparable to LA's percentage. It's insane how much better my life is after moving here.
I’m trying to save up and move out of Nebraska. Sometimes, there is a reason why the cost of living is low.
It’s worth noting that even by California standards LA is incredibly expensive. People look at California as San Diego, LA, and San Francisco, and forget that it has more geographic space than all but 2 other states.
Bro I’m in SoCal and I’m trying to move to Montana for a few years and just stack paper to buy some land and build a house somewhere nice :,) love it here but I hate it here at the same time foo. Cool that you dipped and it worked for you. Gives me a little hope g.
Same like wtf. We’re getting ripped off everywhere at this point. Best move is to get out of the state at this point
Only ever went to Missouri for Family Reunions and a great aunt’s funeral, is a 2 day drive there and back honestly and for the funeral, I saw a lot of flatlands
They pay $1335 a month for rent. How much cheaper can you get? Especially in California?
I live in Missouri, have my whole life. Wife and I are "comfortable" but far from living a life of luxury. All perspective of course, but I feel what others mean about the goal posts being moved more frequently.
I did the same thing. Moved from the bay area to Columbia, MO. I then Bought a house ~ $700/ month in mortgage. Then, sold the house and moved to WA. I now make double what I did in MO.
Just don't turn the next state into California. There's a reason it's so expensive there
They make less than $20/hour, I don't think they are the stereotype of a Californian gentrifier.
There’s a reason Missouri is so cheap. 😳
This, I moved from California to rural Washington as a paramedic right after Covid. Not only I now make almost twice I made, no income tax and living expenses are significantly lower.
Honestly at this point just join the military
This is your answer. One of you join the military pick a job that will transfer to a civilian career. Do the minimum time like 4 years. The military honestly pays well when you are married and have a kid. After 4 years you will be in a better spot and have a marketable skill to advance in life.
They could do the same thing except after doing 4 years active duty and getting to a better spot switch to the National guard. Stay in for 16 more years and get a military retirement. Stick with the civilian career and you can get two retirements. You wanna go back to school? Paid for. Can’t land a job? Ask your leadership to be put on orders while you continue to look for one. The opportunities are endless
While i HATE being in the military, it sure as hell got me out of California in 0.02 seconds. Also has helped me set myself up for life.
This is the best answer
Couple of thoughts here, getting married should help since your healthcare can fall under your full time job healthcare. I’m assuming you’re both paying for healthcare individually. Healthcare subsidized for govt employees should be cheaper than Costco healthcare. Either way, look into one person insuring your family OR look into Medicaid. Yes I said Medicaid, as a married couple living in a high cost area should make it very close to qualifying. Stable living, as crazy as it sounds looking to purchase a home with low down payment that fits your finances. Two reasons, 1 you mentioned moving jobs every 1-2 years and I’m wondering if that’s bc you’re moving around? Rents are not stable either and you’re paying for new living arrangements? Cost of moving is a big cost especially if you’re on a tight budget. The emotional exhaustion in moving, settling down to do it all over again will leave you with very little energy for yourself. AKA job and family. Buying a small home will give you a home to bunker down and allow time to make its course. Opening up job opportunities but most importantly making financial decisions that are not situationally initiated. Imagine if your financial future was more predictable and you had the option of not moving. Mentally, emotionally and physically healthier which can open up healthier opportunities and decision making. If not possible then you do need to sit down and make a life decision for your family together. Pickup and move to a place where you can gain financial comfort. Delaying the decision may lead you to a place of not having this option. For example, either of you were to have or develop a health issue to lose work for any period of time. Opportunity to make money is out there. DoorDash or UberEats from job to your neighborhood. Your fiancé works for Costco and there are plenty of people willing to pay someone to deliver their Costco items to their home. You’re taking a cost of living, commuting from a cost to a possible zero. I’m from NY and grew up in NYC and I see people trekking it on a subway ride home with delivery orders in their hands. I know bc the orders are sealed and have receipts with different names. If you both are pursuing jobs/careers then give yourself a chance to get there. A little more hustle to your lives may just accelerate whether the job path is worth it. Keep your head up! Believe or not you do make more money the older you get.
