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Many forms of help are tied to the federal poverty line, which is calculated using a formula that has largely not been updated since the 1960s. The poverty line is calculated in an outdated wayThe current federal poverty line for the 48 contiguous states and Washington, DC, is $15,060 a year for one person, $20,440 for a family of two, and $31,200 for a family of four. Courtesy of Melissa HeddenMuch of the resistance to changing the federal poverty line could stem from the government's desire not to inflate the number of people in poverty overnight. AdvertisementRep. Kevin Mullin, a Democrat from California, has introduced legislation — called the Poverty Line Act— that would modernize the federal poverty line, taking into account actual costs of goods and how prices differ across regions. Do you make above the poverty line but not enough to meet your daily needs?

Persons: —, Jason Hopkins, Hopkins, he's, He's, doesn't, ALICE —, Nyx, Beth Jarosz, Kyle Ross, ALICE, Mollie Orshansky, Jarosz, Stephanie Hoopes, United For ALICE, they've, Melinda Binkley, Ryan Arbuckle, Louis, Oleg Parubin, Parubin, Melissa Hedden, Melissa, Ross, Biden, Kevin Mullin, Mullin, Michael Tubbs, Tubbs Organizations: Service, Business, America, Center for American Progress, Bureau of Labor Statistics, of Health, Human Services, Assistance, Women, Children, United For, SNAP, Bills, Senate Locations: Illinois, Washington, DC, Stillwater , Minnesota, St, Manhattan, Airbnbs, North Carolina, California, Stockon , California, Illinois —

☆ A boomer who lives on Social Security worries she won't get hired because she can't afford a car: 'I don't even have $1 in my wallet.'
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-14 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

They both live off her $1,625 monthly Social Security income, according to documents reviewed by BI. He's also 57 and not old enough to receive Social Security, which typically kicks in at 62. And, while over half of older adult households rely on Social Security, the fund could run out by 2030. Hambrick "doesn't care" what she does next because it's difficult to get hired as an older adult. AdvertisementAre you an older adult living paycheck to paycheck or on Social Security?

Persons: —, she's, Hambrick, hasn't, He's, ALICEs, — Hambrick, She's, There's Organizations: Service, Business, Social Security, BI, Income, Alliance for Lifetime, Survey, Social, Boeing, Medicaid Locations: Tulsa , Oklahoma

☆ 7 cities that pay people to move there, including one that offers up to $10,000 in cash to new residents
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-14 | by ( Jordan Pandy | Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Some US cities offer cash incentives to attract new residents, who are often remote workers. Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementMany Americans are leaving larger cities and states, especially on the coasts, for smaller spots across the US. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Midwest, California

☆ Why lifestyle creep can cause HIFIs to spend 'every cent they make,' according to a financial planner
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-06 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Inflation and the rising cost of living in the US are partially to blame for HIFIs precarious financial situation. HIFIs' spending psychology comes from wanting to belongKnox said that there's often a disconnect between how much money HIFIs make and how much they can afford to spend. Much of HIFIs' spending psychology comes from wanting to belong, Knox said. People want to be able to afford the same clothes or concert tickets as their friends and family, so they keep spending money. AdvertisementSmall spending changes can boost future wealthMany people underestimate how much small spending changes can impact their overall wealth, Knox said.

Persons: —, HIFIs, Zers, Natasha Knox, Knox, there's Organizations: Service, DINKs, Sherwood News, Business, Financial, Bureau of Labor Statistics Locations: Sherwood

☆ A Texas HIFI couple made $200,000 last year. Their budget for vacations and restaurants keeps shrinking despite 'making more money than ever.'
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-05 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

But with the rising cost of living, Joe is apprehensive about the future. His experience echoes that of many HIFIs, a group of Americans who are defined as high income, financially insecure. Joe doesn't feel wealthy, despite a six-figure incomeRight before the pandemic, Joe estimates he and his wife made about $150,000 together. And, despite his household income, Joe doesn't feel wealthy. He doesn't feel like he's saved enough in his 401(k), and he worries his current spending will hurt his future.

