living on 1000 a month

Ultimate Guide for Living on $1000 a Month in the USA

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The ability to manage your money right comes in handy regardless of whether you earn well or not. Having a plan on how much you should spend in a month once you start working is a must. Especially if you want to save something on the side. After all, about 59% of Americans survive paycheck to paycheck.

Living on 1000 a month, for some, is a reality, and for others a struggle. For the ones who are struggling, this article will give some advice on the cheapest ways to live and answer fully on how to live on less money in 2021. Surviving on a low income isn’t as traumatic as you imagined. It just requires a good strategy and discipline.

How To Live On $1000 A Month?

There are a few points and habits that you need to develop first. Having discipline is the most important thing, as well as having clear goals. Create a perspective that fits your financial position. Know your budget by comparing how much you earn against how much you need to survive.

  • Discipline – Learn to spend only on essential things. There sure are numerous situations in your life when you’ve bought something just because it’s cheap. If you want to manage living on less money, you must stop doing that. Buy what you need, and when you need it. If you’re disciplined, even living on $10 a day can become a reality.
  • Clear goals – Once you’ve mastered the self-discipline, you need to set your goals and prioritize them. Do you have a loan that you need to pay off or a pre-planned holiday you need to save for? If so, you need to make sure that one portion of your earnings goes for that.
  • Perspective – Learn to be less dependent on material things. Having the right mindset will be most important when learning to live with less. Start building a positive attitude about the situation. Understand that, right now, you are okay with what you have and that things will get better.
  • Budget – When you get all of the above sorted out, start doing the numbers. Determine the spending budget and follow it. With smart spending, there will be enough to go through the month and even save some cash.

Is it Possible To Live On $1000 A Month?

It surely is possible to living on 1000 a month, but it won’t happen overnight. Above, we mentioned the first four steps that work in theory but might be harder in practice. Of course, you can’t suddenly stop spending money. Still, you need to know that there are many things you can save on.

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Housing

The average annual housing costs in the US widely depends on your state of residence. It ranges from low $5,800 (South Dakota) to soaring $14,600 (Hawaii).

When it comes to housing, one way to save money is to live with your parents. But in case that isn’t an option, there are other strategies to consider. Think about where living on 1000 a month budget will be doable. If you decide to rent a place, choose areas in your city where the rent is affordable.

If you’re already renting a place and the rent is a bit over the budget, you don’t need to move. Start looking for a roommate, instead. This way, you’ll save on both the rent and the utility bills. If you have your own place and you have a mortgage to pay out, think about putting it up for rent.

Transportation

The answer to how to live on $1000 a month is more complicated for car owners. On average, Americans spend approximately $9,000 a year on vehicle maintenance, gas, insurance, and other transportation-related costs.

The best way to keep using your car and spend less is to compare gas prices. Ridesharing is another smart strategy here. Always do the work and look for excellent car insurance deals. Even if you save only $20 per month, the annual savings account to $240 extra.

Alternatively, mass transit is an excellent solution to spending less on transportation. Still, this is possible for city residents only as they have better connections.

Food

One of the biggest challenges of living on 1000 a month is covering your food expenses. Below, we’ll list the average annual food costs in various USA states. That way, you’ll set your expectations straight and be able to react accordingly.

  • Around $3,000 – Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin.
  • Around $3,500 – Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wyoming.

This shows that living a simple life with little money is easier in some states. Anyway, a proven way to save cash on food is to cook yourself. Plus, a simple fast food vs. home-cooked meal comparison reveals the substantial superiority of homemade dishes. Other tips here include buying food in bulk whenever possible. Sticking to supermarkets and comparing prices helps too.

Utilities/Internet/Cellular Device

American households pay about $2,000 a year on utilities. Internet prices in the United States range from $35 to $100 per month. Cellular plans can account for an additional $40-60 a month. When combined, these can drain a significant part of your budget. Meaning, living on 1000 a month after bills is much easier than covering all expenses with a single grand.

Your strategy here is to cut down your utility costs. Plus, you should stick to the cheapest cell phone plans and Internet packages. Even seemingly insignificant savings are critical to surviving the month. Don’t forget, saving $50 per month will get you $600 extra within a year.