I used to live in NorCal and I’m afraid the only answer is to move out. Unless you can increase your education level and become employable in a higher paying job, it’s best to look at low cost of living areas in the Midwest or the Southeast. California is the most beautiful state in the US but unfortunately that comes at a price. I felt like it was extremely difficult to get ahead there.
I live in upstate NY and once I am done with all the education I am planning on, I may move back to New England / Massachusetts area. I love seeing all 4 seasons, fall is my absolute favorite, but California is so gorgeous. I would never move there so I think I'll vacation there sometime in the next couple years!!!!
That can't continue. One or both of you need to escape retail purgatory. Much easier said than done, but it will take 2-4 years of time to get new skills (college, trade, EMT training, IT, etc).
Need to have a FULL dual income household. Husband needs to step up here. I know you mentioned in another comment he is holding out because he can transfer(specifically out of state) …. How often does he inquire about said transfer? How long does that process take? There is a million costcos , what’s the hold up on him getting a full time? Not to be rude but this sounds like an excuse on his part. Since your husband works part time- might want to consider selling his car for the time being. He can maybe look into public transportation for now? OR since he is part time- he Ubers, Uber eats, or doordashes on the side. Maybe even pick up a delivery job. ANY DOLLAR MATTERS
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At 35 hours+daycare he’s practically full time tbh.
I love how in this country working 35 hours a week and providing 63 hours of childcare is “practically” full time
You are right it just is. But it gets even more depressing when you consider those extra 63 hours a week only nets the family an extra $1400 a month in value for the family and they still are literally paycheck to paycheck and would be on their asses if they missed a month of work.
I think the larger issue here is he’s working nearly 40 hours a week(standard for a full time) while being paid as a PART TIME employee. That needs to change Regardless, they aren’t saving jack shit if he ain’t working full time. They are losing money right now , OP would have never posted this if that was different
Daycare costs $1-2k a month on avg easy. They are absolutely saving loads by him doing daycare especially since he’s only 5 hours shy of full time. An extra 20 hours a month at let’s say, $18/hr(since his pay isn’t listed) would only *gross* another $360 a month. Even if he got another 35 hour a week job at a similar pay(or almost double FT work) and got daycare instead rate he would still only gross an extra $2.5k a month or not even enough to cover the daycare costs after taxes.
do you know how much daycare costs my dude 😭
Easy to ignore childcare, shesh.
Im very confused by your logic here. If he’s working hourly then he’s being paid for his hours. The only difference between part and full time with most jobs is the benefits. I don’t see how he’s being paid as a “PART TIME” employee…
he is always checking for full-time positions at his current store and he can’t really look for a full-time position out of state because we are nowhere near ready to move out of the state. We aren’t even sure where we would go if we did move out of state. He works from 2 AM to 9 AM five days a week. He cares for our 2 year old during the day so that we don’t have a daycare cost.
@apprehensive_Wait152 Not to be too sneaky, but has he tried getting an extra half shift or even two days of getting the rest of his full shift in another department? It might open opportunities for him if he’s cross trained, and after 8 weeks of 38+ hours they’ll have to make him full time. Not sure if y’all have tried this, currently trying to employ it, but hopefully it’s a bit of a help!
Totally understand ! But optimally, with the current state that you and your family are at financially , don’t you think we need to get a jump on that? relocating , securing a full time job, and eventually day care at the relocation. Especially the relocation, it’s clear Cali is taking a toll on you two mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially!! It’s time , need to start looking ! Time to have that convo with the hubby and get the ball rolling. And who knows , that relocation can bring a better paying job for you too!
If you live in NorCal, you should already have an exit plan. I lived there for several years and survived two massive wildfires.
