Tag Archives: Poverty

The Math is Killing Me

Ann took a 40-hour per week job at an hourly wage half that of what she was making for a 20-hour workweek while self-employed. She loved her new position and was good at it. As a result, she soon promoted to additional responsibility and a raise in wage. This was good, because the fee for Ann’s internet – which she needed both for self-employment and the work she brought home from the job – went up. In addition, Ann was trying to pay down her IRS income tax bill in the amount of roughly $1700 which she was awarded for working her fingers to the bone in self-employment the previous year and grossing $16,000. Meanwhile, Ann’s compassionate employer offered medical insurance – at the same monthly rate as Ann’s home lease. How could Ann say no? Medical insurance is required. Besides, the employer was generous and offered to pay all but $200 of the insurance premium each month. The budget would be tight, but it could be done. Concurrently, Ann’s student loan payment skyrocketed from $112 per month to $360 per month and the car needed repairs.

Please solve and find how Ann will go to the grocery store.
Students of life have attempted to solve this problem in diverse ways.

Here is Ann’s Solution: Ann moved out of her rental house and into a house share. She renegotiated a lower student loan payment for the next 12 months. She was happy to be able to give gifts during the heavy birthday season for her family and to pay her portion of the split ticket when dining out. Now she needs tires for her car.