Poverty
pov·er·ty | noun
1. The state of having little or no money, goods, or means of support
(live: 4s)[(goto: "Number")]45 Million Americans live in poverty.
(live: 3s)[(goto: "You Are One")]Now imagine you’re one of them.
(live: 2.5s)[(goto: "No Job")]You've lost your job.
(live: 2s)[(goto: "No Savings")]Your savings are gone.
(live: 2s)[(goto: "Last Money")]And you’re down to your last $1,000.
(live: 2s)[(goto: "Month")]Can you make it through the month?
(live: 2s)[(goto: "Running Out")](set: $day1processing to 0)(set: $day2processing to 0)(set: $day3processing to 0)(set: $day4processing to 0)(set: $day5processing to 0)(set: $day6processing to 0)(set: $day7processing to 0)(set: $day8processing to 0)(set: $day9processing to 0)(set: $day10processing to 0)(set: $day11processing to 0)(set: $day12processing to 0)(set: $day13processing to 0)(set: $day14processing to 0)(set: $day15processing to 0)(set: $day16processing to 0)(set: $day17processing to 0)(set: $day18processing to 0)(set: $day19processing to 0)(set: $day20processing to 0)(set: $day21processing to 0)(set: $day22processing to 0)(set: $day23processing to 0)(set: $day24processing to 0)(set: $day25processing to 0)(set: $day26processing to 0)(set: $day27processing to 0)(set: $day28processing to 0)(set: $day29processing to 0)(set: $day30processing to 0)Day 1
(set: $money to 1000)(set: $income to 0)(set: $dailyprocessing to 0)(set: $day=1)You're living on a bare bones budget and still running out of money. The only option is to get more money.
What do you want to do?
- [[
Get a job at a restaurant->Restaurant]]
- [[
Get a temp-job as a warehouse associate->Temp]]
- [[
Become a driver with Uber->Uber]]
- [[
Do odd-jobs->Gig]]
Let’s hope you get some good tips. The average salary for this job is $8/hr. and you have to buy your uniform.
$1,280 monthly pay before taxes (-$192) taxes (-$40) uniform $1,048 monthly take home pay Weekly pay: $262 [[Continue->Day 2]]Let’s hope you stay healthy! All that lifting and repetitive packing can be hard on your body.
$1,440 monthly pay before taxes (-$216) taxes $1,224 monthly take home pay Weekly pay: $306 [[Continue->Day 2]]Let's hope you get enough hours. Landing enough work to provide a stable income from gigs alone isn’t always possible.
(link: "Start by searching Craigslist.") [####This is what you find. Choose one. |furniture>[<img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/975f5b_a343eb2e90574e76ac8090dafd428985~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_900,h_287,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/975f5b_a343eb2e90574e76ac8090dafd428985~mv2.webp" alt="Make some furniture" width="500" />](click: ?furniture)[(goto: "Day 2 furniture")] |clean>[<img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/975f5b_f8ec78083f9e4f29b3163d748be1ca8d~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_3,y_0,w_1147,h_365/fill/w_900,h_287,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/975f5b_f8ec78083f9e4f29b3163d748be1ca8d~mv2.webp" alt="Do some cleaning" width="500"/>](click: ?clean)[(goto: "Day 2 clean")]]Day 2
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day2processing)The Affordable Care Act requires you get health insurance. The good news? Your child is covered by the state. The bad? You aren’t.
Which plan do you want?
[[Gold Plan ($329/month + $15 co-pay)->Day 3 Gold]] [[Silver Plan ($268/month + $25 co-pay)->Day 3 Silver]] [[Bronze Plan ($232/month + $45 co-pay)->Day 3 Bronze]] [[Opt Out ($0 today, but $750 penalty at end of year)->Day 3 Opt]]Day 7
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day8processing)Your income level qualifies you for food stamps.
What do you want to do?
