Why You Are Poor
Why You Are Poor
Neil W. Bustos
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Copyright © 2022 [Neil W. Bustos]. All rights reserved.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
PART I: EXTERNAL FACTORS WHY ARE YOU POOR
PART II: INTERNAL FACTORS WHY YOU ARE POOR
CONCLUSION
INTRODUCTION
We live in a world where financial wealth is commonly seen as a
measure of success and happiness. Millions of people around the
world, however, are not capable of attaining this goal. Many of them
are underprivileged and struggle to make ends meet. However, We
often hear the term “you are what you make of yourself”, and for many
of us, this is true. But for an increasing number of individuals, being
poor is not a choice, but a horrible reality.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re caught in a cycle of poverty, you’re not
alone. It’s estimated that over 1.4 billion people around the world live
in extreme poverty, and many of those folks are stuck in a cycle of
poverty that may be hard to escape.
Growing up in poverty may be very traumatic, but it’s crucial to know
that poverty isn’t always a result of personal failure. In actuality, many
folks are born into poverty and don’t have the same access to resources
that affluent people enjoy. From lack of education and work
possibilities to institutional racism and inadequate government
resources, there is a multitude of reasons that could lead to poverty
and economic inequality.
At other times, poverty may also be a result of personal choices, life
events such as a death in the family, bad acts such as taking on too
much debt, making imprudent investments, or spending over one’s
means may lead to financial troubles.
No matter the cause, poverty may have long-term harmful
implications on an individual’s health and well-being. Lack of access to
essentials such as food, shelter, and healthcare may generate physical
and mental health concerns.
While poverty is a multifaceted issue, there is no one-size-fits-all
approach. However, with the perfect combination of knowledge and
labor, it may be minimized and individuals might accomplish financial
success.
In this book, we’ll analyze in detail some of the reasons why so many
folks are struggling to make ends meet. We’ll also examine approaches
that persons in poverty could break the pattern and improve their
circumstances.
PART I: EXTERNAL FACTORS WHY
ARE YOU POOR
1. Economic Conditions
2. Political Environment
3. Social Trends
Social patterns have a huge effect on why a person may be
impoverished. A range of social variables, such as education level,
access to economic possibilities, and employment availability, might
play a role in a person’s capacity to attain financial stability.
Education is a crucial aspect that impacts why someone may be
impoverished. Education provides access to higher-paying
occupations and economic prospects, while people with lesser levels of
education are likely to encounter economic disadvantages.
Additionally, persons with lesser levels of education are more likely to
pick occupations with lower earnings, which makes it tougher to save
money and develop wealth.
The tendency of globalization has had a profound influence on
poverty. Globalization has enhanced the movement of capital and
products, which has led to the greater exploitation of workers and
resources, especially in poor countries. This has led to growing poverty
in many nations, while salaries remain low and the cost of living is
high. Additionally, the concentration of wealth in the hands of the few
has led to a growth in income inequality, with the rich growing
wealthier while the poor becoming poorer.
The growth of technology is another aspect that has influenced
poverty. Technology has transformed the way people work, with more
professions being mechanized and needing complicated expertise.
This has contributed to the rising gap between the haves and the have-
nots, as those with the requisite skills and knowledge enjoy the
advantages while others who do not have access to technology or
essential abilities are left behind.
The development of urbanization has been another key influence in
the growth of poverty. Urbanization has increased the concentration of
people in cities, resulting in overpopulation, insufficient housing, and
poor access to essential services. This has led to a rise in poverty, as
metropolitan regions become more stretched and unable to care for
their residents.
Social movements and civil turmoil have also influenced poverty.
Social movements such as the civil rights movement, the women’s
rights movement, and the LGBT rights movement have all contributed
to increasing awareness of the concerns of poverty and economic
inequality. These movements have increased awareness of the
imbalance of resources and opportunities available to various
communities and have placed pressure on governments to address
these concerns.