Persons: —, Joe doesn't, Joe, we're, Zers, Gen Zers, Debra Kaplan, Kaplan, they're, We're Organizations: Service, Business, BI Locations: Austin

☆ An ALICE has $250,000 in student loan debt and left teaching for a stable job: 'There are many teaching college who are hungry and can't go to the doctor'
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-03 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The 51-year-old has about $250,000 in student loan debt. Like 29% of US households, Pizza lives paycheck to paycheck, but her income is too high for most government assistance, per Census Bureau data and cost-of-living estimates analyzed by the nonprofit United Way. AdvertisementTeachers and adjunct professors are especially vulnerable to being ALICEs. Sixty percent of adjunct professors make less than $50,000 a year, despite most of them holding at least a master's degree, according to a 2022 report by The American Federation of Teachers that surveyed 1,900 adjunct professors across the US. "There are many teaching college who are hungry and can't go to the doctor," Pizza said in an email to Business Insider.

Persons: —, ALICE, Pizza, She's, Paul, she's, Joe Biden's Organizations: Service, Business, The American Federation of Teachers, BI, SNAP Locations: Twin Cities, St

☆ A boomer couple lives on Social Security and receives $23 a month from SNAP for food: 'How are we to survive?'
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-02 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Dacus receives $854 a month, and her husband receives $1,286 a month, according to documents reviewed by Business Insider. Additionally, her household qualifies for $23 a month in SNAP benefits to buy food. "If we worked a 40-hour week from Monday through Friday with my income, it would come out to like $2 an hour," she said, comparing her Social Security income to a full-time work salary. And, if lawmakers don't intervene, the US Social Security fund is expected to dry out by the late 2030s. Sometimes, Dacus has to request an advance on her Social Security check to buy food because her SNAP benefits aren't enough.

Persons: —, Mary Dacus, Stephen, Dacus, ALICEs, — Dacus, we'll, Robinson Organizations: Service, Business, Income, Alliance for Lifetime, Survey, US Social Security, Medicare, SNAP, Social Security Locations: Robinson , Illinois, McDonald's, Blytheville , Arkansas, Dacus, Florida

☆ A DC basic income program is letting people choose the amount on their checks. A participant said $1,400 a month is what she needs to pay medical bills.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-31 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

And since last fall, she's been a participant in a Washington DC-area guaranteed basic income program. With her husband's SSDI disability benefit, the couple lives on a fixed income of under $2,000 each month, which is separate from their guaranteed basic income. Basic income has alleviated some of her financial anxiety, but she said "it's still not enough" to feel stable. The basic income program Kelly participates in is one of over 100 pilots across the US. Have you benefitted from a guaranteed basic income program?

Persons: —, Deborah Ogarro Kelly, Kelly, she's, it's, GBI, hasn't, We've Organizations: Service, Washington DC, Business, SNAP, Economic Security, Community Foundation's Health Equity Fund, City, BI, Republican Locations: Washington, The City, City

☆ New Mexico experimented with a basic income program that gave $500 a month to immigrant families. They used the money to pay rent and secure jobs.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-29 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewNew Mexico's basic income pilot set out to fill a gap in America's financial safety net: many immigrants aren't able to access help. New Mexico's program is among the first basic income programs to operate at the state level and to specifically serve immigrant households. AdvertisementThe pilot's success has also provided momentum for future basic income programs in the region. With basic income, participants saw improved employment and education outcomesThe New Mexico pilot served mixed-status households in 13 counties across the state. AdvertisementHave you benefitted from a guaranteed basic income program?

Persons: —, aren't, Marcela Díaz, Javier Rojo, Doña Ana County, I've, Rojo Organizations: Service, Business, Pueblo Unido, New, New Mexico Economic Relief, Un, Un Pueblo Unido, Children, New Mexico House Locations: New Mexico, Pueblo, Un Pueblo, Doña Ana

☆ Living on $25,000: ALICEs who live paycheck to paycheck explain how they scrape together enough food to get by
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-26 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

However, this criteria leaves low-income households who don't qualify relying on thinly stretched grocery budgets, food pantries, or employer meal discounts. Many ALICEs worry their family will go hungry, but they're running out of options to put food on the table. AdvertisementKelley also said she doesn't live near many food pantries and has to drive long distances to reach a grocery store or Walmart. AdvertisementDo you live paycheck to paycheck? Are you open to sharing how you afford food, housing, and other expenses?

