Latest news with #ALICE
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
47% of Florida households don't make enough to cover the basics — and a growing number are now 65 and up
A new report from the United Way's ALICE project reveals a troubling 47% of Florida households don't earn enough to cover basic living expenses. ALICE stands for 'asset-limited, income-constrained and employed' and refers to households that are above the poverty line but earn less than what the organization says is needed to afford the basics depending on household composition and location. This includes housing, child care, food, transportation, health care and technology, plus taxes and a contingency fund that equals 10% of a household's budget. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) The report, which focuses on data from 2023, says the average 'survival budget' in Florida ranged from $33,804 for a single adult up to $86,688 for a family of four with two adults and two children in child care. Of the state's nearly 9 million households, 13% lived below the federal poverty line while 34% were considered ALICE. The poverty line in 2023 was $14,580 for individuals and $30,000 for a family of four. In some areas, the 'survival budget' was much higher. Monroe County, for example, was among the most expensive places, with necessities costing single adults $45,948 and two adults with two kids in child care $106,608. The ALICE classification shines a spotlight on households who may earn too much to qualify for traditional aid programs but not enough to meet the rising cost of living. This includes Florida's senior households, which make up the largest portion of this group by age. 'More and more households 65 and older are now classified as ALICE,' Ernest Hooper, Chief Communications Officer at United Way Suncoast, told ABC Action News in a story published May 19. 'They're living paycheck to paycheck and not saving money.' That includes people like Leonora Gaspar, who's disabled and on a fixed income. She relies on organizations like Feeding Tampa Bay for some free meals. 'It helps a lot,' she told ABC Action News. 'The rent, it's more expensive.' Other residents in need pointed to skyrocketing food costs. 'I'm spending at least $300 to $400 just on food,' Felicia Acosta told ABC Action News. She says her husband died last year and she provides for her three grandchildren. Florida's high cost of living compounds the issue. As of May 9, ranked Florida's cost of living at 9.35% higher than the national average. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says — and that 'anyone' can do it Compared to other states, Florida's cost of living is on the higher end. For families struggling to close the gap, here are some practical steps: Call 211 for local help: United Way operates a free 211 hotline that connects people to local nonprofits, food assistance, childcare programs, rent relief and more. Apply for benefits: ALICE households may still qualify for support like SNAP, Medicaid for children or subsidized child care. Don't assume you're ineligible or that others need it more — these programs exist to help families. Revisit your housing options: If you're renting, consider renegotiating your lease or exploring income-based housing programs. Housing is often a family's single biggest expense — and the hardest to change — so start there. If possible, consider sharing housing with extended family or friends to reduce expenses. Cut food costs without sacrificing nutrition: Shop at local markets, consider bulk stores and use community food pantries as a supplement when needed. If you have children in public school, ask the school social worker about additional food and support programs. Build toward financial security: Even saving $10 or $20 a week in a high-yield savings account can provide a buffer. You can also track your spending and find areas to trim. Connect with mutual aid groups: Some neighborhoods have hyper-local support networks where community members share resources like gently used clothing, extra food, school supplies or household goods. Search online or on social media for a group near you. Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now This is how American car dealers use the '4-square method' to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
47% of Florida households don't make enough to cover the basics — and a growing number are now 65 and up
A new report from the United Way's ALICE project reveals a troubling 47% of Florida households don't earn enough to cover basic living expenses. ALICE stands for 'asset-limited, income-constrained and employed' and refers to households that are above the poverty line but earn less than what the organization says is needed to afford the basics depending on household composition and location. This includes housing, child care, food, transportation, health care and technology, plus taxes and a contingency fund that equals 10% of a household's budget. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) The report, which focuses on data from 2023, says the average 'survival budget' in Florida ranged from $33,804 for a single adult up to $86,688 for a family of four with two adults and two children in child care. Of the state's nearly 9 million households, 13% lived below the federal poverty line while 34% were considered ALICE. The poverty line in 2023 was $14,580 for individuals and $30,000 for a family of four. In some areas, the 'survival budget' was much higher. Monroe County, for example, was among the most expensive places, with necessities costing single adults $45,948 and two adults with two kids in child care $106,608. The ALICE classification shines a spotlight on households who may earn too much to qualify for traditional aid programs but not enough to meet the rising cost of living. This includes Florida's senior households, which make up the largest portion of this group by age. 'More and more households 65 and older are now classified as ALICE,' Ernest Hooper, Chief Communications Officer at United Way Suncoast, told ABC Action News in a story published May 19. 'They're living paycheck to paycheck and not saving money.' That includes people like Leonora Gaspar, who's disabled and on a fixed income. She relies on organizations like Feeding Tampa Bay for some free meals. 