"كل من عانى من الفقر يعرف كم هو مكلف جداً أن تكون فقيراً"

Poverty is a vicious cycle that traps many people, and it’s not just about lacking money. If you’ve ever been poor—or known someone who has—you'll understand that poverty has a sneaky way of costing more than you’d expect. It’s a tough reality, but it's true.

When you don’t have enough money, everything seems to get more expensive. Imagine not having the money for a big upfront cost, like paying for a year’s worth of car insurance at once. Instead, you’re stuck paying monthly. Those payments add up, thanks to interest rates and fees. Car insurance companies charge more when you pay month-to-month, and those extra dollars can really dig into your budget—dollars that could’ve gone to groceries or utilities.

Historically, this quote has been a rallying cry in discussions about economic inequality. It’s been used to highlight the systemic issues that keep people in poverty. Think back to the early 20th century during the Great Depression. Families were scraping by, and they often had to make do with what they had. If you couldn’t afford a new pair of shoes, you patched up the ones you had. But a poorly repaired shoe doesn’t last long, does it? So, you’d buy another cheap pair and the cycle continues. Over time, you end up spending more on several cheap pairs than you would on one good pair. It’s a story that’s echoed through generations, from the Dust Bowl to modern times.

Let’s take a real-life example. Meet Sarah. She’s a single mom working two jobs to support her kids. She lives paycheck to paycheck, without a financial cushion. Her old car breaks down—again. She can’t afford to buy a reliable used car outright, so she takes a high-interest payday loan. Now, she’s stuck with exorbitant interest payments. If she misses a payment, the fees pile up. It’s a downward spiral. Instead of saving money for future emergencies or investing in something that builds value, she’s constantly scrambling to cover immediate expenses. The cost of the loan, plus repair bills, eats away at her income, keeping her trapped in a cycle of debt.

So, how do you apply this wisdom? First, understand that breaking free from poverty often requires more than hard work. It's about strategic thinking and seeking help when you need it. Look for community programs that offer financial counseling or small grants. Educate yourself on budgeting and saving, even if the amounts seem small. Any progress is better than none. If you can, invest in quality items that last longer, even if they cost more upfront. And don’t be afraid to ask for help—whether it’s from friends, family, or local organizations.

Picture this: You’re at a coffee shop with a friend, catching up. Your friend mentions they’re struggling financially, always sinking deeper into debt. They tell you about the countless small fees and high-interest rates that seem to gobble up their paycheck. You nod, remembering the quote about the high cost of being poor. You share Sarah’s story, explaining how small expenses add up and make it hard to get ahead. Your friend’s eyes widen—they see themselves in Sarah’s struggles. You talk about community resources and strategies for managing finances, hoping it can make a difference.

By understanding and sharing these insights, we can help turn the tide. It’s not just about surviving poverty; it’s about finding a way to thrive despite it. And when more people grasp this concept, maybe—just maybe—we can work towards a world where being poor doesn’t come with such an impossible price tag.