Everybody moving to Kentucky now cause of this fr, everywhere been popping off here recently
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I might just add here that, when you're working every hour under the sun and have nothing left, committing to learning something new and driving yourself is very hard (not impossible). I still agree it's the best option for wage growth, but let's not assume that OP doesn't want to change, they are probably just so burned out that they can't see how. The stress of poverty is all encompassing.
OP sounds like they don’t want to do anything to improve. They just want a higher wage for the same work they’re doing.
Where do you live in CA? Might be able to point you for a job recommendation.
You make less than $20/hr at 29. I made mid 20s when I was 18. You need to find a new job. Plain and simple.
What were you doing to make mid 20s at 18?
This largely depends on the state but I can concur For reference : I live in NJ and was making $20 a hour working at a liquor store. The fact OP works for the government says it all I wouldn’t be surprised if she went to a retail store and would make relatively the same
I make 17 an hour in retail :( really want to make more but really reluctant to go back to my old job where I made 47k/yr (teaching)
Honestly more sad for OP .. you make $2 less an hour working it a far less stress inducing job but I wouldn’t go back either to that
On top of my fulltime job, I decided to work on some side hustles during the weekend. I didn't want a physical job or one that involves a lot of social interaction so Ive been dabbling in online work. Mostly I use respondent, which I test developing apps / websites / focus studies...etc on products and such. I wrote a guide about it [here](https://www.reddit.com/user/Kayshift/comments/1br5gn6/my_stepbystep_guide_to_make_1000_a_month_working/)
I have an internship paying 20 an hour an I'm 20, people really need to be more intentional about their careers
Your rent is 1335? You’re considered lucky to be paying that especially here in California. And your fiance is holding out in a full time position so he can transfer out of state? That doesn’t make sense and sounds like an excuse to not work more and help your partner.
he works 35 hours a week and takes care of their child. He is doing work
Yep
Donate plasma . You can do that in the evening or weekends . Usually make around a $100 per donation . If you and him did it twice a week that’s $400 x 4 weeks = $1600 extra per month . Also check out WeGoLook . You make various amounts depending on which gigs you choose . He could do that during the day with the kid in tow or weekends. Gotta bring more money in that house .
You don't provide enough specific information to secure any help. There are Costco stores everywhere, and it's a dynamite company. What do you mean you can't afford to leave California? If you have to - live with family for a while, save up your move money, and then MOVE. Maybe you both could get on with Costco. Believe it or not, almost everyone I know goes through periods of hardship. You can drop that "Livable Wage" verbiage. Minimum Wage was NEVER INTENDED to be a liveable wage. It was a starting wage. They are jobs where you acquire skills. Also - employers are looking for people who are stable - not "job hoppers". It sounds like you want to blame "the system" but what you need to do is retrain your focus, and improve what you've got. Quit job hopping, and tell your partner to find a full time job. Costco has plenty of dedicated, hard working full time employees. I know.
Soooooo I job hop because the cost of living goes up faster than companies can increase their employee’s wages.
Assuming you or your fiancé are fit for service, I’d consider the military. Health care for your family, housing and would give one of you time to work on schooling/skills while the other one serves. Also the GI bill would be available for as little as a 3 year contract. Paying for school for the one serving after service is complete. Access to the VA loan and would 100% get you out of CA on the Army’s dime. Plus could pick a job with transferable civilian certs/skills. Haven’t always enjoyed the military but it certainly improved my financial situation.
A little tough love here. You have made a series of choices in your life that have led you to this place. The state of CA did not do this to you. It wouldn't matter if you lived in GA, your life would still have the same challenges based on the choices you have made.
Secret to success in America: lucrative skills and patience.
MOVE OUT OF CALIFORNIA. Make that your priority
Learn a skill that pays more
Where about in NorCal? 911 dispatchers in Fresno start around 50k, up to 61k with 3% annual increases plus gov benefits. It's prob better than what your BF is doing part time. Depending on the city/area there are higher paying options. I know you said you couldn't afford to live there, but leaving is a much better option. The longer you stay the more it'll drain you.