[[Apply->Apply]] [[Go Hungry->Go Hungry]]Day 11
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day11processing)Your bathroom sink has a small leak that just became a big leak. Your landlord won’t return your calls, and you can’t put it off any longer.
What do you want to do?
[[Call a plumber ($150)->PayPlumberProcessing]] [[Try to fix it yourself->Fix Yourself]]Day 13
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day13processing)Your child is above average in language skills but is struggling with math.
What do you want to do?
[[Hire a tutor ($50)->TutorProcessing]] [[Give your child help->Help]]Day 17
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day17processing)Two bills are due today.
What do you want to do?
[[Pay gas bill ($100)->Gas Bill]] [[Pay electric bill ($125)->Electric Bill]] [[Pay them both ($225)->PayBothProcessing]]Day 19
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day19processing)A bunch of your friends are pitching in for a lottery pool.
What do you want to do?
[[Pay $10 to play->Play]] [[Don't play->Don't Play]]Day 23
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day23processing)Your grandfather has passed away. The memorial service is being held several states away.
What do you want to do?
[[Fly out for the service ($350)->FlyOutProcessing]] [[Drive to the service ($75)->Drive]] [[Skip the memorial->Day 24]]Day 25
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day25processing)A bunch of friends are going to a free concert tonight, and you want to go – but you’ve got a kid to worry about.
What do you want to do?
[[Get a babysitter ($30)->BabysitterProcessing]] [[Stay home->Stay Home]]Day 27
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day27processing)Last month's credit card balance is due.
What do you want to do?
[[Pay it off ($2,300)->PayCCprocessing]] [[Pay the minimum ($219)->Minimum]] [[Ignore it->Ignore Credit]]Day 30
<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.powtoon.com/embed/buki0vlkSEx/" frameborder="0"></iframe>The good news is that you’re approved for benefits. The bad news? They don’t begin until next month.
(if: $job is "Gig Two Hours")[[[Continue->Day 9 Gig Two Hours]]](else:)[[[Continue->Day 9]]]You're not alone. The USDA estimates that only 67% of Americans eligible for food stamps actually apply.
(if: $job is "Gig Two Hours")[[[Continue->Day 9 Gig Two Hours]]](else:)[[[Continue->Day 9]]]Home improvement is cheaper when you do it yourself, but not free. Supplies still put you out $50.
(set $money = $money - 50)(if: $job is "waiter")[[[Continue->Day 12 Waiter, Temp, Gig recycling]]](if: $job is "Temp")[[[Continue->Day 12 Waiter, Temp, Gig recycling]]](if: $job is "Uber")[[[Continue->Day 12 Uber]]](if: $job is "Gig recycling")[[[Continue->Day 12 Waiter, Temp, Gig recycling]]](if: $job is "Gig furniture")[[[Continue->Day 12 Gig furniture and panels]]](if: $job is "Gig panels")[[[Continue->Day 12 Gig furniture and panels]]](if: $job is "Gig panels")[[[Continue->Day 12 Gig beer]]]You can’t help if you don’t know your stuff. Can you solve this problem?
x + 9 = 18 + -2x [[x = 5->Incorrect]] [[x = 3->Correct]] [[x = 7->Incorrect]] [[x = 2->Incorrect]]Like many Americans, you don’t have high enough math skills to tutor your child. Guess she's on her own.
(if: $job is "waiter")[[[Continue->Day 14]]](if: $job is "Temp")[[[Continue->Day 14]]](if: $job is "Uber")[[[Continue->Day 14]]](else:)[[[Continue->Day 14 Gig]]]Luckily, you’re able to help your child out. Most Americans aren’t so lucky. A study found that more than 50 percent of parents have trouble helping their children with math and science.
(if: $job is "waiter")[[[Continue->Day 14]]](if: $job is "Temp")[[[Continue->Day 14]]](if: $job is "Uber")[[[Continue->Day 14]]](else:)[[[Continue->Day 14 Gig]]]You get the ticket dismissed, but you had to spend the whole day in court and pay a $50 court fee.