Access to economic possibilities is another major aspect of why
someone may be impoverished. Those with fewer economic prospects
are more likely to be locked in low-paying employment and unable to
access higher-paying careers or investments. Additionally, persons
with restricted access to economic possibilities are less likely to obtain
essential help, such as financial aid or grants, which makes it more
difficult to get ahead financially.
Job availability may impact why someone may be poor. Many
individuals find it difficult to obtain work that offers a livable wage,
which makes it tough to move out of poverty. Additionally, individuals
who can locate work may discover that their hours or income are not
adequate to fulfill basic requirements. This might lead to financial
instability and make it harder to save money or invest in the future.
Finally, socioeconomic issues such as the cost of living might also
determine why someone may be poor. People living in places with
higher expenses of living are likely to have more difficulties affording
basic requirements, such as food and accommodation. Additionally,
persons residing in places with high expenses of living may be unable
to access higher-paying employment or services, making it harder to
go ahead financially.
Ultimately, societal patterns have a huge effect on why someone may
be poor. Education, access to economic prospects, employment
availability, and the cost of living may all influence a person’s capacity
to reach financial stability. Globalization, technology, urbanization,
and social movements have also all led to a rise in poverty and
inequality. Without addressing these concerns, poverty will continue
to be a big problem in both developed and developing nations but by
understanding how it may impact poverty, people and communities
can work together to build a more fair and prosperous society.
4. Natural Calamities
The influence of natural catastrophes on poverty levels is frequently
neglected but may be far-reaching and long-lasting. Natural
catastrophes such as floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes may have a
severe impact on a nation's economy, leading to increased levels of
poverty.
Natural catastrophes may ruin homes, disrupt livelihoods, and wipe
away funds, leaving people with no means to obtain basic
requirements such as food, water, and shelter. The damage to
infrastructure also inhibits people from accessing services like
healthcare, education, and work opportunities, further entrenching
them in poverty.
Natural disasters may also inflict substantial damage to agriculture,
resulting in food shortages and hunger. Crop losses may cause a rise in
food costs, which might be prohibitive for individuals in poverty.
Furthermore, the loss of agricultural land may substantially diminish
the earnings of farmers, leading to a rise in poverty.
Natural catastrophes may also contribute to a spike in unemployment
if individuals are unable to obtain jobs or locate new ones. This may
further increase poverty levels since individuals are unable to earn
enough money to satisfy their fundamental requirements.
When natural catastrophes hit, it may be expensive to repair or restore
the damage, and the expenses are frequently shared by the
government or the public. In underdeveloped nations, where resources
are already tight, the expense of repairs may be a tremendous burden
on the economy. As a consequence, government money is diverted
away from other sectors such as health, education, and other social
initiatives, to pay for disaster assistance. This leads to limited access to
fundamental services such as healthcare and education, resulting in a
loss in quality of life and a rise in poverty levels.
In addition, natural calamities may contribute to the relocation of
people. People may be compelled to abandon their homes,
employment, and communities and seek sanctuary in other locations.
This displacement may be a significant cause of poverty, since
individuals may not have the wherewithal to start over in a new region.
It may also lead to a disruption of conventional livelihoods, since
individuals may not be able to continue their employment owing to the
destruction of their workplace or the lack of resources in a new area.
Finally, natural catastrophes may create an interruption in services
and commodities, resulting in a rise in the costs of goods and services.
This may have a particularly severe impact on individuals in poverty
since they cannot afford to pay increased costs. have a catastrophic
influence on poverty levels. It is consequently vital to invest in disaster
risk reduction methods to help alleviate the consequences of natural
catastrophes on poverty.
Racism and social exclusion have a major influence on why people are
poor. Racism has been used as a tactic to oppress and marginalize
whole groups of people, making them more likely to be impoverished.
African Americans, for example, have endured institutional racism
since the days of slavery, which still undermines their economic
chances and resources now. This racism has been a key factor in the
income difference between African Americans and White Americans.
Social exclusion may also have a substantial influence on why
individuals are poor. Social exclusion is being excluded from particular
social groups and networks. This may lead to individuals feeling
ostracized, alone, and detached from mainstream society, making it
harder to access the resources and opportunities required to attain
economic stability. People who are socially excluded may not have the
same access to education and career possibilities as those who are
included. This may lead to a lack of economic stability and poverty.
