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Tuesday, May 6, 2008 12:13 AM CDT
Survey finds families fret about making ends meet
By LAURA ANDREWS, laura.andrews@globegazette.com
Stephanie Kofron sits with her son, Jacob Schoby, 4, and fiance, Tad White, in their Clear Lake home. The couple tries not to let their financial challenges worry them too much. LAURA ANDREWS/The Globe Gazette
CLEAR LAKE — Stephanie Kofron and her fiance, Tad White, have four children between the two of them and are struggling to get by.

Kofron is a full-time student pursuing a degree in business administration at Kaplan University in Mason City; White works full time at Iowa Mold Tooling in Garner.

“We kind of live from paycheck to paycheck, and if something breaks down like a car or appliance you almost have to borrow money to get it fixed or replaced,” White said.

Kofron and White represent a number of Iowans worried about their finances and the economy.

A survey by Northwest Area Foundation in St. Paul, Minn., reported that 30 percent of Iowans worry most or all of the time that their total family income won’t be enough to pay bills.

“We try not to worry about it and let it get us down,” White said. “It’s not good for the family if everyone is dragged down, but you can’t help but worry.”

The family can pay bills, but can’t do anything extra for themselves and Kofron’s son Jacob Schoby, 4, and White’s children Gage, 10, Brekkin, 7, and Duchovny, 5, who are with them part time.

Kofron said they take advantage of free events, parks and sales and rely on their parents to watch the kids and take them places because they can’t afford to.

They’ve also put off remodeling the house, getting married and Kofron pursuing her bachelor’s degree after graduation from Kaplan in August.

The rising cost of living is what’s hurting them.

“With her going to school in Mason City and me working in Garner, we spend at least $100 a week on gas,” White said.

Sixty-eight percent of the families surveyed say it takes at least $40,000 for a family of four to survive financially and 37 percent think it takes more than that. Another 51 percent rate the local economy as fair or poor, and 64 percent are worried the economy will become worse.

“Food, health care, home heating costs and gas prices have risen dramatically this past year,” said Lana Ross, executive director of the Iowa Community Action Association. “Meeting family needs is becoming harder than ever before for low-wage workers.

“Programs to help families bridge the gaps during difficult times have not been able to keep up with the increased demand for service,” she said.

The programs are helping Kofron a little bit.

She receives assistance from the Family Investment Program because she doesn’t get enough child support. She and Jacob are on Title XIX, Promise Jobs helps pay for Jacob’s child care, Women Infants and Children (WIC) pays for milk, cheese and bread until Jacob is 5 and North Iowa Community Action pays for Jacob to go to Head Start.

“Without that little bit of help we wouldn’t make it,” White said.

All or most of the extra help will end when Kofron gets a job or they get married. In the meantime, until times get better, they’re trying not to worry about it.

“We’re happy. Money is stressful but we’re pretty laid-back people,” Kofron said. “We’re trying not to stress about stuff.”

Northwest Area Foundation Iowa survey results

• Thirty percent worry most or all of the time their total family income won’t be enough for bills.

• Fifty-one percent rate the local economy as fair or poor.

• Sixty-four percent said they are worried the economy might become worse next year.

• Eight-four percent said they will vote in the November election

• Eighty-nine percent think it’s important for elected officials to help those who are struggling, and 77 percent said they will keep that in mind in the voting booth.

• Sixty-eight percent in 2008 compared to 57 percent in 2007 said it takes at least $40,000 for a family of four.

• Thirty-seven percent in 2008 compared to 27 percent in 2007 said it take more than $40,000 for a family of four.

• Eighty-two percent said they know someone who is working full time and still struggling to make ends meet.

• Fifty-eight percent said they know someone who is working two or more jobs and struggling.

• Eighty-four percent said they would like to do more to help those who are struggling.

• Sixty-one percent said they would pay $50 more in taxes if it would help people in their community.

For more detailed survey results visit www.nwaf.org.