Insurance

If you plan to retire on 1000 a month, you must think ahead by investing in good life insurance. This, naturally, comes at a cost. An average American pays about $68 a month on this type of insurance. Still, insurance expenses go beyond life premiums.

  • Health insurance – Average monthly premium per person and per family is respective $440 and $1,170.
  • Dental insurance – Monthly payments for this coverage range from $15 to $50 per month.
  • Homeowners insurance – Starting at $1,200, this is a pricey investment for protecting your home.
  • Car insurance – Car owners in the US pay about $1,500 a year to insure their vehicles.
  • Pet insurance – Pet owners pay between $10 and $100 to protect their furry friends.

A glance at all these make a living on less than 1000 a month seems impossible. The truth is you must set your priorities straight. Pay for insurance that makes sense to your lifestyle and possessions. If possible, get packages that come at lower prices and combine a few insurance types. Also, compare prices and make sure you get the best value for your money.

Entertainment and Sport Activities

Everyone wants to unwind occasionally and enjoy watching a movie or reading a book. Some people prefer playing video games or sports activities. Unfortunately, these can be a real problem for your budget as none or little of them are free. This doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. It means, however, that you must plan your entertainment and physical exercise smartly to survive on one thousand dollars a month.

Movie junkies should always stick to watching movies at home. Visiting the theaters comes with many expenses besides the tickets. You have gas, popcorn, and drinks. Why spend time and money when you can have a perfectly lovely time at your home? If you are a gamer, try buying second-hand video games and avoid purchasing the latest releases. Netflix and similar streaming services that support multiple devices are great when shared with your friends. Netflix for four devices is $13.99 a month, meaning it costs about $3.50 per device.

As for sports activities, you can always download free workout apps. YouTube videos are another way of getting guided exercise without paying a cent for it. Jogging, walking, and partaking in games on public areas is also free of charge.

American households spend, on average, about $2,500 per year on entertainment.

Travel

Living off 1000 a month doesn’t need to mean any traveling ever. Still, Americans with low incomes often struggle with paying for vacations. Once again, the secret lies in budgeting and planning ahead. Rather than making spontaneous decisions, create a travel fund instead. Every month set some cash aside for traveling. Always be on the lookout for top deals and avoid high-budget destinations.

If traveling is important to you, consider getting a credit card that gives travel rewards. That way, every once in a while, you’ll collect enough cashback to book accommodation for free or cheaply. Another idea is to avoid popular booking platforms as they charge a high commission. Stick to alternative accommodation like Airbnb, HomeAway, and Couch Surfing.

Shopping

Shopping is a real trap for people trying to figure out how to survive with $1000 a month. We live in a country with a spending-oriented culture. Everywhere you turn, you can find the latest deals on all kinds of gadgets, electronics, clothes, and whatnot. That’s why you must stick to buying items that you absolutely need and whose price is reasonable. Anything outside these criteria will hurt your chances of making ends meet with a small income.

You need to practice a minimalist lifestyle, in a way. So, say goodbye to anything that doesn’t serve a purpose in your life. Vases, paintings, thousands of pillows. All these are a hard pass. When possible, grab gift cards or discount coupons. Use these to shop the necessary items for free or cheaply. Create strict shopping lists and never get anything not included there. Avoid buying the latest models of anything and, when it makes sense, buy second-hand products.

Charitable Giving

Can you live on 1000 a month and still partake in charitable giving? The answer is yes, as long as you understand what expenses belong here and how to limit your spending. Charitable giving goes beyond donating money to charities and nonprofits. It includes gifts you purchase for yourself, family members, and friends too.

So, you want to keep spending in this area at the bare minimum. Naturally, sharing your fortune with the community is beautiful. So, there’s no need to stop doing this altogether. Instead, either make frequent small donations or create a fund and then donate all the money at once. When donating, stick to local charities that have a substantial impact on the community. Large nonprofits generate millions in donations with or without your contribution. Look to donate to a qualified tax-exempt charity organization with a 501(c)(3) status for a tax deduction on your federal income taxes.