[[Continue->Day 21]](set: $money to $money - 50)(if: $job is "waiter")[(set: $day28processing to $day28processing - 52)](if: $job is "temp")[(set: $day28processing to $day28processing - 61)](if: $job is "Gig beer")[(set: $day26processing to $day26processing - 45)](if: $job is "Gig recycling")[(set: $day23processing to $day23processing - 48)]You made it to the service, but driving all night to get there means you're even more exhausted than usual.
(set: $money to $money - 75)[[Continue->Day 24]]Everyone needs a break sometimes, except not everyone can afford one. That’s probably why stress levels are higher among low-wage workers.
(if:$job is "waiter")[[[Continue->Day 26 Waiter Temp Gig recycling]]](if:$job is "Temp")[[[Continue->Day 26 Waiter Temp Gig recycling]]](if:$job is "Gig recycling")[[[Continue->Day 26 Waiter Temp Gig recycling]]](if:$job is "Gig beer")[[[Continue->Day 26 Gig beer]]](else:)[[[Continue->Day 26 Gig panels2]]]Your electricty has been cut off. But this isn't surprising since the bottom 20 percent of earners spend almost 10 percent of their income on electricity, which is more than seven times the portion of income that the top 20 percent pays.
(set: $money to $money - 100)(if:$job is "waiter")[[[Continue->Day 18 Waiter Temp Gig recycling and beer]]](if:$job is "Temp")[[[Continue->Day 18 Waiter Temp Gig recycling and beer]]](if:$job is "Gig recycling")[[[Continue->Day 18 Waiter Temp Gig recycling and beer]]](if:$job is "Gig beer")[[[Continue->Day 18 Waiter Temp Gig recycling and beer]]](if:$job is "Uber")[[[Continue->Day 18 Uber]]](else:)[[[Continue->Day 18 Gig panels]]] <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2016/04/why-poor-americans-have-some-of-the-highest-electricity-bills/478551/" target="_blank">Source →</a>Your gas has been cut off, which means no heat, no hot water, no way to cook. You can get it turned back on, but it’ll cost you a $200 deposit, plus what you already owe.
(set: $money to $money - 125)(if:$job is "waiter")[[[Continue->Day 18 Waiter Temp Gig recycling and beer]]](if:$job is "Temp")[[[Continue->Day 18 Waiter Temp Gig recycling and beer]]](if:$job is "Gig recycling")[[[Continue->Day 18 Waiter Temp Gig recycling and beer]]](if:$job is "Gig beer")[[[Continue->Day 18 Waiter Temp Gig recycling and beer]]](if:$job is "Uber")[[[Continue->Day 18 Uber]]](else:)[[[Continue->Day 18 Gig panels]]]Let's hope you get enough hours. The average salary for this job is $10/hr. And you have to buy gas. Your monthly pay is based on 20 hours per week, but driveshare jobs vary.
$1,280 monthly pay before taxes (-$192) taxes (-$40) gas $1,048 monthly take home pay Weekly pay: $262 [[Continue->Day 2]]Day 3
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day3processing)Your child comes home in tears and threatens to stop eating lunch because other kids made fun of all the “free lunch kids.”
What do you want to do?
[[Add lunch money to your budget ($3/day)->Pay Lunch]] [[Risk her going hungry->Risk hunger]]$3 a day doesn’t seem like much, but a month of lunches takes a big bite out of your cash.
[[Continue->Day 4]]Day 4
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day4processing)You had to move to a cheaper appartment, but your new apartment is too small for your stuff.
What do you want to do?
[[Have a yard sale->Yard Sale]] [[Rent a storage unit ($45/month)->storageunitprocessing]]Day 5
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day5processing)You come out of your house to discover that someone has siphoned the gas from your car. And you’re already running late for work.
What do you want to do?