Persons: —, Cherie Tobias, Tobias, She's, ALICE —, she's, ALICE, Melinda Binkley, Binkley, Lisa Kelley, Kelley, Melissa Hedden, Hedden, it's, isn't Organizations: Service, Business, SNAP, Cincinnati, Walmart, BI Locations: Applebee's, Hastings , Michigan, Stillwater , Minnesota, Wilmington , North Carolina

☆ A year after a single mom stopped getting $500 a month through Chicago's basic income program, she's still holding down an apartment and making ends meet: 'It was every single thing that I prayed for.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-23 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Participants across the country have told BI they spent basic income money to pay rent, afford groceries, pay off debt, and support their children. In April, Chicago announced that it will restart it's basic income program. The renewed Chicago program will join a wave of over 100 basic-income pilots that have been launched since 2019. Fisher is still worried about costs, but Chicago basic income gave her 'a brand new start'When Fisher began receiving basic income, she felt immediate relief. With basic income payments, Fisher was able to afford daily expenses and buy the clothes and shoes she and her daughter needed.

Persons: —, Jennette Fisher, Sophia, Fisher, Fisher would've, Teri Olle, Chuck E, hadn't, She's, she's, Chicago's Organizations: Service, Business, SNAP, Economic Security, Chicago, father's Locations: Chicago, City, Economic Security California

The share of US households making just enough to get by but not getting assistance is rising nationwide. The income threshold for this group varies widely between states and cities. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . These households face an economic predicament: They earn too much money to receive most government assistance, but they're still barely getting by. It might be an income of $130,000 for a family of six near St. Louis or $25,000 for a family of three in Michigan.

Persons: ALICE —, —, they're, Louis Organizations: Service Locations: St, Michigan

☆ Over 100 basic-income pilots have run in US cities. Now states are getting creative to fund no-strings-attached cash payments.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-21 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

Basic income has become a trending strategy to combat poverty in cities nationwide. ARPA funds have been used to partially or fully fund most US basic-income pilots so far, but funds are set to expire. While philanthropy and nonprofit work have been central to basic-income pilots, they are not always a long-term or large-scale funding solution. More GBI programs are electing to focus on specific groups of participants, like low-income parents with children and foster youth. The program is funded through the Temporary Aid to Needy Families Program (TANF), an existing federal cash assistance program for low-income families.

Persons: —, Michael Tubbs, Tubbs, It's, Tubbs —, GBI —, Marcela Díaz, let's, Díaz, Teri Olle, Olle, John Gillette, Ken Paxton, Dustin Palmer, GiveDirectly, Palmer, Shafeka Hashash, Hashash, Hashah, GBI Organizations: Service, Business, SNAP, Medicaid, Somos Un, Somos Un Pueblo Unido, Economic Security, New, New Mexico House, California Senate, Republican, South Dakota Republicans, ARPA, Pew Charitable Locations: Stockton , California, Durham , North Carolina, Birmingham, Chicago, Antonio, San Antonio, Denver, Seattle, California, New Mexico, State, Mexico, Somos, Somos Un Pueblo, Economic Security California, Arizona, Iowa, Harris County , Texas, Flint , Michigan

☆ A Gen Xer who barely lives above the poverty line sells plasma to cover her rent because she doesn't qualify for government assistance: 'There's a lot of praying and just hanging on.'
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-21 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Kelley used to drive 30 minutes across the Kentucky border every morning to work as a security guard. A growing number of American households can barely pay their bills but make too much to qualify for government assistance. Kelley can't afford healthcare and has started selling her plasma for extra moneyKelley said her top expenses are housing and food. She also said it's a lot more difficult to qualify for government assistance since she isn't actively supporting children. "If you make too much, there's no help; if you are healthy, there's no help; if you don't have kids, there's no help."

Persons: —, Lisa Kelley, Kelley, she's, ALICE —, ALICE, I've, She's, isn't Organizations: Service, Business, Survey, United Way's, Medicare Locations: Cincinnati, Kentucky, DollarTree

☆ A rural Kansas county wants remote workers to move there. It's giving new residents $4,500 cash, an internet stipend, and fresh eggs.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-19 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewLincoln County, Kansas is recruiting new residents. But local community leaders are hoping to attract remote workers and grow the local economy by offering new residents $4,500 cash, a $500 credit toward high-speed internet, a gym membership, and a monthly basket of farm-fresh eggs. These programs were launched in West Lafayette, Indiana; Ellsworth County, Kansas; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and more. To qualify, remote workers must be employed full-time, make at least $50,000 annually, and reside outside Kansas before moving. The program is marketed and monitored by Make My Move, an Indianapolis-based company that helps communities connect with remote workers through cash and perks.

