LAS VEGAS -- More and more people are living on limited budgets and a local non-profit says making ends meet on a minimum wage isn't impossible.
Budgeting and sifting through the wants and needs is what the Hero School says can help you make ends meet with an income of $1,000 a month. The Hero School's philosophy is it doesn't matter how much money a person makes, it's how they spend it.
The Hero School's Budgeting Advice
On Maryland Pkwy., Kevin Jackson walks with desperation. He is among the many unemployed in Las Vegas. "I'm willing to wash dishes, clean out dog kennels," he said.
Jackson supports two kids and can't find steady work. "You've got to stretch that dollar as far as you can," he said.
Even though he cuts corners by using food banks and riding his bike, at the end of the month, the money is nearly gone.
He is making it a mission to land any kind of job, even if it pays minimum wage.
Miles away, in an office building. The founder of the Hero School is explaining how his program works.
"As Uncle Ben told Peter in Spider Man, 'with great power comes great responsibility,'" Hero School founder Tiger Todd said.
Todd, a motivational speaker, founded the Hero School to help people who need a second chance whether it is to finish school or find work.
He says not budgeting is a person's most evil villain. "In every movie, especially hero films, the character must change," Todd said.
A budget formula based on around $1,000 of income shows people they can get anything they need from a minimum wage job and still take care of the necessities and have money left over.
"I'm really into fashion," said Brittney Griffin. She has gone through the Hero School program and says she now has a savings account and helps her mom pay bills. She admits, in the past, she spent a lot of money on clothes.
"If you don't have a plan, you're not going to be able to survive off $10,000 dollars a month," Griffin said.
Jackson says for those struggling financially, budgeting can be their biggest strength.