[[Take the bus->Bus]] [[Call in sick->Call in Sick]]You sold a bunch of stuff, but only made $150.
(set: $money to $money + 150) (if: $job is "waiter")[[[Continue->Day 5 Waiter]]](if: $job is "Temp")[[[Continue->Day 5 Temp]]](if: $job is "Uber")[[[Continue->Day 5 Uber]]](if: $job is "Gig Clean")[[[Continue->Day 5 Gig Clean]]](if: $job is "Gig furniture")[[[Continue->Day 5 Gig furniture]]]It takes three buses and five times longer to get to work than it would driving. So you lose a couple hours of pay.
[[Continue->Day 6]] (set: $day14processing to $day14processing - 20)You skip work, but that day of pay would have filled up your gas tank. Plus, your boss is not happy.
[[Continue->Day 6]] (set: $day14processing to $day14processing - 52)Day 5
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day5processing)You were having dinner at a neighbor's house and accidently broke a vase.
What do you want to do?
[[Pay $25 to cover the cost->HideMistakeProcessing]] [[Hide the evidence->Day 6]]Day 5
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day5processing)Your college degree isn’t helping you right now, but you still have to pay your loans. You just got a bill for $250.
What do you want to do?
[[Pay it ($250)->PayLoansProcessing]] [[Ignore it->Ignore Loan]]Unemployment has hit college grads hard. The student loan default rate is 14.7 percent, the highest it’s been in over two decades.
[[Continue->Day 6]] <a href="https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/default-rates-continue-rise-federal-student-loans" target="_blank">Source →</a>Day 5
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day5processing)(set: $money to $money + 60)Pay Day!
(link: "Time to find a new job.") [####These are your options. Choose one. |hours>[<img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/975f5b_cc6c9204ec964c0db47265d2fc96f6c0~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_3,y_0,w_1147,h_365/fill/w_900,h_287,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/975f5b_cc6c9204ec964c0db47265d2fc96f6c0~mv2.webp" alt="Do two hours of work" width="500" />](click: ?hours)[(goto: "Day 6 Two Hours")] |beer>[<img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/975f5b_3d82aa85d7024e8ca38b80336f3ca85a~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_900,h_287,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/975f5b_3d82aa85d7024e8ca38b80336f3ca85a~mv2.webp" alt="Package beer" width="500"/>](click: ?beer)[(goto: "Day 6 beer")]]Day 6
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day6processing)Without warning, your landlord has raised your rent, effective immediately. When you argue that the increase is illegal, you’re told, “If you don’t like it, you can move out.”
What do you want to do?
(if: $job is "Uber")[[[Pay it ($150)->rentincreaseprocessing]]] [[Find somewhere else to live->Find somewhere else]]There are lots of places you could move – except they all require a security deposit and first/last month’s rent. So you’re stuck paying the money.
[[Continue->rentincreaseprocessing]]Day 7
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day7processing)Your best friend from childhood is getting married, and they want you to be in the wedding. The only problem: It’s in another state.
What do you want to do?
[[Fly to the wedding ($350)->WedFlyProcessing]] [[Say you can't go->Day 8]]Day 7
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day7processing)It's pay day!
[[Continue->Day 8]]Day 9
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day9processing)Your neighbor is moving and has offered to pay you $50 to help. But they reserved the truck during the time your kid will be starring in a school play.
What do you want to do?
[[Take the job->Miss Play]] [[Go see the play->Day 10]]Day 9
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day9processing)On your way to meet with the person who posted on Craigslist, you get mugged. Good thing you only had $20 in your wallet.