As for gifts, there is no need to be frugal, but overspending isn’t encouraged either. When buying presents, go for cheap gifts under $10. Alternatively, create personalized gift ideas and avoid spending extra cash.

All Other Factors

Can you live on 1000 a month after covering the bills? An honest answer would be – it depends! Even after the essential expenses are covered, Americans have lots of other costs to deal with. Below, find the most common money-drainers besides the ones listed above.

  • Healthcare – The average healthcare expenses per person per year grow every year. In 2017, Americans spent, on average, $10,700 for health services. Invest in health and dental insurance to avoid unexpected expenses.
  • Childcare – American families pay anything from $3,000 to $22,000 a year for childcare. If possible, have your parents help you and avoid paying for babysitters.
  • Education – Depending on the type of education, facility, and location, self-improvement can be quite pricey. If possible, apply for scholarships or partake in free online courses rather than paying full price.
  • Interest rates – Americans spend thousands of dollars on interest rates. These may be applied to debt and/or credit card payments. The best way to avoid wasting cash on interest rates is to pay off your debt and stick to low-interest credit cards. Sometimes, it’s even smart to get a payday loan an get rid of expensive debt. Just make sure to make a thorough payday loan comparison and apply for the best deals.
  • Pets – On average, pets cost Americans about $130 per month. Avoid buying unnecessary treats and toys. Stick to essentials only.

How To Survive With 1,000 A Month In Different States

Sometimes, the question isn’t how to survive on minimum income but where to live on 1000 dollars a month. That’s right, you can live a comfortable life by moving to the cheapest US states. Housing and childcare rates are the most important factors here for families with kids.

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Mississippi

The Magnolia State is among the cheapest places for leading a happy life with a small budget. On average, residents need about $6,600 to provide for housing. Approximately $795 will go on rent or mortgage (without MPI insurance). In comparison to states like California and New York, that’s remarkably cheap. More importantly, everything else seems to be less expensive in Mississippi too. Childcare, health care, food, utilities. All these won’t drain your budget by being soaring high. Hence, the average living wage for a good life in the state is around $49,000. While the Magnolia State isn’t an attractive location to live, it certainly is an inexpensive one.

Arkansas

The Natural State is among the great places to retire on $1,000 a month. Paying for housing in Arkansas costs about $6,200 per year. This makes the state even cheaper than Mississippi. With food costs being estimated at approximately $3,000, one can have a happy life with little cash here. Most monthly renting fees move around $700, meaning not all of your money will go on housing. Childcare can cost about $5,000. Even though this seems high, it’s still much lower than the rates in other states. Stats reveal that people in Arkansas need income before taxes of around $22,000 for a carefree life.

West Virginia

Heading to the Mountain State is also a smart move for families with low income. With only $22,500 before taxes, you can make a life for yourself there. Housing in West Virginia, on average, costs about $6,500 per year. Residents of the state spend around $3,000 on food, which is similar to the food costs in Arkansas. One thing to keep in mind here is the relatively high prices of childcare in West Virginia. Parents need to reserve about $6,000 per year for this. Meaning, those with two or more kids may want to consider another alternative.

Tennessee

If you’re looking for places you can live for under 1000 a month, add the Volunteer State to your list. Tennessee has a bit higher annual housing cost. It moves around the $7,000 mark, which is for $800 more than housing in Arkansas. Rent and mortgage monthly payments here are mostly between $800 and $850. On the positive, you’ll spend on food about the same as residents of the states mentioned above, i.e., around $3,000. Tennessee is one of the states where childcare is approximately $6,000, which may be too high for families with many children. Keep in mind that there are many dangerous cities and neighborhoods in the state. So, newcomers should pick their brand-new Tennessee apartments carefully.

South Dakota

Downsize in the Mount Rushmore State for living on 1000 a month comfortably. Residents of South Dakota need about $21,500 before taxes for a decent life. Housing at the state is estimated at $6,000, whereas food costs about $3,000 per year. Again, childcare can become a problem with its average annual cost of about $5,500. The best thing about South Dakota? No income taxes! That’s right, while New Yorkers often spend about $1,000 per month on taxes, South Dakotans don’t have this issue.