'It helps a lot,' she told ABC Action News. 'The rent, it's more expensive.' Other residents in need pointed to skyrocketing food costs. 'I'm spending at least $300 to $400 just on food,' Felicia Acosta told ABC Action News. She says her husband died last year and she provides for her three grandchildren. Florida's high cost of living compounds the issue. As of May 9, ranked Florida's cost of living at 9.35% higher than the national average. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says — and that 'anyone' can do it Compared to other states, Florida's cost of living is on the higher end. For families struggling to close the gap, here are some practical steps: Call 211 for local help: United Way operates a free 211 hotline that connects people to local nonprofits, food assistance, childcare programs, rent relief and more. Apply for benefits: ALICE households may still qualify for support like SNAP, Medicaid for children or subsidized child care. Don't assume you're ineligible or that others need it more — these programs exist to help families. Revisit your housing options: If you're renting, consider renegotiating your lease or exploring income-based housing programs. Housing is often a family's single biggest expense — and the hardest to change — so start there. If possible, consider sharing housing with extended family or friends to reduce expenses. Cut food costs without sacrificing nutrition: Shop at local markets, consider bulk stores and use community food pantries as a supplement when needed. If you have children in public school, ask the school social worker about additional food and support programs. Build toward financial security: Even saving $10 or $20 a week in a high-yield savings account can provide a buffer. You can also track your spending and find areas to trim. Connect with mutual aid groups: Some neighborhoods have hyper-local support networks where community members share resources like gently used clothing, extra food, school supplies or household goods. Search online or on social media for a group near you. Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now This is how American car dealers use the '4-square method' to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Somerset teacher shortage, leaders warn of worsening child care crisis
SOMERSET COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — A growing shortage of child care teachers is shutting down classrooms and straining working families across Pennsylvania, prompting Somerset County leaders to call for urgent state investment. At a press conference Thursday hosted at The Learning Lamp Center for Children, lawmakers, business advocates and child care experts detailed the economic fallout of the staffing crises, pointing to recent state and local surveys. According to a statewide survey of child care providers, 92% reported difficulty recruiting staff, while 85% cited ongoing shortages. In Somerset County alone, 17 positions remain unfilled, leaving more than 200 children without care. Dr. Leah Spangler, CEO of The Learning Lamp, said the Somerset location is down seven teachers. If fully staffed, it could serve an additional 63 children. Across six locations in Somerset, Cambria, Fayette and Westmoreland counties, 48 open jobs translate into nearly 300 children unable to access care. Business leaders also shared the results of a Pennsylvania Chamber Survey, which found that 81% of employers are struggling with recruitment and retention due to limited child care options. Another 69% said helping employees meet child care needs is 'extremely or very important.' The economic toll is staggering. A ReadyNation and PA Early Learning Investment Commission report estimates the child care crisis is costing the state $6.65 billion annually in lost earnings, productivity and tax revenue. State Senator Pat Stefano (R-32), who attended the press conference, emphasized the broader implications. 'For every teacher that we're missing, we're missing those students that could be filling those spots,' Stefano said. 'Which means there are mothers and fathers who can't go to work. Creating a workforce crisis.' The event also pointed out the United Way's latest Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) report, which shows 45% of Somerset County households earn below the ALICE Threshold, meaning they struggle to afford basic needs despite being employed. The average child care teacher salary, $29,480, sites just $764 above the minimum survival budget for a single adult in Somerset County. Poll results released by the Early Learning PA Coalition showed overwhelming public support for action. Among 700 likely voters surveyed, 98% agreed early childhood education is vital, and 83% supported more state funding for child care teacher recruitment and retention. Advocates are now urging lawmakers to back Governor Josh Shapiro proposed $55 million budget item that would provide licensed child care centers an extra $1,000 per educator to fill vacancies and stabilize the workforce. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Frederick County saw small increase in number of financially struggling households in 2023
The number of households struggling to afford basic necessities in Frederick County slightly increased from 2022 to 2023 by more than 2,400 homes, or by one percentage point, according to new data released by United For ALICE. Among those that were the most likely to struggle getting these necessities were households under 25 years old, Black and Hispanic households and households headed by single mothers. In 2023, the percentage of Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) households in Frederick County was 33%, up from 32% in 2022. ALICE households earn above the federal poverty level but struggle to afford basic necessities and expenses like housing, child care, food, transportation, health care and technology. United For ALICE releases statewide reports on ALICE communities. The most recently released data showed information on ALICE households for 2023. The total number of households in Frederick County increased from 104,912 in 2022 to 107,332 in 2023. During that same time period, the county's median household income dropped from $119,122 in 2022 to $114,360 in 2023, a decrease of nearly four percentage points. Out of 35,557 households