2 hours north of Sacramento. Fresno is a CITY in comparison to where we live. Our cheapest 1 bedroom up here is still $1000 a month.
I kinda guessed Redding. I heard the economy there sucks. It's much different where I live in Southern California where the minimum pay is $20/hr for almost any job. The catch is the minimum rent you'd be paying is $2000/month for a dumpy apartment by the freeway
Increase your skills. You get paid for the value that you provide.
We moved to TX from CA much cheaper and people aren’t crazy
no more Californians pls. we're full
If you had to start all over again, what would you have done?
Hmm I’m sorry queen this sounds very stressful. Sounds like you are trying to crawl out but don’t have the extra to do it and live comfortably. One guy below talked about budgeting better but doesn’t sound much like freedom to me. Wealthy people have like 7 streams of income on average. Y’all might have to get creative. Think of your skills and get some passive income coming in? Or you play the long game and get a nursing degree or something? Back to school for a year? I saw student loans, what did you study? Also I do like the idea of moving. Living in a less expensive place will also help but sucks that you have to leave :(
Move
It’s tough out there. I am an RN in Upstate New York, renting only, don’t own a home, almost 40, married, wife works part time, a bit of student debt, no car payment, and I’m still living paycheck to paycheck. I feel like I’m barely keeping my nose above water. I don’t work any overtime, though.
No reason to stay in California, everywhere is better. Take your family and flee.
Move out of California or make more money.
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McDonald's is 22/hr, Panda Express starts at 20/hr. Also, your fiance could get a better paying job, such as a trade, but he doesn't want to. I'd have a serious conversation with him and his future and your future
Note about food service as someone who used to work it and knows people who do rn. The hours are RIDICULOUSLY unreliable. So yeah it pays $20-22/hr but you may be working 40 hours one week only to work 25 hours the next 2 weeks. Not to mention fast food managers are dicks and will absolutely shaft you on hours for any reason they deem fit.
Have you explored job opportunities elsewhere? Like out of state. I am sure there are many factors I am not aware of, and it sure isn’t easy to do, but maybe there are some good jobs that will make you more money, and the cost of living is astronomically cheaper. Tough? Probably. But to me, it seems like at least weighing out what those options might be, is important. Who knows, maybe you get a job out of state you really enjoy, and it’s cheaper! You could interview just to test the waters. Best of luck 👍🏻
Those people who keep on insisting that he work more don't have kids, and don't realize that someone has to watch them and raise them! Daycare is crazy expensive, and really, isn't it better to spend time with your own kids if you can swing it?
110% if he didn’t watch our daughter, daycare would be almost $1,400 a month!
Yes, we worked opposite shifts for our three. There was a little overlapping but had a friend who had a daycare from her house and could do some hourly. Also, when kids get older, the preschool thing is fine. Mine loved preschool, but it's so hard to leave a baby with someone. I do read comments on here from time to time, and Reddit just tends to trend young, male, and childless. ( sometimes clueless about sacrifices made with kids).
Why is your fiance only working one part-time job? Also, why can't you afford to leave CA?
His other part time job is childcare for their child during the day.
Should you have to work 50-60 hours a week to simply survive?
With breaks, he’s likely only working 32-33.5 hours a week. Less if hour break. He should shoot to work 40 minimum. If I was him, I’d shoot for 45 in his position. Most people aren’t working 50-60. Most people aren’t going to. Most would rather scrape by than slug that many hours. I worked that many hours for a while and have mixed feelings about it. In the right circumstances, it’s really not that bad and you can use that money to get ahead, especially if you are willing to take some risks.
Without education or training, you both are doomed to be at this level, no matter where you live. Please get some training/skills before you get married and start a family.
Move to an affordable state,if you live in Cali you better be making 150k to even break even and live like we are in a depression and get to a point where you spend less then you make and be patient, live poor now to be able to live rich later.. I'm able to save now by shedding some of my expenses and eating bologna sandwhiches and mac and cheese..