10 Steps To Change Your Financial Situation

Money is a tool that helps us invest in ourselves and live life unburdened. However, money can be a source of immense stress, as well.

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Like most US citizens, you probably are stuck in debt of some kind. Whether that be student loans, a mortgage, or credit card payments.

Are you living on less money than you’d like? Do you always find yourself thinking, “I need money now”? If so, scroll down to read our 10 steps for changing your financial situation.

Define Where You See Yourself

Figure out what financial stability is to you. For some people, financial security means being entirely out of debt. For others, it’s being able to eat at fancy restaurants or to purchase expensive clothing.

Set your goals. This is the first step you take towards turning your finances around. Try to use precise numbers and due dates. Something along the lines of “by February 15th I will have saved $400 for my emergency fund”. In other words, choose a clear and specific objective. Then hustle your way towards it.

Establish Your Current Financial Situation

Are you trying to figure out how to live on 1000 a month? Here are some steps to take.

  • Determine where you are financially. Know your ins and outs.
  • Establish your net worth. Write down all of your assets, then subtract all of your debts.
  • Look at the amount of debt you are currently in. Compare the money you bring in against the amount of cash you spend monthly. Figure out what you can live without.

It may be a little overwhelming at first. You need to look at the total amount you owe, or all the unnecessary spending you’ve been doing. Let this serve as a wakeup call.

Personal/Family Budgeting

Budgeting is your best friend while changing your financial situation!

To start off, band together all of your financial statements and all of your sources of income. Then write down all of your monthly expenses. This includes rent, utility bills, insurance, groceries, emergency funds, student loans – everything you spend money on.

The next step you take is dividing your expenses. The first group includes your fixed expenses: rent, utilities, bills, etc. The second category is for your expenses that vary – groceries, entertainment, going out, etc.

The best-case scenario would be that your income and expenses are equal. If the costs outshine your profits, then you need to cut back on the non-essentials.

Pay Off Debt

Paying off debts is probably the best thing you can do about your finances. Disposing of debts gives you the freedom and the possibility to grow your treasure. However, it isn’t easy, and you might find yourself living on less than 1000 a month.

There are a couple of ways to ease your experience.

  • Budgeting – Subtract all of your essential expenses from your income. What’s left should go towards paying off your creditors.
  • Prioritize – Pay off your costliest debts first. Try paying off the credit card with the highest interest rate first.
  • Avoid foolish decisions – These include the likes of thinking you’ll be able to pay off the debt with minimum payments. Also, don’t sign up for credit cards that have “Penalty APR” as a feature. These can go up to 29.99%, almost matching your debt in the first place.

Employ Money-Saving Tips

Here are some fast money-saving tips you can try to grow your bank account.

  • Rent instead of buying – There are some items you can do fine with just renting them. Instead of buying expensive wear for special occasions – consider renting them. The same principle goes for books – visit your local library. You’ll find that the subscription you’ll be paying is a significant investment.
  • Coupons – An incredible strategy when it comes to saving money. Most vouchers are valued at around 1 or 2 dollars. However, if used correctly, they significantly aid your funds.
  • Pay in cash – Debit/credit cards and mobile pay don’t feel real enough. But, paying in cash gives you the real picture of how much money you’re spending. You can plan ahead and take the amount you know you’ll need – hence, you’ll avoid overspending.

Make More Money

Making more money is a no-brainer when you’re trying to improve your finances. There are plenty of ways to accomplish this. First, examine your current job. Does it fulfill your needs? Is there room to get promoted or grow here? If the answer is negative, you might want to look elsewhere.

Another thing you could try is getting a side gig, one to go along with your daily work life. For example, consider starting to drive for Uber/Lyft. The hourly pay is about $20. So, with driving 3 hours every day, you can bring in around $1,800 a month. Therefore, significantly improving your financial situation. You may not even need to wonder how to survive with $1000 a month.