Persons: —, Lincoln, Kelly Gourley, who'll, Gourley Organizations: Service, Business, Lincoln, Innovation Center, Innovation, Northwest Kansas Business, Economic Development Foundation, Kansas counties Locations: Lincoln County , Kansas, Wichita, West Lafayette , Indiana, Ellsworth County , Kansas, Tulsa , Oklahoma, Kansas, Indianapolis, Northwest Kansas, Northwest, Lincoln, Atlanta, Dallas, Memphis , Tennessee

☆ Meet the HIFIs: High-income earners who feel financially insecure but can't quit their luxury spending
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-17 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

HIFIs are people who are high income, financially insecure. They're predominantly made up of millennials and Gen Zers who want to exude wealth. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . People who fall into this category are HIFIs, individuals who are high income, financially insecure. They're predominantly made up of millennials and Gen Zers, per Sherwood News, who want to exude "old money" or "quiet luxury" but who are struggling to keep up with their lifestyle creep.

Persons: Gen Zers, — Organizations: Service, Sherwood News, DINKs Locations: millennials, Sherwood

TradeBiden has left some of Trump's tariffs in place, illustrating the protectionist bent that continues to take hold in Washington. Biden has left some of Trump's tariffs in place, illustrating the protectionist bent that continues to take hold in Washington. As president, Trump fixated on the US trade deficit even as some economists argued against reading too much into such figures. He didn't see the fruits of his biggest trade deal, which went into effect in July 2020: the USMCA, a revamped North American trade deal known Experts at Brookings Institution have praised the treaty for growing regional trade. Trump has pledged to kill the Biden administration's new Asian trade talks, which the former president has dubbed "TPP two."

Persons: Biden, Niels Wenstedt, Trump, Katherine Tai, Sen, Elizabeth Warren, Barack Obama Organizations: BSR Agency, Getty, Republican Party, American Free Trade, World Trade Organization, Big Tech, Trump, Bloomberg News, Brookings Institution, TransPacific, US, Biden, Politico Locations: Washington, China, American, Mexico, Beijing

☆ A low-income millennial mom was evicted from her apartment but isn't 'homeless enough to get help'
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

It's a studio-size garage apartment that she shares with her partner, her 11-year-old daughter, and their dog. The Airbnb is the third place in southeastern North Carolina where Hedden and her family have lived since mid-January. Advertisement"I'm not homeless enough to get certain help because I have a roof over my head," she said. "But I'm too homeless to get a job because I don't know where I'm going to live in three weeks. Without help, Hedden said she's "trying not to drown."

Persons: —, Melissa Hedden, Hedden, I'm, hasn't, ALICE, ALICEs, Hedden's, She's, she's Organizations: Service, Business, BI, Survey, United Way's, Florida Medicaid Locations: Wilmington , North Carolina, It's, North Carolina, Bradenton , Florida, Florida

☆ Don't call them DINKs. Many childfree adults are ALICEs, living paycheck to paycheck without government assistance
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-14 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

A growing number of child-free adults, however, are falling through the cracks of the US economy. Many low-income childfree adults fall into the ALICE category — people who are asset-limited, income-constrained, and employed. The majority of these adults don't receive any state or federal rental assistance. AdvertisementMany Social Security and Medicare programs also primarily offer assistance to older adults, excluding adults under 62. He suggested expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit to benefit more adults without children, along with removing the extra qualifications childfree adults must meet to access SNAP benefits.

Persons: —, childfree, Robert Greenstein, Greenstein Organizations: Service, Business, Brookings Institution, Brookings, The Hamilton, Security, SNAP, Social Security Locations: Brookings

☆ A Gen Xer struggles to afford housing and groceries, but her income is about $100 too high to get help
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The couple is part of a growing number of Americans who live above the federal poverty line but struggle to afford basic necessities. The poverty line isn't adjusted to reflect cost-of-living differences in individual cities or states and is set at $20,440 a year for a family of two. Binkley is trying to "make ends meet," hopes to leave Minnesota one dayPrimarily, Binkley said she struggles with her rent and utility bills. AdvertisementFor food, Binkley said she is especially thankful for her local food pantries, where she often goes to pick up canned goods. "That is one thing that keeps driving me to make my payments, get things caught up, and set a little bit aside each week or each month, Binkley said.