(set: $money to $money - 20) (link: "Time to find a new job") [####These are your options. Choose one. |recycling>[<img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/975f5b_5c5dba3eaf3e4380b2972e8062338282~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_900,h_287,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/975f5b_5c5dba3eaf3e4380b2972e8062338282~mv2.webp" alt="Be a recycling sorter" width="500" />](click: ?recycling)[(goto: "Day 10 recycling")] |panels>[<img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/975f5b_fa985c5520274fc1b8fdbe651290ce8a~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_900,h_287,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/975f5b_fa985c5520274fc1b8fdbe651290ce8a~mv2.webp" alt="Put up wood panels" width="500"/>](click: ?panels)[(goto: "Day 10 panels")]]Day 10
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day10processing)Your mom needs crucial medication but doesn’t have the $100 she needs to buy it.
What do you want to do?
[[Give her the money ($100)->GiveMomMoneyProcessing]] [[Say no->Day 11]]You’ll miss the play, but that $50 will make a difference. Which is a big reason parents with low incomes tend to be less involved in their children’s schooling and extracurricular activities.
(set: $money = $money + 50) [[Continue->Day 10]]Your job does provide paid sick leave, but not until you've been working at least 2 weeks.
[[Continue->Day 16]] need make paycheck changes baesd on job (if: $job is "waiter")[(set: $day28processing to $day28processing - 52)] (if: $job is "temp")[(set: $day28processing to $day28processing - 61)] (if: $job is "Gig beer")[(set: $day19processing to $day19processing - 45)] (if: $job is "Gig recycling")[(set: $day23processing to $day23processing - 48)]Like you, more than 40 million working Americans do not get paid sick leave. So, like you, they go to work, even when they probably shouldn’t.
[[Continue->Day 16]] <a href="http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Articles/2013/01/10/The-High-Cost-of-Taking-a-Sick-Day" target="_blank">Source →</a>Day 12
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day12processing)A customer leaves a bad review.
[[Continue->Day 13]]Day 12
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day12processing)Your child wants to join an after-school sports team, which requires a physical and uniform.
What do you want to do?
[[Say yes ($50)->SchoolSportsProcessing]] [[Say no->Day 13]]Day 14
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day14processing)It's pay day!
(if:$job is "waiter") [[[Continue->Day 15 Waiter Temp Gig recycling and beer]]](if:$job is "Temp")[[[Continue->Day 15 Waiter Temp Gig recycling and beer]]](if:$job is "Gig recycling")[[[Continue->Day 15 Waiter Temp Gig recycling and beer]]](if:$job is "Gig beer")[[[Continue->Day 15 Waiter Temp Gig recycling and beer]]](else:)[[[Continue->Day 15 Uber Gig furniture and panels]]]Day 15
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day15processing)Your head is pounding and you’re burning up. But you have to be at work in an hour.
What do you want to do?
[[Call in sick->Call in Sick2]] [[Go anyway->Go Anyway]]Day 12
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day12processing)It's pay day!
[[Continue->Day 13]]Day 12
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day12processing)You’ve been working for several hours, and you’re starving. But you forgot your lunch.
What do you want to do?
[[Get a salad ($6)->SalProcessing]] [[Buy a burger from the dollar menu->Burger]]Your child isn’t the only one: Many children who qualify for free or reduced-cost lunch choose to go hungry rather than face the stigma of being identified as poor.
[[Continue->Day 4]]Day 5
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day5processing)A family friend sends your child a card. Inside is $10.
What do you want to do?
[[Give your child the $10->Day 6]] [[Keep the $10->StealKidMoneyProcessing]]Day 14
A friend of a friend needs a place to stay. He’s offered you $200 to camp out in your living room.
What do you want to do?
[[Say yes->Say Yes]] (if:$job is "waiter")[[[Say no->Day 15 Waiter Temp Gig recycling and beer]]](if:$job is "Temp")[[[Say no->Day 15 Waiter Temp Gig recycling and beer]]](if:$job is "Gig recycling")[[[Say no->Day 15 Waiter Temp Gig recycling and beer]]](if:$job is "Gig beer")[[[Say no->Day 15 Waiter Temp Gig recycling and beer]]](else:)[[[Say no->Day 15 Uber Gig furniture and panels]]]You're not alone. High costs often force people to share housing.