Get Proper Insurance

Life is incredibly unpredictable. Therefore, getting insurance is an excellent decision. Some people may argue that it’s unnecessary, or too much money. However, think about what would happen if you’re struggling to make ends meet, then suddenly have a car accident? Right off the bat, you have repair costs for the vehicle, not to mention the potential medical bills. There are three must-have insurances.

  • Life insurance – In the event of your passing, this provides your loved ones with a specific financial safety.
  • Medical insurance – Covers medical bills for you and your family. It’s a smart choice since there’s always the chance for your life savings to be wiped with a $250,000 hospital bill.
  • Renter’s insurance – Protects your personal items. It also helps with temporary housing in case of an immediate move. Medical expenses for people injured on your property and lawyer costs are included as well.

Make A Long-Term Financial Plan

Think about the future. Once you’re completely out of debt, you’ll be able to start investing. Hence, having a long-term financial plan is fundamental.

Consider getting a financial planner. This is a certified professional that helps you reach your financial goals. They have an ethics code that forces them to act in the client’s best interest, not theirs. The best way to find a CFP is through word-of-mouth. Talk to family and friends that have similar financial goals as you. Other ways to get a financial planner is through your bank, or a brokerage company.

Another way to seriously aid your financial future is investing. With investing, you have the opportunity to grow your wealth wildly. You can also save money for your retirement fund, as well as reduce your taxable income.

Move To Another State

Consider if the state you live in is adequate for your financial situation? Then ask yourself: “where can I live on 1000 a month in the US?”. We’ve got you covered. These are the top 3 cheapest states to live in.

  • Mississippi – Among the cheapest states in the US. The housing costs about $6,600. Childcare is also extremely affordable at $2,900.
  • Arkansas – Spend only $3,000 on food in this state. Childcare is around $5,000, and housing costs about $700 a month.
  • Ohio – Live comfortable with $22,500 before taxes. The yearly cost for housing is approximately $6,500, while food is reasonable $3,000.

Don’t Give Up

Don’t quit! It’s only logical that the more complicated your financial situation is, the harder is to fix it.

Financial stability doesn’t come easy. In fact, nothing does. It’s completely normal to feel hopeless at some point. However, try to keep the big picture in mind. Think about how good it’s going to feel when you won’t have any debts to cover.

Separate your main objective into smaller goals. This helps your situation a lot. The tasks being smaller makes them even easier to achieve. For every goal that you accomplished, reward yourself with a prize fit to the occasion.

10 Ideas To Make More Money

Have you ever thought about how to survive with $1000 a month? If your monthly budget was set tight on 1k, what would it take for you to pull through? However, there are always ways to earn more money. Scroll down to find ideas on how to generate more cash.

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Rent Spare Space

A great way to make extra cash is by renting out any additional space you have. Use that extra bedroom in your apartment and make a profit.

To choose the room you’ll be renting, ask yourself which one would be the most profitable. If you have a room with its own bathroom, you can charge higher than you would for a bedroom only. You can also move into the smaller room, freeing your larger one and consequently – making more money.

The rent price isn’t the only part of the settlement. Work out a deal where they also pitch in for extra costs, like toiletries and utility bills. Most importantly, make sure your place is as comfortable as possible. This way, you guarantee a satisfying and comfortable stay for your tenants.

There are tons of platforms where you can advertise your service. So, don’t limit yourself to Craigslist.

Get A Side Gig

Are you trying to figure out how to make $1000 a month? Well, you can always sell plasma or just get a side job to go with your regular one. There are plenty of options to choose from.

  • Become a Lyft/Uber driver – The average pay is about $20 per hour, and customer tips are a custom. So, if you work for 2 hours every business day, you can make $800 extra a month.
  • TaskRabbit – This service hires people to complete tasks. Such as fixing assembling furniture, run errands for people, etc. Employees get paid an hourly average of $35.
  • Dog sitting/dog walking – You can do this either individually or get recruited by a company. The average salary is $30 per hour. Overnight stays of 12 hours make about $100.
  • Freelancing – The opportunities are endless. You can do graphic design, write articles for blogs, social media management, etc.

