Is It Possible to Live Well Earning $30,000 a Year in America? Yes--With These Conditions

Can a couple of hardworking people live well in America on $30,000 a year in earnings? Yes, if they're willing to do what's needed to make it happen.

Is It possible to live well on $30,000 a year in America? Let's start with the raw numbers. I am starting with a couple, not an individual, so we're talking about two people living well on $30,000 earnings a year.

Why $30,000 a year? Several reasons. One, it's a full-time wage at $15/hour, a rate that is (or will be) minimum wage in some states and two, …