When individuals endure racism and social exclusion, they confront a
lack of opportunity and resources that may otherwise be utilized to
better their financial status. This may lead to individuals being unable
to obtain jobs, education, or housing, all of which can contribute to
poverty. Furthermore, racism and social exclusion may contribute to
individuals being hesitant to engage in the economic system, since
they may feel unwanted or unjustly assessed. This may produce a
feeling of pessimism and despair, which can lead to individuals
avoiding any form of financial engagement.
Racism and social exclusion may also have a psychological effect on
individuals. People who suffer racism and social exclusion may feel
alone, inferior, and disempowered, leading to feelings of sadness and
anxiety. This might lead to individuals avoiding activities and chances
that they could utilize to enhance their financial status.
Racism and social exclusion may also contribute to individuals feeling
marginalized and helpless. This may make individuals more willing to
take risks that may further worsen their poverty, such as taking out
high-interest loans or participating in criminal activities. The lack of
access to resources and opportunities, along with feelings of
helplessness may further entrench individuals in poverty.
In conclusion, racism and social exclusion may have a substantial
influence on why individuals are poor. Systemic racism has been a key
factor in the income difference between African Americans and White
Americans. Social exclusion may make it harder for individuals to
access the resources and opportunities required to attain economic
stability. Finally, emotions of marginalization and helplessness may
lead to individuals taking risks that might entrench them in poverty.
6. Failing Health
7. Death
1. Financial Illiteracy
Financial illiteracy is one of the key reasons why many people are
impoverished. Financial illiteracy is characterized as the absence of
information, skills, and comprehension of fundamental financial
concepts, such as budgeting, saving, investing, and debt management.
This lack of understanding leads to poor decision-making, which in
turn leads to poverty.
Financial illiteracy may lead to the incapacity to make good financial
choices. For example, those with insufficient financial understanding
may be unable to look forward and prepare for their future. This might
lead to choices that put them in debt or lead to overspending. Poor
financial choices may lead to a cycle of debt that gets progressively
difficult to break out of.
Financially illiterate people may also be unable to spot attractive
investment possibilities. They may not comprehend how to diversify
their money or how to compare various options. Without the
information to pick the appropriate investments, people may wind up
losing money instead of expanding their fortune.
Another consequence of financial illiteracy is the inability to obtain
financial goods and services. Without a basic grasp of financial goods
and services, consumers may not be able to obtain the resources they
need to better their financial status. This may further worsen financial
troubles and lead to an even deeper cycle of poverty.
Finally, financial illiteracy is a big element in why individuals are
impoverished. People who are unfamiliar with the fundamentals of
financial problems are more prone to make bad financial judgments.
This may lead to a cycle of debt and financial instability that can be
difficult to break out of. Financial literacy is a crucial skill to acquire to
break out of poverty and obtain financial stability.
3. Entitlement Mentality
5. Excuses
From infancy, we are taught that excuses are a negative thing—they
are a show of weakness and a lack of responsibility. But when it comes
to poverty, People frequently create excuses to avoid accepting
responsibility for their actions and decisions. It is also a technique to
escape the hard effort and devotion it takes to attain financial success.
When someone is poor, their living circumstances may sometimes lead
to a broad variety of justifications. For example, they may lack the
appropriate knowledge or skills to acquire a career that pays well, or
they may have suffered from a health crisis or family tragedy that has
emptied their resources. Other justifications can include living in a low
socio-economic location or being discriminated against due to race or
gender.
The most frequent excuse individuals make when it comes to money is
that they don’t have enough of it. This argument is commonly used to
rationalize why people can’t purchase the goods they desire or why
they can’t save money. Yet, this explanation entirely overlooks the
reality that it’s feasible to produce more money via hard effort,
devotion, and wise financial choices.