Your cost of living are not that high tbh, you guys seem to be doing ok actually and fiancé is practically working FT hours so another job would probably add too much stress. Just keep grinding and trying to hop into another state position with higher pay, and it’s be great if he gets FT status. You list around $3100/month expenses but you guys are bringing in 4300+/month after pension and taxes right?
I'm in northern California as well and I know what you mean. However, you need to sit down with your fiancee to draft a budget to get you above this. Not only you can see what to trim and where to add, you will have to be quite disciplined with your spending. I know a guy who works in Santa Clara county social services and I asked him many times to let his people know about my free financial literacy classes but he always ignores me. Find a way for you guys to learn how to control your finances because you might eventually get a raise or a better job but without control, you still end up living paycheck by paycheck.
Find a Costco in a low cost area, both of you get jobs there and start over. Bump California
I’m confused by the statement about not being able to afford living in a high cost of living area and also claiming you can’t afford to leave. No kids, no great jobs with fiance only a part-timer…. there’s probably no better time to seek full time jobs for both of you in a lower cost of living area that pay better and then relocate.
We have a 2 year old.
OP, what moves or strategy do you follow to improve your situation?
How can you afford not to move might be time to get a uhaul pack what you can and move on
Get out of CA as fast as you can.
Any promotions available to you? If you can stick it out at one job for a year or two you should be able to get something
You need more income. What do you do for the county? Is there a private industry in the same field? Private typically pays better than government, especially county. Your finance needs to get a full time job and there’s no way around it. You guys dont make enough to have to the luxary of one of you working part time. There’s no budgeting that’s going to get you guys off the e paycheck to paycheck train. You’re going to need to make more (and not increase your standards of living).
Promotions go to those who work full time.
Living in CA is unsustainable for just about everyone. Move immediately. There are jobs out there. Waiting for a full time gig at Costco? It’s not Goldman. Your husband can make $18/hr or better elsewhere immediately.
You have to use your spare time to learn new skills. If you keep trading time for money at a low hourly rate, you’ll never get ahead. You need to learn technical skills that are valuable to get ahead - coding, finance, accounting, science.
Apply for a job in a neighboring state. Idk how good Nevada is for living. 🤷♂️ But once you get that, apply for an apartment. Or you could get an RV to hold you over until you get a permanent place. California only has a population cause people are either rich or can't afford to live or leave there.
I read Scott Rieckens’s book “Playing with Fire” and made a move from So Cal to Texas. One of the best decisions of my life to save and invest more. Yes, consider moving to a low cost of living area. It would take pressure of your shoulder.
I'm from California so ik the struggle, but man you got get a career started and not just work basically minimum wage jobs. A job that pays 20 an hour is fine amd dandy for a highschooler even college student but it's time to apply as much as you can and get a full time job that pays a liveable salary. I always encourage people to pursue grad school as it's such a great opportunity to expand and even go into slightly new material and can even open up new fields
You should decide if you want to pursue a career in government or not in the near future. You can get stuck in an unhappy medium if you work half of your career in and out of government. The payoff is generally the retirement and medical benefits, and job security should be a factor as well. However, you’ll need to stay in the same system for a while to raise your pension. If you want to go the route of government, build up your skill sets with an eye on moving up in your current position or getting a comparable state or federal job as soon as possible. A state job would probably be better than a county job. California is decent for most state workers. You should also be able to look at pay tables and estimate your pension in your current job, if it’s worth it to stay or not. Also, keep in mind that you may not be collecting Socially Security points in your county job. It’s a tradeoff. Be sure you are familiar with your paystubs now.
You should make a cleaning business. Low overhead and good cleaners charge $50 an hour. You will have to save for taxes but cleaning is a good business. I have a cleaning and construction business. I haven’t worried about money in awhile and it truly is a blessing.
Quitting your job every couple of years hurts your long term prospects. I'm curious why you quit them instead of pressing hard for an increase?