Persons: —, Melinda Binkley, she's, Binkley, doesn't, ALICE, She's Organizations: Service, Business, Survey, United Way's, Medicare Locations: Stillwater , Minnesota, Minnesota, Idaho

☆ This college town is experimenting with giving low-income entrepreneurs and gig workers $12,672, no strings attached
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-07 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Ann Arbor's program, called Guaranteed Income to Grow Ann Arbor, is giving low- and moderate-income residents $528 a month, no strings attached. Over 50 municipalities have tried the GBI model since 2019, offering low-income participants between $100 and $1,000 a month, no strings attached for one to five years. "This pilot will help us learn whether guaranteed income payments can be an effective way to help some entrepreneurs with their business efforts." Chicago announced in April that it restarted its previous GBI program that offered low-income residents $500 a month. A GBI program in Harris County, Texas is being challenged by Attorney General Ken Paxton, who called the program "unconstitutional."

Persons: —, Ann, Ann Arbor's, Monique Gonzalez, Ann Arbor, GBI, Ken Paxton Organizations: Service, Business, Local, Services, Denver, Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, University of Michigan, Chicago, Republican Locations: Ann Arbor , Michigan, Ann Arbor, San Antonio, Antonio's, Ann, Michigan, Atlanta, Denver, Flint, Harris County , Texas, Iowa , Arizona, South Dakota

☆ Many Gen Zers in their 'decisive decade' are leaving school and struggling to find work. They're part of America's disconnected youth.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-05 | by ( Allie Kelly | Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Read previewYoung Americans are feeling increasingly isolated from their offices and classrooms, and these "disconnected youth" — or "opportunity youth" — may be ill-positioned for the future. Loneliness and a tough job market are leaving many Gen Zers feeling stuck, isolated, and unsupported. In fact, they're members of the disconnected youth — defined as Gen Zers who are not in school and not working. Disconnected youth are at risk of long-term stagnationMost Gen Zers — who are between the ages of 12 and 27 — are in this decisive decade. How to help disconnected youthAlthough many disconnected youth struggle with school and work, researchers cautioned against a "one size fits all" solution.

Persons: —, Gen Zers, Richard Reeves, Reeves, Zers, aren't, Zers —, Jonathan Zaff, Ian Rowe, Lara Aknin, Zaff, Zer, isn't Organizations: Service, Brookings, Business, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, National Center for Education Statistics, Boston University, American Enterprise Institute, Partnership Locations: North America, Brookings

☆ 3 reasons your teens and 20s are 'the decisive decade'
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-04 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

And there are three key reasons Gen Zers' decisive decade will shape their ongoing mental and financial health. Unhappiness can shape long-term mental healthGen Zer's mental health outcomes are shaped by their involvement in school and work, Brookings researchers said. AdvertisementAt work, many Gen Zers are struggling with anxiety, work-life balance, and burnout — more so than millennials, Gen X, and boomers. Unhappiness and social isolation are especially affecting Gen Zers who reached adolescence during the pandemic. Not all Gen Zers start on equal footingTo be sure, Gen Zers' education, work, and financial outcomes are also dependent on their life circumstances in childhood.

Persons: —, Zers, Gen Zers, Ian Rowe, Gen X, Lara Aknin, it's, Zer, isn't Organizations: Service, Pew, Business, Brookings Institution, Brookings, Urban Institute, American Enterprise Institute, Research Locations: America, Brookings

☆ A 64-year-old 'peak boomer' worries his savings and Social Security won't be enough to retire: 'My biggest fear is finding myself at 75 standing at the door at Walmart.'
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Kirsch is hoping to start collecting Social Security checks in a couple of years, just before his 67th birthday. Related storiesFor many, Social Security won't be enough to fill the gaps. As of March 2024, the Social Security Administration said that its average monthly check sent to recipients is $1,774.83. And, if lawmakers don't intervene, the US Social Security fund is set to dry out by the late 2030s. "Start saving and do it as aggressively as you can," he said.

Persons: —, David Kirsch, Kirsch, Hill , New Hampshire —, he's, Kirsch isn't, didn't Organizations: Service, He's, Business, Walmart, Survey, Income, Social, Social Security Administration, US Social Security Locations: Caribbean, South America, Hill , New Hampshire

☆ Here are 11 states with guaranteed basic-income programs that give residents hundreds of dollars a month, no strings attached
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-28 | by ( Allie Kelly | Andy Kiersz | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Guaranteed basic-income programs can help low-income participants afford necessities like rent. Despite legislative opposition, basic-income programs remain active across the country. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementIngrid Sullivan, 48, used her cash from the San Antonio guaranteed basic-income program to rent a home where her grandchildren can play in the yard. "My life was always just a couple hundred dollars short," Sullivan told Business Insider.

Persons: —, Ingrid Sullivan, Monique Gonzalez, Sullivan Organizations: Service, San Antonio, Jarun Locations: San Antonio, Denver

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