When you don’t manage your time well, you may lose out on critical
opportunities that may help you generate more money. For example,
you may miss deadlines for applying for jobs or promotions, or you
may miss out on networking events that might lead to professional
improvements. Additionally, if you don’t manage your time well, you
may wind yourself squandering time on things that don’t add to your
financial success. This might involve browsing through social media,
watching television, or indulging in other things that don’t help you
create more money or develop your career.
Poor time management may also contribute to a lack of productivity.
When you don’t manage your time efficiently, you may find yourself
delaying or difficult to concentrate on the activities that you need to
do. This may lead to missed deadlines, incomplete tasks, and an
overall lack of development. This may prohibit you from obtaining
success in your profession, as well as hamper your potential to
produce more money.
Additionally, poor time management may contribute to a lack of
motivation and a sensation of being overburdened. When you don’t
manage your time appropriately, it may be tough to remain motivated
and on track with your objectives. This might lead to a sensation of
being overwhelmed and feeling that you can’t do anything. This might
make it tough to concentrate on producing more money and attaining
financial success.
Summary: Poor time management may lead to a lack of concentration
and efficiency, both of which can be key contributors to financial
instability. Without a strategy or framework, activities may take longer
than intended, resulting in missed deadlines and lost opportunities.
Additionally, poor time management may lead to poor decision-
making, which can lead to expensive blunders and poor investments.
Without a suitable strategy and timeframe, it may be difficult to
prioritize work, resulting in a loss of productivity and perhaps, a lack
of money. Poor time management may also lead to instances of
procrastination, which can further impair financial security.
c. Living Beyond Your Means
When it comes to financial success, living within your means is a
critical component. Unfortunately, many individuals fall into the trap
of living beyond their means and end up in a cycle of poverty. Here are
a few ways living over your means might impact why you are poor.
The most apparent way living beyond your means impacts your
financial health is by generating a cycle of debt. When you spend more
money than you have, you need to borrow cash to offset the deficit.
This leads to interest payments, late fines, and other expenses that
may mount up rapidly. The more debt you have, the harder it is to pay
it off and the more interest you will have to pay. This might establish a
cycle of debt that can be hard to stop.
Another way living beyond your means might harm your financial
health is that it can hinder you from establishing an emergency fund
or investing for retirement. When you are living paycheck to paycheck,
it might be tough to save away any money for the future. This might
leave you with no financial buffer in the case of an emergency or
retirement, placing you in an extremely hazardous financial position.
Finally, living beyond your means might have a toll on your mental
health. The stress and worry that come from continuously striving to
keep up with the Joneses may take a toll on your mental health. This
might lead to sadness, anxiety, and other mental health disorders that
can further influence your financial circumstances.
Summary: Living beyond your means is a highly harmful habit that
may have a lasting influence on your financial health. It may lead to a
cycle of debt, impede you from saving for the future, and have a
detrimental influence on your mental health. If you find yourself living
beyond your means, it's crucial to take measures to get back on track
and start living within your means.
d. Addiction
Addiction is a big element in why many people are impoverished.
Whether it’s alcohol, drugs, or gambling, addiction can have a terrible
influence on an individual’s finances. Not only can an addiction cause
a person to lose money in the near term, but it may also have long-
term implications that make it impossible for them to ever move out of
poverty.
One of the most immediate repercussions of addiction is an
individual’s inability to keep down a job. Addiction creates cognitive
deficits that might make it difficult to concentrate on activities or
remain motivated. This may lead to poor work performance, which
can lead to a person being fired or laid off. Even if a person can hold a
job, their addiction may force them to take days off or come in late,
both of which may diminish their income or lead to disciplinary
action.
Addiction often generates additional financial concerns. For example,
someone may spend a considerable part of their money on drugs or
activities to which they are addicted. This might leave them without
enough money to pay for essentials such as food, clothes, and rent. An
addiction may also motivate a person to engage in unlawful acts to
sustain their habit, resulting in court bills or penalties that further
deplete their income.
Finally, addiction may lead to a person losing essential connections,
such as family or friends. This might lead individuals to be isolated,
making it harder to locate assistance or resources to help them better
their financial circumstances. A person may also lose vital
relationships that may have helped them find a job or accommodation.