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Showing The Last 28 comment(s) Comments On This Story

workingmom81 wrote on May 9, 2008 11:31 AM:

" Sorry.... Think before you speak. "

workingmom81 wrote on May 9, 2008 11:30 AM:

" One last thing Thomas Jefferson..... Everyone needs a bit of help every now and then. Yes I am a single mother and I am recieving some assitance, but I work both a full time job and a part time job. What more can I do to make ends meet? I dont have a new car or even a house of my own. I rent an aptment that is small and has two bedrooms for my two kids and I. I have no credit cards, no cable TV, no computer, and I only have one phone. So you tell me..... if it is hard to get by for me with no extras..... What else am I suppose to do? I am a hard worker trying to get by. I pay taxes also, why shouldnt I be able to get some assistance? I am not asking for a pity party. I am only asking for you to think before you think and look a bit deeper before you judge someone. You may not be seeing the whole picture. "

nanny wrote on May 8, 2008 5:32 PM:

" Thomas Jefferson your time is up give us all a break "

class92 wrote on May 8, 2008 5:01 PM:

" I would like to add a comment or two. There is never enough money, no matter when you bring children into this world. I have 3 beautiful children. We have had to struggle cause my husband had a Cardiac Arrest and has a brain injury. Yes, he survived and we had to get assistance for help until he was able to get dissability. You tell me who is financially stable in this world. No one, but that don't mean you are not to try and make a life with a family. Things happen, there are reasons for the way things happen. Expecting others to help out is not what I a hearing, what I am hearing is have a little compasion. I found out what is was like to live on assistance, in fact I am still getting it for my husband and kids. (insurance) I have no insurance, we can't afford it for me. If I even work 10 hours a week then it is taken from my family. I am only allowed to work 4 hrs and that is it. I am his wife and I feel I can take care of him, so there for I can't get paid for staying home with him and taking him to his appointments. I don't want someone else taking him to his appointments. That is my job. The sad part is, they will pay anyone else to take care of him as long as it is not me (his wife) or his mother. In the last 1 1/2 yrs. I have learned alot and could write a book. If you want to know more, let me know Thomas Jefferson "

Thomas Jefferson wrote on May 8, 2008 4:39 PM:

" Apparently workingmom81 believes it's OK to bring children into the world under financially unstable conditions (not to mention a struggling economy) and expect other people to help out. Not surprising considering she had to resort to offensive language to get her point across. "

workingmom81 wrote on May 8, 2008 3:42 PM:

" A victim mentality? I dont remember referring to myself as a victim but.... I believe I have it pretty good. I have two wonderful children and I have my health. As far as money..... It can not get me what is really important. Some people have it a lot harder. So like I said do not judge a book by it cover. As for being ashamed. NO I am not ashamed of anything in my life. I treat people the way I would like to be treated. Negativity only destroys people. Stop bitching and start helping. Maybe then things will start to change. One last thing. My children that were brought into this world so irresponsibly are the best thing that ever happened to me. They have made me a better person. For you to even suggest the my children are part of the reason that this economy is struggling is wrong. This economy is struggling because it is everyone for themselves. "

Venturabats wrote on May 8, 2008 2:00 PM:

" Hi Mom, nobody posting here has anything to be ashamed of. Do you? "

Thomas Jefferson wrote on May 8, 2008 1:15 PM:

" Imagine that, a single mother with a victim mentality. There's a shocker. Your "country falling apart" theory is much more a result of people irresponsibly bringing children into a struggling family during a struggling economy, than helpful suggestions made on an internet message board. Pardon me for even suggesting something that would without question make the world a better place. "

workingmom81 wrote on May 8, 2008 12:03 PM:

" Wow! I am suprised by people any more. Does any one think about what anyone else is going through? We are so quick to judge other people these days no wonder this country is falling apart. Yes some people use and abuse the system, but not everyone. I have used some assistance in the past and because of unplanned events I will need some assistance again. I am working very hard to make ends meet and to make sure that my children have all that they need. I am a single mother and have never been married. So you will judge me for that without even knowing the circumstances in which this has happened. Shame on you. As for this family.... The article was about how hard it is for families to make ends meet. Not about families using assistance. I dont see how they were complaining. Times are hard now and will only get harder. Maybe we should all try to help each other instead of arguing. "

