The current estimated poverty rate in America is 12.3 percent, based on the U.S. Census Bureau's 2017 estimates. Since 1954 the poverty rate fluctuates between 11 and 15 percent.

Many Americans are working 40 hour weeks and still don’t have enough to raise their families, let alone enjoy life. If you’re one of those Americans here are a few tips you might not have thought of that can help you make it day by day.

1- direct deposit cards.

Many Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, and sometimes those paychecks are Two weeks apart. That means that at the beginning of week one you could be flush with cash, and by the end of week two you’re living off bread crumbs and butter.

Everyone knows that when your check is direct deposited your paycheck comes early by usually at least 2 days, depending on your bank. But let’s face it, a lot of the time Americans today are living in a constant state of over draft that makes them fear having their checks direct deposited.

If this is you, look into Walmart’s meta bank cards. They’re free and you can have your check out directly onto them. Normally with a 3 day early paycheck. No worries about your bank overdraft eating your rent or food money, and you get it 3 days earlier. Risk free. Who can beat that?

2- powders are your friend

If you have a big family and a small income feeding everyone can be tough. Something shoppers often forget about is powdered products. Powdered foods can be a life saver because they’re normally much cheaper than their pre-made alternatives and they often have more mileage food wise.

If you don’t know about powdered foods, check them out. This authors personal favorite is the powdered peanut butter. Along with being cost friendly it allows you to make the exact peanut butter texture you want. Need it thicker? Add more powder. Want it smoother? More water. It’s your world, the peanut butter is just living in it.

3- “magic” bottles are great in emergency

“Magic” bottles refers to the “___” in a bottle products. Such as dry shampoo, leave in conditioner, and cleansing foam.

When living below the poverty line it’s a constant struggle to keep up with bills. Often hardworking Americans have to choose between two bills or pay neither. It’s always good to have an alternative in case something is shut off for a while.

The most often shut off bills are electricity and water. While there aren’t many tips for electricity beyond stocking up on blankets and candles in the winter and opening windows in the summer, there are many products to replace water (Temporarily, of course).

Dry shampoo and leave in conditioner are the most obvious and can be real life savers when the water is shut off. Just be careful not to layer on the dry shampoo too heavily or your hair will turn into a powdery brick. A good product to use between dry shampoos is foaming cleanser. (These products are frequently used in hospitals when a patient needs to bathe but for whatever reason can’t be cleaner with water). Foaming cleansers can be used as a waterless body wash and shampoo. All these products can be real life saver if you’re torn between paying your water bill or electricity.

This is not a product but something everyone below the poverty line should know. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) May be available in your area LIHEAP can help families who are struggling to pay their bills with one electric bill every 6 months. If your electric or gas is about to be shut off because you can’t pay the bill please look into LIHEAP and see if there’s an office in your area. All you need to do is take your proof of income (if you have any), your ID, social, and a shut off notice to their office and they may be able to help you pay the bill with no pay back expected.

Hopefully these products will reach someone who may need them in the future. Be aware of the financial assistance like LIHEAP available in your area, and be on the watch for cheap alternatives to things you need.

Sending everyone my best,

Rose Sterling