Try Short-Term Investing

Short-term investing is perfect for people who like safety, liquidity, and returns. A short-term investment is considered to last for about 5 years. There are plenty of options to choose from, but CDs and T-Bills have proven to be exceptionally popular.

Certificate of Deposits is a better alternative than a savings account. The duration ranges anywhere from a couple of months to over 5 years. The higher the period, the higher the prize. This, of course, comes with its own risk. If you sign on a 5-year CD and decide to cash out after year 2, you pay an appropriate penalty.

Treasury bills are among the safest short-term investment. They don’t make a huge profit, but this means that the risk is significantly smaller. They last either 3, 6 or 12 months. New T-bills are issued weekly. They can be cashed at any time, and the commission charged for exchanging is low.

Sell Stuff You’re Not Using

Is your apartment filled with things you don’t use? This allows you to make some quick money by reselling the stuff you don’t want anymore. Here are some ideas on what you could resell.

  • Old phones – If you upgrade your device every two years, you probably have an old phone stuffed somewhere. Depending on the model you’re selling, your earnings can range from $20 to $400.
  • Old toys – Some games you owned as a child are considered to be scarce collectibles today. Meaning, you can sell them for a lot of money. For instance, if you have a first edition set of Pokémon cards – you just hit the jackpot. Those sell for over $10,000.
  • Clothes – There are plenty of platforms that are used for reselling clothes. Some of the best being eBay, Poshmark, or Depop. Keep in mind that some sites charge a commission on your sales.

Start A Home-Based Business

Surviving on one thousand dollars a month isn’t impossible. However, by opening your own home-based business, you can make it a lot easier for yourself. These are the most popular self-employing businesses you can start up today.

  • Graphic design – While there might be a lot of graphic designers out there, there are way more companies who need them. The cost of starting up ranges from $2,000 to $11,000. Most of the investment goes towards editing software. You can teach yourself, however, having a degree certainly improves your prospects. The yearly salary for graphic designers is around $50,000.
  • Freelance writing – The cheapest business to start. The average pay is $31 per hour, which brings the yearly salary to around $65,000.
  • Social media marketing – Get hired by companies to help them build brand awareness. For beginners, the annual salary is $47,000.

Sell Photos Online

Selling your photographs is an easy way to generate money. You can sell photos you’ve taken on your travels, or whatever delicious meal you might’ve cooked. Stock photo websites have a high demand for selfies and photographs from people’s daily life. Photos from weddings, holidays and landscapes have proven successful too.

Here are some platforms to use:

  • Etsy – You choose the payment, shipping, and return policies. The company makes $0.2 for each item that you listed and around $5 per sale.
  • Shutterstock – People downloading your images earns you about 30 cents per download. By referring the site to your friends, you can make extra cash. Withdrawals are possible via PayPal and Skrill.
  • Adobe Stock – You get paid 33% for each photo you upload, while videos earn you 35%. This means that the minimum you can make is $25.

Invest In Passive Income

Is your daily life agenda over-booked with work and other tasks? Are you still figuring out a way to keep living on 1000 a month after bills? Well, investing in passive income may be an adequate option for you.

  • Dividend stocks – With doing a good amount of research on what stocks to invest in, you can accumulate a good residual income.
  • Real estate – Some companies allow you to invest with as little as $500 to get started. Some of these companies even have tenants moved in. Therefore, you have cash inflow from day one.
  • Rent your space on Airbnb – By renting your apartment through Airbnb, you make money from a place you already own. The platform has its own calculator that shows you how much you’ll be making. This is based on your location, apartment size, and the number of people you’re hosting.

Monetize Your Hobby

Monetizing your hobby is probably the sweetest side gig you can get. Especially today, you can pretty much monetize anything. You can start a travel blog or open a YouTube channel to discuss the latest episode of your favorite show.

The most essential part of monetizing your hobby is treating it like an actual job – because it is. With enough effort and networking put in, you can make six figures a year.

