Minimum Wage hike, you for it?

In reply to Bobzilla:

Sorry, I was busy here at my job.

So what was McD's doing when they created this;

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/files/2013/07/mcdonalds.png.CROP_.article568-large.png

And their budget shows things that yours doesn't include. At least they include $20/mo for health insurance... for all those insurance policies in that price range.

Where do you live Bob? Here, if I wanted to rent one room, it would cost me $500/month plus utilities. And I live in a cheap area.

That's the issue. Minimum wage would be plenty near you, but here it wouldn't. Unfortunately, it is the same nation-wide.

Tom Suddard wrote: Where do you live Bob? Here, if I wanted to rent one room, it would cost me $500/month plus utilities. And I live in a cheap area. That's the issue. Minimum wage would be plenty near you, but here it wouldn't. Unfortunately, it is the same nation-wide.

Which brings us right back to "Federally determined Minimum Wage is clinically stupid."

If i can make $15/hr no matter where i live, you think that someone with half a brain like me isn't going to study a map and find the absolutely cheapest place to live in the US, and live like a king until everything equals out and i'm right back to the same buying power as the current $7.25 or whatever it is allows me?

"Oh you're going to pay me $15/hr? Of COURSE i'll move to Detroit and live in an abandoned house for $free.99 a month, thanks!"

PHeller wrote:

Bobzilla wrote: http://www.apartmentguide.com/apartments/Indiana/Indianapolis/cheap-apartments-for-rent-4la/?&sort=sortpricelow-asc&page=1 Aprtments showing rent from the $320/month range with utilities paid. No roomate, figure $320 (with utilities).

Where did you find the utilities paid part? I tried. Reason I ask is I know some places will pay for heat, but most will not pay for electric. If those places pay for both, that sounds like a decent deal. Remember though, your scenario would only work until someone injures themselves and has to be a doctors or hospital bill. Things will get very tight at that point.

Fairly common here, particularly in the older buildings on the east and west sides.

Also concerning health care: Obamacare!!!!!! OH E36 M3 NOW I'VE DONE IT!

pres589 wrote: In reply to Bobzilla: Sorry, I was busy here at my job. So what was McD's doing when they created this; http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/files/2013/07/mcdonalds.png.CROP_.article568-large.png And their budget shows things that yours doesn't include. At least they include $20/mo for health insurance... for all those insurance policies in that price range.

ACA subsidies. On minimum wage, you qualify for a BIG one.

Tom Suddard wrote: Where do you live Bob? Here, if I wanted to rent one room, it would cost me $500/month plus utilities. And I live in a cheap area. That's the issue. Minimum wage would be plenty near you, but here it wouldn't. Unfortunately, it is the same nation-wide.

QFT. He lives in Indiana, which has a pretty low cost of living. I live about 2 hours west of him, (1 hour with the time change). Over here, I'd be lucky to get an apartment for $400+utilities, assuming 1 bedroom efficiency with no washer and dryer, and no dishwasher. You might have off street parking. About 25% chance it will be in a shady area, and about 75% chance the place itself will be pretty nasty.

Now, that being said, with a roommate you can get into something that would be $600 a month each, all utilities paid, off street parking and in a nice area. Not that nice inside, but everything would be clean and functional.

For $400 each + utilities, you get into a nicer place than listed above, but it will be smaller.

EDIT: Utilities included is usually water, gas, electric, internet, basic cable, and trash.

pres589 wrote: In reply to Bobzilla: Sorry, I was busy here at my job. So what was McD's doing when they created this; http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/files/2013/07/mcdonalds.png.CROP_.article568-large.png And their budget shows things that yours doesn't include. At least they include $20/mo for health insurance... for all those insurance policies in that price range.

Car is a luxury. If you are making minimum wage, you ass better be riding hte bus for a third of the cost. They are factoring in $150/month car payment and $100/month car insurance. That's $250 right there.

$100 a month on cable/phone? Nope. Don't need it to survive.

I gave you the link to utilities included apartment for $320/month right here. I factored income taxes on Marian county, where the apt is located, and gave you the bus pass for the same location. I also did it on a single job income.

What more do you want? you asked for a budget on minimum wage with no OT. I gave it to you. I don't know where McD's used for a locale on their estimate so I can't comment on that. I merely stated what you would do if you needed to and had $400/month left over.

In reply to mtn:

Yeah, when I went looking for my first apartment after I graduated, I picked a place that included heat. I didn't want a cost shock when my income was limited to $10/hour selling tires. And I had a roommate. I was able to save a little bit each month, maybe $300 to $500 if I was able to snag overtime. This was in 2002.

