Tough Choices: How the poor spend money

Oct 5, 2012
Three families living around the poverty line in San Diego tell Marketplace Money what it means to spend money when you don't have a whole lot of it.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Could you live off of $438 a week?

Oct 5, 2012
The poverty threshold for a family of four was $22,811 last year according to Census data. Do you think you could survive on just $1,900 per month? Try our interactive poverty simulation to find out.

Is personal responsibility the key to ending poverty?

Oct 5, 2012
Two takes from experts on both sides of the political spectrum on why people are poor and what they can do about it.

Rich and poor in San Diego speak out on wealth gap

Oct 5, 2012
Residents of San Diego's wealthiest and poorest neighborhoods reflect on opportunity, responsibility and the American Dream.

Falling into poverty: A family’s story

Oct 5, 2012
Clifford Fleischbein and DeeDee Varner used to make $250,000 a year. They're now living just above the poverty line in San Diego.

A car can transport people out of poverty

Oct 5, 2012
When you're poor, car trouble can spiral out of control -- but for those without access to public transportation, a car is essential.

Comedian puts the funny in frugality

Oct 5, 2012
Comedian Juston McKinney grew up poor. Many of his jokes have to do with being a poor kid and how living middle class now hasn't solved all of his problems.
Comedian Juston McKinney
Courtesy Juston McKinney

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Pretending to be poor can change your perspective

Oct 4, 2012
Poverty simulation exercises confront participants with empty wallets, tough choices, and a better understanding of low-income people.

Young, poor and creative in San Diego

Sep 29, 2012
Kids growing up in the City Heights neighborhood of San Diego weigh in on their community through photos and videos

Law against panhandling ruled too harsh

Sep 28, 2012
An Arcata, California ordinance did not allow non-aggressive requests for money, including signs, in many parts of town. But that all changed when a judge ruled the mandate unconstitutional.