Something You May Not Have Realized

So no doubt there are tons of things around that can save you money. However, has it ever occurred to you that the people who might most benefit from those opportunities may not be able to take advantage of them because of--irony of ironies--a lack of funding?

I have seen this very rule apply to my own life during our Four Years of Poverty, first in my inability to use bulk and co-op opportunities that I previously used to--in the long run--save us money. I had to stop ordering from my truck-order co-op and kiss goodbye my bulk flours from the local mill, since both required cash now for savings later. (Cash now is not something most poor people have.) Then, I had to stop using farmer's markets, since all the ones that I visit do not accept Food Stamps. Okey. Fine. Moving forward.

But the last couple of weeks have seemed to be awash in opportunities lost... things that should be benefiting someone like ME, but that can't. Bitterness is stealing in. Awesome clothing warehouse sales? Great. Except I can't afford any clothes, no matter how low the prices. For the next one I save up a little, and then I don't have the gas money to get there. Even the announcement of a weekend getaway prize on the radio carries its irony. Sure, I might be able to win it, but I couldn't afford the gift tax or the time off work to make it happen. So why bother. It makes me wonder about all those neglected kids out there whose moms can't afford the bus fare to get to King's Closet. Or the potential workers without the education (read: money) to apply for decent jobs or even work their way through grant writing, loan applications, or advancement opportunities. And how do you live with yourself when you can't find the funding to pay for your daughter's school field trip? Oh yeah, that's another blog.

As ever in this country, it takes money to make (or even save) money. And that's just the darn truth.