Something else; I don't think McD's wants their workers hitting 40 hours a week, let alone getting OT. I think there's some kind of labor regulations that change a person's classification if that happens, I'm not sure what's up with that. Same reason Wal-Mart has so many people working 37 hours a week. To assume that OT will happen is a curious leap of faith.

mtn wrote:

Tom Suddard wrote: Where do you live Bob? Here, if I wanted to rent one room, it would cost me $500/month plus utilities. And I live in a cheap area. That's the issue. Minimum wage would be plenty near you, but here it wouldn't. Unfortunately, it is the same nation-wide.

QFT. He lives in Indiana, which has a pretty low cost of living. I live about 2 hours west of him, (1 hour with the time change). Over here, I'd be lucky to get an apartment for $400+utilities, assuming 1 bedroom efficiency with no washer and dryer, and no dishwasher. You *might* have off street parking. About 25% chance it will be in a shady area, and about 75% chance the place itself will be pretty nasty. Now, that being said, with a roommate you can get into something that would be $600 a month each, all utilities paid, off street parking and in a nice area. Not that nice inside, but everything would be clean and functional. For $400 each + utilities, you get into a nicer place than listed above, but it will be smaller. EDIT: Utilities included is usually water, gas, electric, internet, basic cable, and trash.

So the moral of the story is: If you live in a high cost of living area and can only get a minimum wage job, it's time to move.

Bobzilla wrote: < http://www.suburbancomputer.com/tips_calculator.php Actual take home, with Marion county taxes $236/week. That's $944/ 4 week month for 13 months, or figure $1022/month for 12. No overtime, which in a McD's that would be easy to pick up (covering for another worker) but we'll stick with your plan. http://www.apartmentguide.com/apartments/Indiana/Indianapolis/cheap-apartments-for-rent-4la/?&sort=sortpricelow-asc&page=1 Aprtments showing rent from the $320/month range with utilities paid. No roomate, figure $320 (with utilities). Single person, eating cheaply can be done at $40/week. Yes, you will be eating at home etc.$160 Basic pay-as-you-go cellphone for work/emergencies $24/month. IndyGo bus pass, full month, unlimited rides $60/month. So let's add it up. Food: $160/month Rent: $320/month Phone: $24/month Transportation: $60/month Total:$564/month. That leaves another $458 for other necessities as need, toiletries, personal hygene etc. Soap and shampoo you can get $1 bottles that last a month. Big bag of cheapo TP for $6/month. Laundry is $1.50/load, can make one load last a week if you need. So please tell me how that's not a livable wage. If you had a roommate, you could cut the rent down (large apartment cost $500/month, but splits 2 ways for $250/month). Working extra shifts to make extra. Putting in the effort. McD's has a huge list of openings in their stores and they prefer to promote within. http://www.mcstate.com/careers/jobs?stateid=13&type=all&locales%5B%5D=13%3AIndianapolis&Search= There's plenty of opportunity to move up if you desire.

Ok. So you show a link for One apartment (studio) for $320 a month. Is there enough of those for EVERYBODY who is making MW? I think not. Are those prices applicable to all regions of the country? Not even close. What about deposit and first/last months rent? What about renting a truck to get all your worldly belongings to this awesome cheap housing? Don't think you can move a couch on the bus...

Does every city/region have a public transportation system that is useable to get someone from the "affordable" part of town to where their job is? You work two part time jobs, does a 3 hour bus ride get you to your second job on time?

Just pick up extra shifts to make more money? IS that always possible? That would mean you take away a shift from someone else. Maybe the employer doesn't allow shift swapping. Maybe the job doesn't even have "extra" shifts.

Obviously wife, kids, student loans, credit card debt from being out of work,older parents that need care don't factor in to your your optimistic bubble. The expenses on those can be insane. So we'll just pretend you're lonely.

Uh oh! You got sick. Now what? You don't have health insurance because your employer doesn't offer it or it doesn't fit in the budget. Luckily it was just a flu, so the emergency room visit was only $500 because you only got a couple of aspirin. Where does that put the budget?

Oh E36 M3! That used refrigerator that you bought just broke, time for another.

Clothes are cheap because you shop at the thrift store. But what about socks and underwear? Those need to be new. Shoes? Apparently nobody donates size 13 shoes in your area, guess I gotta go buy some new ones. Ok, the pink princess winter jacket from the thrift store does fit me, but can I wear it at my job as a Walmart cashier?