Thomas Jefferson wrote on May 7, 2008 10:35 PM:

" Poor assumption Zeke. I've never voted republican in my life. I am however a responsible human being. If you want to perceive me as "ultra Right wing" for that matter alone, well... "

morebrainsthanIneed wrote on May 7, 2008 8:20 PM:

" Yea Zekie, Alex Keaton was the only one with a brain on that show. "

Ezekiel wrote on May 7, 2008 7:06 PM:

" THomas Jefferson:

Now that is a screen name. You must be the ultra Right wing kid in the liberal family in the "Family Ties" TV program. He was the one with the shrine to Ronnie Reagan in his room. You write like he sounded. "

singlemom24 wrote on May 7, 2008 11:13 AM:

" Thomas Jefferson-Im sure i would not lie about my childrens father being killed by a hit and run driver. My kids were still babies. If it had not been for some of these assistance programs i don't know how we would have made it for the 3months it took for us to get our survivor benifits. I do believe that there are people out there that do abuse the system, people who don't work and just keep having kids to get more. But there are people out there tying to better there lives by getting an education to get a better job so they don't have to depend on assistance. I think the system is not working the way it should be. I think it should be more willing to help those that are trying to help themselve, instead of helping those who are not even willing to try. As far as marie is conserned you can't get out of high school and walk in to a great paying job anymore, you need a college education to get those jobs. "

Thomas Jefferson wrote on May 7, 2008 3:52 AM:

" Singlemom, good luck... and I really mean it. IF all you said is true (and is the complete truth), I wish you the best. Rather than placing blame on the government for lack of assistance, look towards those who abuse the system and leech from your entitlement. "

Thomas Jefferson wrote on May 7, 2008 3:32 AM:

" Wow marie05, it almost sounds as if you opted for the "easy degree" and "college life" rather than the career... pardon me for not being sympathetic. Your spelling and grammar alone show you didn't take college seriously. Good luck with those loans, maybe you can find a soft spot in your heart to thank people who worked hard for an education and found good jobs. After all, that is the purpose of those loans. "

marie05 wrote on May 6, 2008 9:38 PM:

" Seriously waiting to have kids until ur married has nothing to do with it... i dont have n e kids and im kind of struggling... trying to pay off school loans, rent, heat, ect. "

singlemom24 wrote on May 6, 2008 9:27 PM:

" To Mr. Jefferson im sorry my comments should have been directed at Myopinion and not you. Mr. Jefferson you must be young by the way you talk. Everything you say sounds good, but that isn't life. If you wait til you are established and you can afford kids you will most likly be to old. I hope neither of you ever lose your jobs and have to see what the other side of the coin is like. If that would happen who would pay your life insurance,and pay your bills. I am a single parent not by choice but because of a hit and run accident. Im glad i had my kids when i did or i wouldn't have them now. Most people cant help who they fall in love with but im glad you had so many choices. Life doesn't always work out the way we plan it. "

2731 wrote on May 6, 2008 6:48 PM:

" The mortgage crisis, don't get going on that. SO many of the people in that mess tried to live in houses they had no business buying. The story of the couple who bought a $300,000 home on $30,000 income and now they want to be bailed out. No one is paying my mortgage They should not be so stupid. Sure the banks can be a little to blame but how ignorant do you have to be not to see through that ploy. "

Thomas Jefferson wrote on May 6, 2008 5:59 PM:

" Singlemom, I never mentioned anything about assistance, but you are right... I haven't and most likely never will have to rely on any sort of assistance to feed a family. Why? Because I will choose a partner carefully, I will manage my money responsibly, I won't have children until my career is well established, my spouse and I will have life insurance, etc. "

madonna wrote on May 6, 2008 5:38 PM:

" Married couples fallen on hard times (job loss, major illness etc.) can be excused. Women having kids out of wedlock and the Fathers not supporting them is another story....And MARRIED couples don't have 4 adults to feed the children nor do they get FREE medical care and FREE babysitters.
This family is not a good example of families falling on hard times or in economic strife.
In response to singlemom's question regarding waiting. I'd say at least wait till you are married to the Father or if single can support the child without gov. assistance. "

singlemom24 wrote on May 6, 2008 4:44 PM:

