Realistic Steps Individuals Can Take to Escape Poverty

 [Realistic Steps Individuals Can Take to Escape Poverty]

Escaping poverty is not easy, but it's not impossible.

To consider realistic steps, it's important to act strategically and incrementally, rather than relying on mere willpower.

Below, we'll organize these steps from three perspectives: "Short-term (now to six months)," "Medium-term (1-3 years)," and "Long-term (3 years or more)."

🔹 [Short-term] Establishing a Foundation for Survival (0-6 months)

1. Visualize your expenses

Record all your expenses for one month, whether on paper or using a smartphone app.

Knowing "how much you're spending on what" is the starting point.

Purpose: Not to find waste, but to "understand the reality."

2. Optimize living costs

Prioritize reviewing fixed costs (rent, communication costs, insurance).

→ Even a reduction of a few thousand yen per month, such as through rent subsidies or low-cost SIM cards, adds up significantly.

Reviewing "fixed costs" is more effective than focusing on food and utility costs.

3. Utilize public support and systems

Welfare benefits, housing assistance, employment support, education and training grants, medical expense assistance, etc.

These are not "things to be ashamed of," but "systems for a fresh start."

Consult with your local government's welfare department or an NPO.

🔹 [Medium-term] Increasing Income and Building Skills (1-3 years)

4. From "selling your time" to "selling your skills"

Working at a convenience store or factory is important, but have the mindset of learning while working.

Examples: Office work → Excel / data entry → IT support

Food service → Customer service / hygiene management → Assistant manager / management skills

Starting with a side job is also okay. You can learn from free online courses (YouTube, Udemy, Coursera, etc.).

5. Increase your market value through "job change and side jobs"

Don't cling to your current job; look for a job with better conditions.

"Your market value = skills x experience x network."

You can also utilize free job placement services and vocational training schools at Hello Work (public employment service). 6. Build Your Credit Score and Credit History

Simply paying your rent, mobile phone bill, and utilities on time will build your credit.

Good credit leads to future opportunities for loans, rentals, and jobs.

🔹 [Long-Term] Build Capital and Earn Through Systems (3+ years)

7. Move from "Saving" to "Investing," Even with Small Amounts

Once you've saved enough for a safety net (3-6 months' worth of living expenses),

start small-scale investments such as Tsumitate NISA or iDeCo.

Develop the mindset of "making your money work for you."

8. Cultivate Connections (Networking)

Opportunities often come through people.

Participate in communities, both online and offline, where you can learn from each other.

"Who you connect with" will change your future options.

9. Change Your Thinking About Money

Instead of "saving = deprivation," choose "spending on things that provide value."

Be conscious of the flow from "consumption → investment → asset building."

Book examples: "The Richest Man in Babylon," "Rich Dad Poor Dad," etc.

🔹 [Mindset]

🔸 "Don't Blame Yourself"

Poverty is not due to laziness, but largely influenced by social structures and luck.

Instead of blaming yourself, focus on "what you can change in your current situation."

🔸 "Don't Try to Change Everything at Once"

It's more realistic to build gradually over the years.

Very few people experience dramatic changes in a single year.

🔸 "Cultivate a Habit of Continuous Learning"

Understanding money, psychology, and social systems will broaden your options.