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> Am I way out of band or does that seem like a comically small amount of money for the average American? You are way out of band. The average American can't a
by hitpointdrew 7y ago
> Am I way out of band or does that seem like a comically small amount of money for the average American?
You are way out of band. The average American can't afford an unexpected $500 bill, lives pay-check-to-pay-check and doesn't have education beyond high school. $1k month would be HUGE for the average American.
Most common jobs are truck driving, retail workers, food prep and service.
You probably just live in an echo chamber where most people you live around and associate with are college educated people in professions like IT, Marketing, Accounting, etc.
- Broken_Hippo 7y agoSure, it is huge if you have your regular paycheck. But as a paycheck replacement because the preschool you work at has closed for 6 weeks? It isn't so large. It might be what you bring home every couple of weeks. (Preschool teachers often need a 2-year degree and get paid minimum wage or just a bit more). That $1k only works if it is on top of normal wages.
- hitpointdrew 7y agoLast I checked for someone getting $0, vs they now get $1k every month, that is a pretty big deal. Even if it by no means covers all expenses. It is the difference of being absolutely fucked, vs being kinda fucked, but you now have a much better chance of transitioning or making things work. Also if it is 1k for every adult, then a household with 2 adults (a spouse or significant other), now is getting (as a unit) $2k a month, that is not insignificant and can easily cover mortgage/rent and then some for most Americans.
- Broken_Hippo 7y agoSure, it is better than nothing, and might cover expenses for the month. Or might not. But people are acting like folks are going to go on a spending spree - this only works if you are getting a regular paycheck anyway. This isn't gonna happen. It is survival money if it replaces regular wages, and maybe less than that if they are taking taes out.