The real money is in the advertisement. Companies pay you to promote their content on your platform. Google AdSense pays $2-$3 per 1000 impressions. Other private ad companies, like Monumetric or Ezoic, pay $5-$10 for every thousand reads. The premium ad networks go up to $30. So, if you get 100,000 hits monthly, you can bring in $1000.

Creating arts and crafts, selling homemade candles, and pet teaching yoga are some other popular hobbies you can monetize. No more wondering how to make $1000 a month. Roll up your sleeves and start doing what you love!

Take Part In Paid Surveys And Studies

Participating in online surveys is a great way to make extra bucks. There are a couple of key details you need to know before you start.

Most surveys don’t pay money. They offer tokens, which can be exchanged for different services or products. You may be fortunate enough to find some surveys that pay direct cash. The maximum you can earn is $50.

However, you must keep an eye out for scams. Before signing up, read through the company’s privacy policy. If you can’t find it, you should probably steer clear of them.

Some platforms demand a membership fee, don’t be fooled. Never pay a company upfront. You probably will end up being duped. The legitimate companies need you. So, it only makes sense that they’re the ones paying you – not the other way around.

Share Your Knowledge

Are you asking yourself: “how much do I need to live on a month”? Well, then you’re probably experiencing some financial hardships. Consider sharing your knowledge as a side project and, in turn, make more money. Here are some ideas.

  • Tutoring – There are no formal education requirements. You’ll need to be available during non-school hours. You can tutor both in-person and online. The salary depends on multiple factors. Geographic location, how many clients you have, etc. On average, tutors make about $17 per hour.
  • JustAnswer – Answer questions based on your area of expertise. Most questions pay between $2 and $5. However, the cost depends on the field. Another way to make extra money is by referring to other experts to the site. This can make you an extra $20-100.

How Can You Get Extra Help?

Not sure if all the abovementioned tips can help you living off 1000 a month? No worries! We have some more tricks up our sleeves. Read further to discover even more ways on how to get extra help if you need it.

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Save On Food

Most families, especially large ones, spend lots of cash on food. So, it makes sense to focus on cutting down spending money on meals. There are a few proven ways to achieve this goal.

First, you have the food stamps, which are now rebranded into The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Applying for SNAP is done in your state of residence by submitting an application form. Generally, people with a gross monthly income of $1,354 qualify for SNAP. Other factors are considered, too. So, you should apply to check your eligibility.

Living on $1000 a month for large families is possible if you stick to eating at your house instead of dining out. Use our ultimate list of cheap dinner ideas for families to always have a tasty dish without breaking the bank. Another great way to treat your family and save cash is by visiting kids eat free restaurants.

Help With Rent

Housing is another budget drainer for American families. If you often struggle with finding cash for paying rent, there are ways to improve your situation. Short-term and long-term assistance is possible for specific people. Downsizing is a great way to lower your housing expenses too. Other tricks to get help with your rent is to relocate, get a roommate, or apply for a short-term emergency loan.

Spend Less On Gas

Owning a car can seriously damage your monthly budget. Even if you put insurance and maintenance aside, gas is a significant expense. After all, the average among Americans spend on gas is $390 a month. Meaning, living on less than 1000 a month is next to impossible for car-owners.

The good news here is that you can cut down fuel-related costs easily. A great way to save cash on gas is to apply for help at Free Gas USA or contact local charities. Alternatively, you can join various petrol station rewards schemes to claim free fuel.

Cut Down Utility Bills

Even after you pay your rent or mortgage, you’re not done with paying for your home. Don’t forget the utility bills, which cost Americans, on average, $2,000 per year. Naturally, your living space, suppliers, and climate affect the total price you’re paying. Still, you can work on cutting down these expenses by employing various strategies.

Don’t forget to turn off lights you’re not using and go LED. Never leave the faucet running and fix any leaks ASAP. Invest in good insulation to save power on both heating and cooling.

Grab Free Gift Cards

Living on less than $1000 a month is possible if you know how to scoop free stuff. Not spending money will improve your chances of making ends meet. One way to accomplish this is to get free gift cards. These vouchers can later be used for claiming free services or products. Meaning, they save you cash but don’t limit your happiness. Survey Junkie, Ebates, Swagbucks, and iPoll are reliable platforms for snagging free gift vouchers.