" Good for you Mr. Jefferson im glad you never had to rely on assistance to get by and i hope your kids or there kids never have to either. Just because someone receives assistance of some kind doesn't mean they are blowing there money on pop and fastfood. Look at the cost of fruits and veggies. More young couple are feeding there families mac and cheese,and peanutbutter and jelly because its cheaper. I know people who don't buy any meat except a couple lbs of hamburger because of the cost. I know alot of people go without because there paychecks don't stretch. There are alot of reasons people get the assistance not just because they had a kid they couldn't support, like divorce, a death of the other parent. If it wasn't for programs like these some people would be homeless and kids would be hungry. And if everyone waited til they could afford to have a child no-one would have any...did you wait. "

irregardless wrote on May 6, 2008 3:17 PM:

" They should teach what Mr. Jefferson has to say in sex ed classes. "

MyOpinion wrote on May 6, 2008 2:57 PM:

" I agree with Mr. Jefferson's comments. Too many people are having kids (and pets which really ticks me off) when they do not have the time nor resources to take care of them. I guess I am tired of all the government assistance programs that are coming out of my paycheck. We have 3 kids in college and have never, ever taken any government assistance. You have to learn to do without. That means no fast food, pop and rely on lean good healthy smaller meals with lots of vegetables to save money. You would be surprised how much you can save by buying smart at the store and stay away from processed/convenience foods. "

wigandpen wrote on May 6, 2008 1:15 PM:

" I very much agree with Madonna's last statement. We really need to start sharing more amongst our neighborhoods. If someone has a tool or service we can use we should be willing to ask for that and willing to share that. I think it would do two things if we did more of that sharing. It would eliminate many costs AND it would bring people together again. We'd get to know our neighbors more. Some are lucky and have great neighborhoods where everybody really does know each other but I believe that to be in the minority. I like the positive attitude of the couple in the article. I hope we all can support each other and keep each others' spirits up during this tough time. :) "

madonna wrote on May 6, 2008 12:10 PM:

" But yet it's hard to find a parking space at Wally World.....
And the lines at the fast food places are long.....And lets not even mention how much money the casino's rake in daily....People bite off more than they can afford and then wonder why they are in crisis. Did those people who had those $500,000 homes foreclosed ever think that maybe they should have started with a little cheaper one and worked their way up...It's all about sacrificing until you can afford things that are within your budget. And doing little extra jobs to suppliment your weekly income.
This young couple and others like them should walk in the shoes of people over 60 who's income steadily declines while their health expenses go up. And they don't all recieve free medical care and are not able to put in 40 hrs/ wk. much less odd jobbing.
Families and neighbors need to get back to helping one another. As apposed to expecting Uncle Sam to back you up. "

howdy wrote on May 6, 2008 9:55 AM:

" I don't know how the general working people are supposed to make ends meet, much less put away for a "rainy day", college fund for children or anything of that nature.

It's getting to a point all dollars will be tied up into getting to a job that may or may not have benefits. What happened to the Unions that would hold strong for the working class? "

iahawkeye2008 wrote on May 6, 2008 8:55 AM:

" Mr. Jefferson: "Stephanie Kofron and her fiance, Tad White, have four children between the two of them and are struggling to get by..." They are an example in the story. Second, this is one of the many problems that the nation is facing right now. Foreclosures are sky high, gas prices are soaring, bankrupcty's are up through the roof and our wages are staying idle. We are now starting to see it in the grocery stores as some cant even afford to eat. And then the oil exects post billions of dollars of profits - in one quarter. A slap in the face in my book to the consumer. Something needs to be done and this great idea of a "Economic Stimulus Package" is not cutting it. How in the world do you "make" more money to "stimulate" our economy. The only thing that it is making is our dollar less then it already is. Maybe its time we switch to the Euro. "

Thomas Jefferson wrote on May 6, 2008 8:36 AM:

" This isn't directed towards the family in the article, but many Americans need to learn that it isn't a good idea to try and start a family when you aren't financially stable. "

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