across the wire

Lent starts today.
The lent challenge, can I live on $6 a day? Many people do. The SPCW illustrates with this pamphlet the living conditions that many Manitobans face when they need to rely on social welfare.

So here begins my attempt to live/meet my needs for 40 day on $6/day.
2 predictions for the outcome:

• I won't be able to complete this challenge.
• If I complete it, it is because I have a number of unfair advantages starting this challenge which makes it easier than the true experience.

The unfair advantages:

• I have a lot of things at my disposal that a person on social assistance may not have: car, house equipped with cable, internet, a stocked pantry and fridge, an iPod etc.
  
• My parents give me many things, including food.

The rules:

1. Use cash only and cash can be advanced one week at a time.
   
2. Transportation to and from work is not impacted by this challenged.
3. Prior financial commitments are excluded from the $6 budget (i.e. bills, gym pass, autopac payments, volleyball, etc.)
4. Just give it an honest go and keep a log on this blog. We will see how things go.

The exceptions:

• I have a cheat weekend in February, when friends from out of town will be here.
• I can use what I have. I have food in my fridge, I have a computer in my room, I a washer and dryer.
  

Everything that I think I need, I hope my 6 bucks will do. If I quit or can't complete, I'll let you know.