Final Thoughts

Living month to month on $1000 is possible for disciplined Americans. By employing our expert financial tips, anyone can optimize their spending and make ends meet. Downsizing, relocating, and getting a side gig are some proven ways to survive on a low monthly income. If these don’t seem like the right fit, you can always go for the other options listed in this guide.

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Frequently Asked Questions


How much money does a person need to live comfortably?

This depends on multiple factors like location, number of kids, and personal expenses. In Oklahoma, for example, people need about $22,700 before taxes for a comfortable life. In New York, on the other hand, you’ll need a minimum of $30,000 to survive the month. Childcare costs can drastically increase the minimum income necessary for Americans to make ends meet.

How can I survive on little money?

There are many strategies Americans can employ to survive on as little as 1k a month. First, they need to establish their financial situation and then work on improving it. Downsizing and moving to a cheaper state are two other moves that give instant results. Smart ways to live with a low income is to eliminate debt, cut down your expenses, and get proper insurance.

How much spending money should I have a month?

Housing, food, health care, and childcare costs vary depending on where you live. Meaning, the minimum amount of money needed to survive the month depends on your state. A thousand dollars after paying bills can give you a comfortable life in cheap states like Mississippi, Arkansas, and Tennessee. In expensive states like New York, California, and New Jersey, this amount of money won’t even cover your rent.

How can I survive my monthly salary?

To survive on a small monthly salary, you need a spending strategy and a personal budget. Discipline is necessary too. You must compare your income against your fixed expenses. Then, make sure to minimize unnecessary costs. Investing in insurance and having an emergency fund help in the long run, as well.


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    Emily

    21 thoughts on “Ultimate Guide for Living on $1000 a Month in the USA

    1. Pascal Wagner says:

      Excellent tips for surviving on little cash. I had this problem a few months ago and I had to get a second job. It’s hard but It pays the bills and the food for my family.

      1. Emily says:

        Thank you, Pascal!

    2. T. Becker says:

      I lost my job and got a badly paid one. Until I find something better living on $1000 a month is my reality. Thank you for all these ideas and strategies. This is a very useful post.

      1. Emily says:

        Thank you too. Good luck!

    3. Mariana Martinez says:

      I want to know how to live on 1000 a month. I’m in New York and it’s impossible without my parents help to pay for anything.

      1. Emily says:

        It’s possible but you must be a real money-savings-guru. Also, it’s important to have an extra income source. Good luck, Mariana!

    4. Claire says:

      Even if I make extra $20 a day with these tips I’ll be happy. Getting by is harder by the month.

      1. Emily says:

        Good luck, Claire!

    5. Financer says:

      Oh!! I’m trying to live on $850/month in Buckeye, that’s really hard but possible. Thanks for your guideline, Emily.

      1. Emily says:

        Thank you for going above and beyond!

    6. rogger says:

      Thank you for taking the time to explain this

      1. Emily says:

        Thank you too!

    7. Jimmy says:

      I’m living on $906 in Point Blank, Texas. It’s normal for my little city but my daughter can’t live on $1,100 in Houston. I hope that our president will change something in a better way.

      1. Emily says:

        We always believe in better things but don’t forget to DO everything possible from your side!

    8. Jerry, CA says:

      It’s impossible to live on 1000 bucks in California! Impossible!

      1. Emily says:

        Yes, California isn’t the cheapest state in the US. You can choose another state or try to make some extra money to feel comfortable in your current city.

      2. Kyle says:

        That’s true, Jerry! Even with $1500, it’s hard to live in California!!

    9. Broke Boy says:

      I think everyone should try living on less money. My lady and me, we decided to give up everything we didn’t need, cook ourselves, and ride our bikes. We’re much happier now, we don’t feel poor.

      1. Emily says:

        You’re so cool! Have a happy life!

    10. Jin-Kon says:

      Living on $1000 a month after bills seemed impossible to me. Your text gave me hope that I can do it.

      1. Emily says:

        At least you can try. Good luck!

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