Summary: Addiction may have a terrible impact on an individual’s
finances. It may lead them to lose their career, spend too much money
on their addiction, and ruin crucial relationships. These financial
concerns might make it impossible for a person to ever overcome
poverty. If you or someone you know is battling with addiction, it is
crucial to get assistance as soon as possible to avoid long-term
financial ramifications.
e. Investing In Get Rich Quick Schemes
Investing in get-rich-quick schemes is generally considered a certain
method to generate money fast and effortlessly. However, this form of
investment may be a deadly trap that might leave you poorer than
when you began.
When it comes to get-rich-quick schemes, the promises of rapid and
easy money sometimes appear too good to be true. These schemes
often entail investing with the hope of a big return in a short period.
However, the fact is that these strategies generally end in losses
instead of gains.
The reason for this is that these schemes are generally founded on
misleading promises, unreasonable assumptions, and fraudulent acts.
They depend on people’s desire to earn a lot of money with no work,
and they may easily abuse those who are inexperienced in the financial
environment.
The risk of investing in get-rich-quick schemes is that you might lose
all of your money in a matter of days or weeks. If the strategy includes
investing in a risky item or involves illegal activity, you might even
wind yourself facing legal action.
In addition, you might wind up paying exorbitant charges for investing
in get-rich-quick schemes. This might further erode your earnings and
leave you with less money than you began with.
Finally, investment in get-rich-quick schemes might lead to a false
feeling of security. You may feel that you have discovered a certain
approach to making money, and this may lead to overconfidence and
incorrect actions. This might lead to further losses and ultimately put
you in an even worse financial condition.
Summary: Investing in get-rich-quick programs may be a risky trap
that might leave you less than when you began. It’s vital to be aware of
the hazards involved and to be sure to conduct your homework before
making any investments. By adopting a more careful approach, you
may guarantee that your money is invested more safely and
sustainably.
CONCLUSION
Poverty is a big problem that affects individuals of all ages and origins.
It has a tremendous influence on the quality of life of people, families,
and communities. Poverty may lead to a range of negative
repercussions, including poor health, low educational achievement,
and lower economic stability.
At an individual level, poverty may have a terrible influence on
someone's life. People who are living in poverty generally struggle to
make ends meet and may experience food insecurity, restricted access
to healthcare, and insufficient housing. These difficulties may lead to
physical, emotional, and mental health concerns. Furthermore,
poverty may restrict educational possibilities, making it harder for
people to learn the skills and information essential for future
employment and upward social mobility.
At the household and societal level, poverty may have a ripple effect.
Children from low-income households may have trouble obtaining
appropriate educational opportunities, making it harder for them to
break the cycle of poverty. Communities may also be impacted by
poverty since it can lead to greater crime rates, social instability, and
economic stagnation.
Although poverty is a serious concern in today's culture, it doesn't
have to be a life sentence. With the correct mentality and resources,
anybody can break out of poverty and attain financial independence.
Here are some pointers to help you get started:
1. Take use of available resources. Many government programs,
charities, and other groups give financial support to persons in need.
Do your homework and find out what's available in your region.
2. Build a budget and stick to it. Having a budget can allow you to keep
track of your costs and make sure you're living within your means. It
will also help you save for your future.
3. Make education a priority. Education is a crucial component of
success. Invest in yourself by taking advantage of educational
possibilities. Whether it's via a local community college or online
programs, these tools may help you build the skills you need to
succeed.
4. Develop a plan. Write out your objectives and establish a strategy on
how to attain them. Having a roadmap can assist keep you on track
and inspired.
5. Look for employment opportunities. Look for jobs in your area or
look into starting your own business. Being able to sustain oneself
financially is a crucial aspect of breaking out of poverty.
6. Make contacts. Networking is crucial in every job. Attend events and
create relationships with individuals who may support you in your
path.
Breaking out of poverty may be a lengthy and arduous path. It involves
hard effort, devotion, and drive. However, with the correct resources
and mentality, it is possible to break out of poverty and attain financial
independence.