(set: $money to $money + 200)(if:$job is "waiter") [[[Continue->Day 15 Waiter Temp Gig recycling and beer]]](if:$job is "Temp")[[[Continue->Day 15 Waiter Temp Gig recycling and beer]]](if:$job is "Gig recycling")[[[Continue->Day 15 Waiter Temp Gig recycling and beer]]](if:$job is "Gig beer")[[[Continue->Day 15 Waiter Temp Gig recycling and beer]]](else:)[[[Continue->Day 15 Uber Gig furniture and panels]]]Day 15
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day15processing)Your child’s class is going on a field trip to the natural history museum. The trip costs $15.
What do you want to do?
[[Pay the money->fieldtripprocessing]] [[Don't pay->Don't Pay]]Day 16
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day16processing)You’ve been putting off doing laundry for weeks because you don’t have a washer or dryer.
What do you want to do?
[[Go to the laundromat ($30)->laundromatprocessing]] [[Wear dirty clothes->Day 17]]Because your child didn’t have money for the field trip, she stayed at school in the office while the other children in the class went to the museum.
[[Continue->Day 16]]After spending more than two weeks on building some very beautiful furniture, the person who hired you is not returning your calls. You're able to sell the furniture, but only make $200.
(set: $money to $money +200) (link: "Time to find a new job.") [####These are your options. Choose one. |recycling>[<img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/975f5b_5c5dba3eaf3e4380b2972e8062338282~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_900,h_287,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/975f5b_5c5dba3eaf3e4380b2972e8062338282~mv2.webp" alt="Be a recycling sorter" width="500" />](click: ?recycling)[(goto: "Day 19 recycling")] |panels>[<img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/975f5b_fa985c5520274fc1b8fdbe651290ce8a~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_900,h_287,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/975f5b_fa985c5520274fc1b8fdbe651290ce8a~mv2.webp" alt="Put up wood panels" width="500"/>](click: ?panels)[(goto: "Day 19 panels")]]Day 29
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day29processing)You’re going about your work as usual when you hear two full-time employees saying things about you that are hurtful, not to mention untrue.
What do you want to do?
[[Confront them->Confront]] [[Stay quite->Day 30]]You talk with them and everything seems OK. Two hours later, HR calls to say that you need to pack up your stuff and leave. Apparently, you’re not a “good fit” for this company.
You'll have to find another job.
[[Continue->Day 30]]It may be bad for you, but it's cheap. Perhaps that’s why low-income workers like you are more likely to be overweight.
(set: $money to $money - 1) [[Continue->Day 13]]Day 18
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day18processing)(set: $money to $money + 500)Pay day!
Time to find another job. Unfortunately, there's only one that matches your qualifications.
<img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/975f5b_0325fb004a034028ab73e2884df37c42~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_900,h_287,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/975f5b_0325fb004a034028ab73e2884df37c42~mv2.webp" alt="Do two hours of work" width="500" /> [[Take the job->Day 19 porn]] [[Don't take the job->Day 19 no porn]]Day 18
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day18processing)The flu has been going around – and it just hit your house. Your child is running a fever and has the chills. But you’re supposed to be at work.
What do you want to do?
[[Stay home from work->Stay With Child]] [[Send her to school sick->Send Sick]] [[Leave her home alone->Leave Home]]Like you, many working families have to send a child to school knowing they are sick.
[[Coninue->Day 19]]Now you know why a recent study found that parents in Baltimore, Maryland, were more likely to leave a sick child home alone all day than parents in Honduras.
[[Continue->Day 19]]There goes another day of pay, plus a bad mark on your employee record.
[[Continue->Day 19]] (if: $job is "waiter")[(set: $day28processing to $day28processing-52)] (if: $job is "temp")[(set: $day28processing to $day28processing-61)] (if: $job is "Gig beer")[(set: $day19processing to $day19processing-45)] (if: $job is "Gig recycling")[(set: $day23processing to $day23processing-48)]Day 18
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day18processing)Your car's registration is due. It’ll cost $250 to get it road-legal.