under the ALICE threshold in 2023, 6% of them were also living below the federal poverty level, the same percentage in 2022. Total households in Frederick County, 2021 to 2023 Ken Oldham, the president and CEO of the United Way of Frederick County, did not respond to requests for comment on the data Friday. The data on Frederick County specifically is part of a larger data release from United For ALICE on ALICE households in Maryland. The United Way of Frederick County will release a full localized ALICE report on Sept. 9 at United Way's Leadership Breakfast. Across the entire state's 2.4 million households, 39% — or 934,715 households — were below the ALICE threshold. Out of that number, 10%, or 236,153 households, were living below the federal poverty line. Certain demographic groups were more likely to experience financial hardship, according to the statewide report. Those groups were Black and Hispanic households; households headed by people under 25 or people 65 and older; and households headed by single parents. Single mothers were much more likely to experience financial hardship compared to single fathers. In Frederick County, the households that were more likely to be under the ALICE threshold were similar to the ones mentioned in the statewide report. County-level data can be accessed on United For ALICE's 'Mapping Financial Hardship' tool. The map can be filtered to show ALICE households by age group, race, family type and ZIP code. Although the number of households headed by people under 25 is the smallest compared to other age groups, the majority of those households — about 85% — were under the ALICE threshold in 2023. Households headed by people age 65 or older were the second most likely among age groups to be ALICE, at about 43% in 2023. ALICE Households in 2023 in Frederick County by age group Percentage of ALICE households in 2023 by age group Hispanic households were the most likely in the county to be ALICE, followed by Black households. In 2023, about 45% of Hispanic households and about 42% of Black households were under the ALICE threshold. About 30% of white households were ALICE as well. However, the total number of white households — just over 75,000 — outnumber 8,861 Hispanic households and 9,963 Black households. ALICE Households in 2023 in Frederick County by race Percentage of ALICE households in 2023 by race Out of four different family types, single mothers were the most likely to be ALICE, with about 76% of those households falling under the ALICE threshold in 2023. About 47% of households headed by single fathers; about 33% of those headed by single or cohabitating people under 65; and about 13% of married households with children were ALICE in 2023. ZIP code areas in Frederick County with higher numbers of ALICE households were in the northern parts of the county. Out of 701 households with the ZIP code 21780 in the Sabillasville area, 59% of them were ALICE. Out of 1,694 households with the ZIP code 21727 in the Emmitsburg area, 46% were ALICE. At least 37% of households in multiple ZIP codes in and around the city of Frederick — 21702, 21703 and 21701 — were ALICE, as well. United For ALICE's reports include a metric called the ALICE household survival budget, which reflects the minimum costs of household necessities in Maryland plus taxes, adjusted for different counties and household types. The federal poverty level value for a single adult was $14,580 in 2023 and $30,000 for a family of four. In comparison, the ALICE survival budget for a single adult in Frederick County is $49,380, which is more than three times the federal poverty level, and $104,268 for a family of four that doesn't use child care. For a family of four that does use child care, that survival budget increases to $111,588 — nearly four times the federal poverty level for a family of that size.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
38% households in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester County struggle to make ends meet, study says
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Nearly 40% of households in the tri-county are struggling to cover the cost of basic needs, according to a new report from Trident United Way and its research partner United For ALICE. These households in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties were considered to be living in poverty or are ALICE: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. ALICE households do not make enough to afford basic expenses in the county where they live, but earn more above the Federal Poverty Level. Data from Trident United Way and United For ALICE reveals that in 2023, 38% of households, 130,360 families, could not afford basic needs. 11% were living in poverty, and 27% were ALICE. The study states that thousands of households, particularly those led by single parents, are living paycheck to paycheck with incomes that fall short of covering the costs of food, transportation, healthcare, technology, and housing. According to their research, a family of four with an infant and preschooler needs $89,904 annually to meet the cost of living in the area. 'This means entire families and essential workers may be overlooked for support, left without the resources they need to stay healthy, achieve financial stability and reach their fullest potential. That's a loss not just for ALICE households, but our entire community,' said D.J. Hampton, Trident United Way President and CEO. The State of ALICE in South Carolina report also states that in 2023: South Carolina ranked 34th in financial hardship among all 50 states and D.C. Younger and older households faced the highest rates of financial strain, with 69% of the youngest and 51% of the oldest households living below the ALICE Threshold, compared to 37% of households led by someone aged 25-44. Housing costs remain a major burden: 66% of renters and 43% of homeowners living below the ALICE Threshold were housing cost-burdened, meaning they spent 30% or more of their income on housing. 'By providing a name and a way to quantify these households, we're equipping communities with the data to build solutions that offer better choices and real pathways to stability,' said Stephanie Hoopes, Ph.D., National Director at United For ALICE. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
