Realizing Self-Sufficiency

Most of us want to provide for our own needs without external assistance, a quality known as self-sufficiency. Not only does it feel good to support yourself with your own skills and efforts, but it increases confidence and reduces stress. If you’re not dependent on anyone else, then you are free from fear that the resources you need to survive will be taken away from you. Self-sufficiency is at the heart of a relatively new concept known as financial well-being.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) defines financial well-being as “…a state of being wherein you:

• Have control over day-to-day, month-to-month finances;
• Have the capacity to absorb a financial shock;Financial shock describes unforeseen expenses or lost income (e.g., job loss, illness, injury, death, home or vehicle repair).
• Are you on track to meet your financial goals; and
• Have the financial freedom Financial freedom is different for each person. Generally it means having the ability to make decisions about your lifestyle, do the things you want to do, and enjoy life. to make the choices that allow you to enjoy life.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Financial well-being: The goal of financial education.

The next few sections will help you analyze your career (or the one you would like to have), focusing especially on aspects of financial well-being.

Your Self-Sufficient Wage

A self-sufficient wage is the amount you must earn to meet your basic financial needs. The amount varies based on your household and lifestyle, where you live and your current outstanding debts.

What Does It Cost You to Work?

When calculating what your own self-sufficient wage would be, consider not only your take-home pay, but what it costs you to work. How do these costs affect your household budget?

• Transportation – gas, parking, bus or train fares, tolls, tires for your car, oil changes, wear and tear on your car
• Clothing – business attire, uniforms, dry cleaning or additional laundry costs
• Meals – the cost of eating away from home during the day or grabbing dinner on the way home
• Memberships – union dues, professional associations
• Supplies – tools or equipment for your job, treats for co-workers or students, publications for your own professional growth
• Child, elder or pet care – day care or special programs for children, adults or pets

Are Your Wages Sufficient

Click your answer(s) below to see how you compare with other SAM users. Your replies are anonymous and we do not share or save your personal information. Please see our Privacy Policy and Terms for further information.

Now use the Living Wage Calculator* to determine the hourly wage (per adult, in your county) you need to earn to support your family. Note that the calculation is for full-time employees. It does not take into account part-time work or individuals receiving government benefits. Does this surprise you or change how you rated the sufficiency of your wages above?

Write down some words or phrases that help you or hold you back from earning a sufficient income. Make sure you include at least one thing holding you back. Later, you can address these items in your career goals and earning plan.

*Created by Dr. Amy K. Glasmeier