Michiana residents say cutting costs is key to surviving tough dconomy
Posted: Sep 14, 2011 5:18 AM EDT | Updated: Nov 6, 2014 9:42 AM EDT
Staggering numbers released Tuesday show nearly one of every six Americans are living in poverty, up 15% from the previous year.
But, people across Michiana told ABC 57 they are not surprised.
While the government has said the recession officially ended in June of 2009, many said they still live the way they have been; cutting costs as much as possible.
“I’m kind of just used to it. You kind of just get used to living simple. And you know, hand me down clothes. You know, especially for kids,” said one couple.
They said they only travel into Elkhart every couple of weeks to snag deals at stores known for good discounts.
“We get the box things, things that are cheaper, at Walmart. Martins has some good deals, so we stopped here to pick up the flyer, because they’ll price match over there at Walmart.”
Others said they make their way to smaller stores, like Aldi, to for bigger deals.
“It’s cheaper. It’s pretty much the same food it’s just a different brand,” said Justin Siders.
Siders said he was living with his parents for the past six months.
His story is a trend that has been growing across the country; according to the U.S. Census Bureau, more people between the ages of 25 and 34 are living with their parents.
The data showed 14.2 percent of Americans in that age bracket lived with their parents in 2011; that is 5.9 million people, a huge jump from 4.7 million reported before the recession.
“I had no where else to go. A lot of my friends are living or just moved out of their parent’s house,” Siders said. “It’s tough. Jobs nowadays are hard to come by. Everything’s starting to skyrocket: Gas, food.”
Several mothers told ABC 57 they now stay home with their children, since it is cheaper than paying for daycare.
Other tips included installing wood stoves, to cut down gas bills in the winter.
“Last year our gas bill was $500 every month. Plus, a $125 dollar electric bill, so that’s over $600 bucks a month in gas and electric,” one father said.
Indiana’s poverty rate in 2010, at 16.3% is higher than the national average of 15.1%.