From How Much Is Enough? As Tice Elkins used to say "you could be happy working at McDonald's and having a room somewhere, reading as many books as you want, free from the library." (Minimum wage $8.75/hr, less 9% for social security, medicare, unemployment tax, times 2000 hours a year, fed inc. taxes $1350, state $300. Gross = $17,500, net = $14,100.)
The point here is to establish a baseline that would be sufficient to be happy and then to appreciate everything above that AND to realize if I had to return to this base, I would still be happy - and not to assume I wouldn't be or to dread not being happy.
Strategies I would use to assure I'm OK:
I would live in a decent area and be sure there is enough sunshine
Entertainment/Learning:
Library for books, movies, cds - Carry with me so I could read, etc., while waiting
Go to a church for activities, bookstore, parks
Equipment:
A computer - Get place with internet hookup. Or $35/month.
CD/DVD player.
Phone, cell - $25/month, possible prepaid phone
Living space and utilities:
Live in a studio or rented room - Cost $575/month, $6900 or about 50% (Rent a room, including utilities: $300 and up.) Rent a furnished room: A stuffed chair to sit in, a chair for a desk, a small desk. A bed.
Utilities - $20
Food: $200 or less - using coupons
Transportation:
No car, live close to work, $20 for public transit if needed
Clothes: A very warm coat, with hood, so I could be comfortable waiting outside, buy clothes at thrift stores. $150/year
Misc: $25/month
Total with high studio figure: $11,000
Federal earned income credit: drops to 0 at $!3,460
Food stamps in California, if earn up to $1,127: Maybe $73 (theoretical maximum is $200)
Food closets/churches/pantries
Low income housing programs
Utility bill assistance
Go into any emergency room for medical assitance - "Emergency departments are required by law to see and treat anyone seeking care regardless of their ability to pay. Once you have been seen by the emergency physician, you will receive a referral to an orthopedic specialist. The orthopedic specialist is required to see patients referred from the emergency department for at least one office visit."
Shopping for bulk at Dollar stores