What do you want to do?
[[Pay the money->RegistrationProcessing]] [[Take your chances->Take Chances]]You’ll save money in the short term, but you’ll have to pay a $100 late fee for waiting. And if you get pulled over, you’re looking at $1,500 to get your car back. You can't be an Uber driver anymore, so it's time to find a new job.
(set: $day21processing to $day21processing - 262)(set: $day28processing to $day28processing - 262) (link: "Start by searching Craigslist.") [####These are your options. Choose one. |recycling>[<img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/975f5b_5c5dba3eaf3e4380b2972e8062338282~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_900,h_287,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/975f5b_5c5dba3eaf3e4380b2972e8062338282~mv2.webp" alt="Be a recycling sorter" width="500" />](click: ?recycling)[(goto: "Day 19 recycling")] |panels>[<img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/975f5b_fa985c5520274fc1b8fdbe651290ce8a~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_900,h_287,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/975f5b_fa985c5520274fc1b8fdbe651290ce8a~mv2.webp" alt="Put up wood panels" width="500"/>](click: ?panels)[(goto: "Day 19 panels")]]Day 20
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day20processing)You’re sure you weren’t speeding, but the cop who gave you a ticket disagrees.
What do you want to do?
[[Pay it ($250)->PayTicketProcessing]] [[Contest it in court->Contest]]Day 21
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day21processing)It’s easier to look for extra ways to make money if you have access to the Web. But you don’t have Internet at home since you moved to a smaller place.
What do you want to do?
[[Sign-up for home internet ($60 a month)->InternetProcessing]] [[Get online at the public library->Library]] [[Go without internet->No Internet]]Day 21
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day21processing)It's pay day!(set:$money to $money +450) [[Continue->Day 22]]
Day 22
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day22processing)You’ve been experiencing some sharp pains in your chest lately, and your family has a history of heart problems.
What do you want to do?
[[Get it checked out ($50)->CheckOutProcessing]] [[Ignore it->Ignore Heart]]It may seem like a waste of money, but when you don't have access to a 401(k), winning lottery can feel like the only way you'll ever retire.
[[Continue->Day 20]]For you and millions of other Americans, public library Internet access is a critical resource. Over 44 percent of people living below the poverty line visit the public library to get online.
[[Continue->Day 22]]Like you, 80 million American adults don’t have broadband or any Internet in their homes.
[[Continue->Day 22]]That’s a dangerous decision. Heart disease is the number one cause of death for both men and women in the United States, killing 1 million people each year.
(if:$job is "Gig recycle")[[[Continue->Day 23 Gig recycle]]](else:)[[[Continue->Day 23]]]Day 23
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day23processing)It's pay day!
[[Continue->Day 24]]Day 24
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day24processing)Your stress level is through the roof these days. A friend who hears you venting offers you a cigarette to take the edge off.
What do you want to do?
[[Light up->Light Up]] [[Say no->Day 25]]Day 28
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day28processing)It's pay day!
(if:$job is "Uber")[[[Continue->Day 29 Gig panels2]]](else:)[[[Continue->Day 29 Waiter, Temp, Gig recycling and beer]]]Day 26
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day26processing)You’re walking into work when someone approaches you in the parking lot. They want to organize a union and push for better pay.
What do you want to do?
[[Talk to them->Talk to Them]] [[Keep walking->Keep Walking]]Your manager finds out about your conversation and says they will be letting you go at the end of the week. Firing workers for union activity is illegal, but that doesn’t keep it from happening.
You'll have to find another job.
[[Continue->Day 27]]Like you, many low-income workers would rather keep quiet than push for better working conditions because they don’t want to risk their jobs.