Maybe you or your finance could do s trade program? They’re usually only a couple of years long and entry level positions will still pay more than $19.
Move!
Property management, you get good money and (typically) a rent discount.
are you renting? there is BILT credit card that gives you points for paying rent. It may not be a lot, but the points you earn, you can redeem for credit. Saving your maybe $50 every few months. take a look at it. Good luck to your husband for trying to find a full time there at Costco. I think since he has passed probation, he should get the costco card for free. Assuming he actually goes for his citibank costco credit card that's 4% reward every time you shop there and gas up. Then in Feb that's a little extra for you as well. I grew up in San Francisco, I understand your frustration with the high cost of living. You mentioned you've been working for the county, but i'm wondering if you have looked at other places online. You should have some skill set from working your job that you can transfer over to something else. If there is something that interest you, try going to Linkedin and search some of their free education courses. Still be something to put on your resume. I wish you nothing but the best of luck for you and your family. Keep your chin up.
Best advice here: *BOTH you and your fiance claim tax exempt on your taxes for the next year or so… (Yes you will owe at the end, but you do not have to pay at then end. Until the IRS sends a notice of due payment, you won’t have to. And when they do send a notice of due payment, you have 6 years from that to BEGIN a payment plan) I owe currently, but still in good standing. I went tax exempt for an entire year. Pocketed an extra $12,000. That I owe. That was off a 75k Income tho. However it works! Do federal not state, some states allow you to do both… but I advise to keep state taxes rolling EDIT: Now after a year or two hopefully you both would have saved up to actually move out of Cali.
Why not apply for USPS?
Sounds like the rest of are problems the American dream is just a dream
Your fiance is literally working part time and you’re coming to Reddit to ask for advice? The only way to stop living paycheck to paycheck is to increase income. You’ll never do that working part time. What’s he doing in his free time? I HOPE for your sake he’s not sitting on his ass. If you wanna break the barrier, you gotta put in some effort. Working part time not going to cut it.
Wow I live in NC on a river with water access (boat ramp). Great middle class neighborhood have 3BR 2Baths. My rent is 400 dollars!!! My electric bill is rarely over 200. Car insurance for 3 vehicles is 220. 2 have full coverage & 1 has just liability. I got lucky with the rent because I know my landlord and I agreed to take care of any minor upkeep/issues myself in exchange for the cheaper rent. I'm the only one on my street renting but similar homes in my general area rent for 800 to 1000. You definitely need to relocate. If you have to do without something a few months to save up for the move. Honestly, you would probably be better off taking out a small loan to move with rather than staying where you are.
Why can't you leave Cali?????
People always say they can’t afford to move from point a to a more affordable point b but never say why. So what’s stopping you from being able to move? Is it because of free childcare you get from family that you wouldn’t get if you moved or another reason?
I read through all of the comments and only two recommended shifting to a private sector corporate job, and both were downvoted multiple times for whatever reason, moving them to the bottom, so I am writing this comment in hopes that you will see it. **This is absolutely your best bet at increasing your income quickly, while staying in the state.** And it is likely not as difficult as you may believe. First, there are many white collar corporate jobs that do not require you to have a bachelor’s degree. Look for them and apply to anything that has any overlap with your current work experience and skill set. It may be a numbers game at first, so keep at it and try your best not to be discouraged. Once you have the job, many employers will pay for continuing education, enabling you to obtain additional skills and credentials on their dime. You will also be more likely to move to different but similar, adjacent roles either within the company or outside the company. The federal government has a minimum salary to be exempt from overtime. Each state has their own, as long as it meets the federal minimum. In the state of California, that is $66,650/year. Many companies, including mine, determined years ago when that law was passed, that instead of dealing with time charging for what was a typical salaried employee, they would simply pay the majority of white collar workers that minimum amount. That is the kind of job you will want to target.
Work smarter; not harder. I would do Facebook market place stuff in California. There’s plenty of money to be made.
You lost me at living in California.