Bobzilla wrote: Car is a luxury. If you are making minimum wage, you ass better be riding hte bus for a third of the cost. They are factoring in $150/month car payment and $100/month car insurance. That's $250 right there.

Depends on the public transport offered in an area.

pres589 wrote: In reply to mtn: Yeah, when I went looking for my first apartment after I graduated, I picked a place that included heat. I didn't want a cost shock when my income was limited to $10/hour selling tires. And I had a roommate. I was able to save a little bit each month, maybe $300 to $500 if I was able to snag overtime. This was in 2002. Something else; I don't think McD's wants their workers hitting 40 hours a week, let alone getting OT. I think there's some kind of labor regulations that change a person's classification if that happens, I'm not sure what's up with that. Same reason Wal-Mart has so many people working 37 hours a week. To assume that OT will happen is a curious leap of faith.

To assume that a hard worker will not get promoted is pretty dismal thinking.

mtn wrote:

Bobzilla wrote: Car is a luxury. If you are making minimum wage, you ass better be riding hte bus for a third of the cost. They are factoring in $150/month car payment and $100/month car insurance. That's $250 right there.

Depends on the public transport offered in an area.

See my listing with a bus pass. You ask for a budget, I give you one. There's even links if you doubt me.

Bobzilla wrote:

mtn wrote:

Tom Suddard wrote: Where do you live Bob? Here, if I wanted to rent one room, it would cost me $500/month plus utilities. And I live in a cheap area. That's the issue. Minimum wage would be plenty near you, but here it wouldn't. Unfortunately, it is the same nation-wide.

QFT. He lives in Indiana, which has a pretty low cost of living. I live about 2 hours west of him, (1 hour with the time change). Over here, I'd be lucky to get an apartment for $400+utilities, assuming 1 bedroom efficiency with no washer and dryer, and no dishwasher. You *might* have off street parking. About 25% chance it will be in a shady area, and about 75% chance the place itself will be pretty nasty. Now, that being said, with a roommate you can get into something that would be $600 a month each, all utilities paid, off street parking and in a nice area. Not that nice inside, but everything would be clean and functional. For $400 each + utilities, you get into a nicer place than listed above, but it will be smaller. EDIT: Utilities included is usually water, gas, electric, internet, basic cable, and trash.

So the moral of the story is: If you live in a high cost of living area and can only get a minimum wage job, it's time to move.

Easier said than done, for many.

This is getting curious.... where now, instead of excuses being met with solutions, its flipped.

Solutions now being met with excuses.

'Merica.

In reply to Datsun1500:

You're such an shiny happy person

And I agree with you, I'm still towards the bottom of that but am just starting the trek upwards. By the end of my trek without getting lucky, I will be solidly in the upper middle class.....and i'll still have farming as a very expensive hobby.

Cone_Junkie wrote:

Bobzilla wrote: < http://www.suburbancomputer.com/tips_calculator.php Actual take home, with Marion county taxes $236/week. That's $944/ 4 week month for 13 months, or figure $1022/month for 12. No overtime, which in a McD's that would be easy to pick up (covering for another worker) but we'll stick with your plan. http://www.apartmentguide.com/apartments/Indiana/Indianapolis/cheap-apartments-for-rent-4la/?&sort=sortpricelow-asc&page=1 Aprtments showing rent from the $320/month range with utilities paid. No roomate, figure $320 (with utilities). Single person, eating cheaply can be done at $40/week. Yes, you will be eating at home etc.$160 Basic pay-as-you-go cellphone for work/emergencies $24/month. IndyGo bus pass, full month, unlimited rides $60/month. So let's add it up. Food: $160/month Rent: $320/month Phone: $24/month Transportation: $60/month Total:$564/month. That leaves another $458 for other necessities as need, toiletries, personal hygene etc. Soap and shampoo you can get $1 bottles that last a month. Big bag of cheapo TP for $6/month. Laundry is $1.50/load, can make one load last a week if you need. So please tell me how that's not a livable wage. If you had a roommate, you could cut the rent down (large apartment cost $500/month, but splits 2 ways for $250/month). Working extra shifts to make extra. Putting in the effort. McD's has a huge list of openings in their stores and they prefer to promote within. http://www.mcstate.com/careers/jobs?stateid=13&type=all&locales%5B%5D=13%3AIndianapolis&Search= There's plenty of opportunity to move up if you desire.