[[Continue->Day 27]]Day 26
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day26processing)It's pay day!
[[Continue->Day 27]]You're not alone. One of the main reasons people start smoking as adults is stress. There is a misconception that smoking relieves stress, so some people pick up the habit during difficult periods or life transitions.
[[Continue->Day 25]]Day 28
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day28processing)The repetitive work you do is taking its toll. Your back hurts so badly you can barely stand.
What do you want to do?
[[Submit a workers' comp claim->Submit Claim]] [[Work through the pain->Day 29 Waiter, Temp, Gig recycling and beer]] [[Take the day off->Day 29 Waiter, Temp, Gig recycling and beer]]Your supervisor laughs when you ask about filing a claim, then tells you there are plenty of other people willing to do your job.
[[Continue->Day 29 Waiter, Temp, Gig recycling and beer]]This isn’t your lucky week. But when you don't have access to a 401(k), winning lottery can feel like the only way you'll ever retire.
(set: $money to $money - 10) [[Continue->Day 20]]Day 28
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day28processing)You finish your job and get paid! But it's a slow week and there's no odd jobs available to do right now.
[[Continue->Day 29 Gig panels2]]Day 26
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day26processing)Life throws curveballs, and so does a kid on your block. He shattered your window. I will cost $100 to fix it.
What do you want to do?
[[Pay to replace the window ($100)->GlassFixProcessing]] [[Buy some plastic to put over the broken window ($5)->PlasticFixProcessing]] [[Get legal help->Legal]]You spend the whole day at the free legal clinic, only to find there’s a three-month waiting list for assistance of any kind. So you’re stuck paying the money.
[[Continue->GlassFixProcessing]]Day 29
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day29processing)The local community college is offering an online course in computer science, which could be your ticket to a higher paycheck. But the class costs $200.
What do you want to do?
[[Sign up->signupprocessing]] [[Maybe next semester->Day 30]]Congrats, you’ve got great coverage and a low co-pay. But you just reduced your weekly paycheck by over 25%.
[[Continue->Day 3]]You’ve got solid coverage and a medium co-pay. But it’s costing you over $65 a paycheck.
[[Continue->Day 3]]Even the most basic plan under the Affordable Care Act covers more than what you could have gotten before. But at almost $60 each paycheck, it’s no free ride.
[[Continue->Day 3]]When the penalty for not buying insurance is so low compared to the cost of coverage, it’s no surprise that low-income workers like you are opting out altogether.
[[Continue->Day 3]]If you continue to pay only the minimum, the interest you have to pay means it will take you almost 17 years to pay off your card.
(set: $money to $money - 219)(if:$job is "waiter") [[[Continue->Day 28 Waiter Temp Uber]]](if:$job is "Temp")[[[Continue->Day 28 Waiter Temp Uber]]](if:$job is "Uber")[[[Continue->Day 28 Waiter Temp Uber]]](if:$job is "Gig porn")[[[Continue->Day 28 Waiter Temp Uber]]](if:$job is "Gig beer")[[[Continue->Day 28 Gig beer and recycling]]](if:$job is "Gig recycling")[[[Continue->Day 28 Gig beer and recycling]]](if:$job is "Gig panels")[[[Continue->Day 28 Gig panels2]]](if:$job is "Gig no porn")[[[Continue->Day 28 Gig no porn]]]Day 28
(set: $day = $day+1)(set: $money = $money+$dailyprocessing+$day28processing)Your child has been invited to a birthday party. They need to bring a present.
What do you want to do?
[[Buy a present ($10)->presentprocessing]] [[Send your kid without a present->Day 29 Gig panels2]] [[Keep your kid home from the party->Day 29 Gig panels2]]You gave up on day $day
<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.powtoon.com/embed/bXpNVYYi4dw/" frameborder="0"></iframe>You ran out of money on day $day
<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.powtoon.com/embed/dqdNcJQB5tk/" frameborder="0"></iframe>