"What?" I thought, "How does one live off of $700 a week?"
As you know, I live in West Hollywood, CA. So, when I was told that the job I was interviewing for paid $700 a week with NO BENEFITS, I couldn't believe my ears.
Now, I want to dispel any misconceptions up front if you are suddenly thinking I'm a snob or that I am living like a queen. Let me assure you, I am not.
It is actually a fact that it is impossible to live off of $700 a week in most areas of Los Angeles.
The average rent here is $1,494 a month, and given that it is recommended that one does not spend more than 30% of their income on rent, a person would need to make at least $59,760 per year to rent an average apartment in an average neighborhood.
I know what you're thinking, and I've already done that. My roommate and I split the rent and utilities, and we still spend $750 each per month.
What about cutting costs? I've done that, too. I cancelled DirecTV. I've switched my wireless plan. I've cancelled my gym membership. I've consolidated my credit card bills. I eat at home. I drink coffee at home. I've even switched my light bulbs to CFL's. So, what is it then that is eating up my budget?
In a word: INSURANCE.
In a month, I spend $525 for health and auto insurance. "What?" you're saying. "That's impossible!"
No, my friends, it is not.
In our lovely country where profit is king, I cannot get health insurance for less than $300 a month, and the only reason I even have said health insurance is because I worked at a hotel last year that offered it to me in a group plan. Had it not been for that group plan, I would not have insurance at all.
You see, I was rejected by every major health insurance carrier (and even some not so major ones) because I have what they call a "pre-existing condition".
Yes, in our fair country where 7% of our population has diabetes if you turn up at Blue Cross or Health Net and fill out an application for coverage, they will tell you to go to hell -- literally.
It's funny because it's true. It's not funny because it's true.
So, what does one do in my situation?
Anyone want to buy a script?
12 March 2008
$700 a Week?
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4 comments:
What kind of script? :) Hang in there.
http://www.city-journal.org/html/17_3_canadian_healthcare.html
What my wife did was walk down the isle of the bus with her killer legs taking all the occupants attention and sit in the seat facing me. It's been 24 years now and she has not worked for 15. She has type 1 diabetes and I pay the bills, while my job supplants the insurance. I still pay $50 a week. If you look anything like your picture, a husband would be easy to get. May be you could get lucky and get one like me. My wife might not think it would be so lucky. But consider this, I work 6 days a week, while she stays home except for one day a month each for her garden club meeting and the all girls monthly poker game. There is a catch to the story. I moved her from Southern California to the wet, cold and overcast part of Northern California. The reason why is simple, house payment less than $300. Good luck. I found your site on the "Next blog" link.
I can relate. Most definitely. My current HMO won't treat me, and it's unlikely any other will take me. I don't know about you, but I'm getting tired of the US of A. If Obama doesn't win the election, it might be time to move..um...just about anywhere else. Definitely out of California. At least a house in Asheville can be had for $125k.
Dann
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