Was thinking

[Rhiamon]

I was thinking when I was growing up I was poor, but didn't know it until someone pointed it out to me. I grew up did okay (money wise mental health wise not so much) and was doing ok. Money was pretty good when my ex got a job in the trucking industry. Then the financial crisis hit and he was laid off. Then we separated and now I am on disability and raising my daughter in poverty. Some advice that I have been given from my mom and other people as well as here have been:
Just because you are poor doesn't mean you have to look it. In other words keep your house clean and your self clean. (mom)
Bake your own bread and cook from scratch (mom and FV)
Save your pennies they add up (mom and FV)
Meal plan (FV)
Use the library for entertainment (FV)
Try your best that is all anyone can do (FV)
Coupon (FV)
Vinegar and baking soda clean everything (FV)
Know your debt and income (FV)

I know there are loads of other advice and tons of it I have found thanks to Frugal Village.
What is some advice that you have been given regarding living in poverty or just living that has stuck with you?

[lovestoread]

you are so inspiring...thank you for your honesty...I am a hairdresser..when I was in beauty school, we were located in a poor section of town, and one of the things that drove me crazy was how dirty people were...Now, mind you , I am not being mean, or talking down about people's lives...but we did haircuts for 2.50, and the other girls and i talked about (jokingly, I was only 18 at the time) giving out a bar of soap with each haircut. I always felt like you could be poor, but there was no reason to be dirty....I love what you have said and I will keep this in mind. I am trying to change my outlook and my situation. We are in our mid 40s and we need to get serious about retirement...wishing you much luck, Rhiamon....

[cab54]

My son did a stint of service work (while in HS) in Tijuana, MX. He was struck by how, although the people they lived in little huts made of whatever they could find, and slept 8 in a bed, that they took great pride in their cleanliness and appearance. They were extremely clean, and their clothes were clean also. They combed and groomed themselves and their children. The people were also very nice and generous with what little they had. They also had clean homes, and cooked all of their own food, except the one meal a day they received at the soup kitchen where he and the women of the community worked.

[stinkbug]

We did not have a lot growing up. I wore a lot of hand me downs and everything we had was used. BUT.....our house was kept clean and tidy and everyone was welcome. Mom always said *We'll just toss another potato in the pot* And...she always told us there was no excuse for filth. Soap is cheap and water is free. We irioned our hand me downs and scrubbed things that were given to us to make them *like new*. Even now, my parents home is 48 years old and in near perfect condition. I try to follow their example. (they are 76 and 79 and very well off financially at this point)

[Debbie-cat]

A few more things to consider...

Having good hygiene, clean clothes and a clean home will keep the doctor away.

Material possessions does not make a person rich.

You will have a rich life by keeping family and friends close to
your heart.

Even the smallest of gardens will feed you.

[shoiji]

Be happy with what you already have.

Let that nagging feeling you need something sit for awhile. Usually goes away with enough time.

You do not need to look poor.

Always double check any clothing you purchase on clearance or at the thriftstore.

Before going out and buying something, think for a minute to see if you can substitute something else.

Keeping track of every penny spent each month keeps you financially healthy.

[craftypam]

This is really the truth. Great post Deb

Material possessions does not make a person rich.

You will have a rich life by keeping family and friends close to
your heart.

[Imarachne]

These were good posts--I think we forget .