Ok. So you show a link for One apartment (studio) for $320 a month. Is there enough of those for EVERYBODY who is making MW? I think not. Are those prices applicable to all regions of the country? Not even close. What about deposit and first/last months rent? What about renting a truck to get all your worldly belongings to this awesome cheap housing? Don't think you can move a couch on the bus... Does every city/region have a public transportation system that is useable to get someone from the "affordable" part of town to where their job is? You work two part time jobs, does a 3 hour bus ride get you to your second job on time? Just pick up extra shifts to make more money? IS that always possible? That would mean you take away a shift from someone else. Maybe the employer doesn't allow shift swapping. Maybe the job doesn't even have "extra" shifts. Obviously wife, kids, student loans, credit card debt from being out of work,older parents that need care don't factor in to your your optimistic bubble. The expenses on those can be insane. So we'll just pretend you're lonely. Uh oh! You got sick. Now what? You don't have health insurance because your employer doesn't offer it or it doesn't fit in the budget. Luckily it was just a flu, so the emergency room visit was only $500 because you only got a couple of aspirin. Where does that put the budget? Oh E36 M3! That used refrigerator that you bought just broke, time for another. Clothes are cheap because you shop at the thrift store. But what about socks and underwear? Those need to be new. Shoes? Apparently nobody donates size 13 shoes in your area, guess I gotta go buy some new ones. Ok, the pink princess winter jacket from the thrift store does fit me, but can I wear it at my job as a Walmart cashier?

All I'm seeing are a E36 M3load of excuses. Nothing but excuses. You want it, you will find a way to make it work. You find a roommate. You get a second job. You do what it takes. You don't sit there and feel sorry for yourself because bad things might happen.

Swank Force One wrote: This is getting curious.... where now, instead of excuses being met with solutions, its flipped. Solutions now being met with excuses. 'Merica.

Amen. You ask for a budget, I give you one. You whine about it. You say that some areas are high CoL, we say move to a lowe one. You whine.

NOTHING here but whining at this point. No amount of reality can fix that. You have asked, I've answered and you are whining because you don't like it. Well folks, that is what we are dealing with. Whiners.

I'm out. Y'all don't want solutions. You want to bitch about the rich. Go ahead with your bad selves.

Bobzilla wrote:

Swank Force One wrote: This is getting curious.... where now, instead of excuses being met with solutions, its flipped. Solutions now being met with excuses. 'Merica.

Amen. You ask for a budget, I give you one. You whine about it. You say that some areas are high CoL, we say move to a lowe one. You whine. NOTHING here but whining at this point. No amount of reality can fix that. You have asked, I've answered and you are whining because you don't like it. Well folks, that is what we are dealing with. Whiners. I'm out. Y'all don't want solutions. You want to bitch about the rich. Go ahead with your bad selves.

OK, so no "excuses". In your simple little world EVERY MW worker needs to move to Indiana and all live in ONE studio apartment. Thank goodness all problems can be solved by simplistic/idealist thinking.

Got it. You are a freaking genius. Please run for Dictator of the World so you can solve all our problems with a Magic 8 Ball type of reasoning.

If you didn't pick up on the sarcasm, these are not excuses, they are the reality of life. Come join us in the fun.

I'll ask you guys, is it time to close this thread?

Yep. It was time probably 17 pages ago.

Swank Force One wrote: Yep. It was time probably 17 pages ago.

You are wrong, it was time 18 pages ago.

EastCoastMojo wrote: I'll ask you guys, is it time to close this thread?

Most likely.........its pretty stupid right now.

Alrighty then, it sounds like a consensus to me.

Cone_Junkie wrote:

Bobzilla wrote:

Swank Force One wrote: This is getting curious.... where now, instead of excuses being met with solutions, its flipped. Solutions now being met with excuses. 'Merica.

Amen. You ask for a budget, I give you one. You whine about it. You say that some areas are high CoL, we say move to a lowe one. You whine. NOTHING here but whining at this point. No amount of reality can fix that. You have asked, I've answered and you are whining because you don't like it. Well folks, that is what we are dealing with. Whiners. I'm out. Y'all don't want solutions. You want to bitch about the rich. Go ahead with your bad selves.

OK, so no "excuses". In your simple little world EVERY MW worker needs to move to Indiana and all live in ONE studio apartment. Thank goodness all problems can be solved by simplistic/idealist thinking. Got it. You are a freaking genius. Please run for Dictator of the World so you can solve all our problems with a Magic 8 Ball type of reasoning. If you didn't pick up on the sarcasm, these are not excuses, they are the reality of life. Come join us in the fun.

So when you can't discuss, you insult. Very nice. Good job.