Re:Why it costs so much to be poor in America
by dkersten on Friday January 26, 2018 @05:16AM
(#16238119)
I don’t really see the problem, honestly. I don’t live in the US, but I also don’t own a car and I live on the outskirts of a town. The closest supermarket is only half a mile away, but I regularly walk into the town center (either to go to a wider range of shops or to get the train or bus) which is approx. 1.5 mile walk (so 3 miles round trip). If I go to the city (by bus/train), I often walk 6 or 7 miles in a day. A few months ago, I commuted to the city and did that walk most days (I did work from home some of the days though). Its not been a big deal at all, for me. It also rains a lot here.
Having said that, if there’s a Wells Fargo 5 minutes away, then I absolutely get why someone would choose to bank there than walk 3 miles to a credit union. Just because I don’t find walking to be a particularly big deal, doesn’t mean I wouldn’t minimise it if options exist to do so.
Re:Why it costs so much to be poor in America
by lazyasciiart on Sunday January 28, 2018 @12:43AM
(#16250016)
You probably didn't mean it, but it sounds like you're saying you don't understand why anyone could have trouble walking three miles? In case that's actually what you meant, then some of the reasons include disabilities (whether temporary like a broken leg, or permanent like arthritis), organizational constraints like having a small child with you, time constraints, or unsafe environments for the walk.
I used a credit union for a short period as a means for managing my finances during a rough period. I had to walk three miles to open the account. Same when there was a delay between signing up for direct deposit and I needed to cash my paycheck. I was also doing side gigs in my free time, so more walks for personal checks.
I managed to get through it, but I was lucky. This was during a time of year when the weather was accommodating, but it easily could have happened during the winter.
There is a Wells Fargo less than a five minute walk from me, however. I can easily imagine that some people can’t take the time (kids) or don’t have good enough health to make the sacrifice involved in choosing a small institution over what is geographically accessible.