AmeriCorps Mustachians?

[realworldblues]

Hello!

Over all of the case studies that I've seen on MMM, I do not think I have seen one AmeriCorps representation. Are there any currently serving members or alumni on this forum? It would be interesting to hear all of your experiences living on the limited income we receive.

Does anyone have tips or tricks for AmeriCorps members on saving (or making) money?
Was doing AmeriCorps a good choice for you? Did it help or hinder your financial goals in the long run?
Any bad experiences/horror stories? (such as a poorly run program or surprising financial struggles)

I can't wait to hear all of your experiences!

[FiveSigmas]

Hi RWB. MrsFrugalWoods was an AmeriCorps alumna:

http://www.frugalwoods.com/2016/01/28/before-we-were-mr-and-mrs-frugalwoods/

[gardeningandgreen]

I did AmeriCorps! I loved it. I served with Minnesota reading corps. It helped pay off student loans and I was able to live with my parents. I also had the added benefit of spending a ton of time with my much younger brother. I would absolutely recommend it to a ton of people(and have). It taught me to live within my means and make sacrifices for what was important. Honestly I think many of my generation could use a few years of some sort of service.

[JZinCO]

Alum. Living on $1350/mo was not too difficult at the time. I've noticed that 8 years later, they offer the same rate despite inflation and that the city where I served is now up at San Fran level COL. In my case, I was not in a residential program. I rented a house with others in my cohort for about $300 to $400 each so getting by was not difficult. Without a car, I had no other major expenses. The program was run out of a charter school which received funds from americorps state/local and had its ups and downs. At this stage the charter status for the school was revoked but they have grown their americorps programs and affiliated with a multistate non-profit that is entirely centered around americorps programs. Maybe half a dozen or so of my cohort actually ended up becoming staff after service during these years of growth.

This summer I thought a little about joining back up with femacorps but decided that the subsistence living would not allow for me to pursue any financial goals. I suggest to any high school graduates to take a leap year (or more) in order to serve whether that looks like americorps, armed forces, etc. In my case, the work actually led to my career and decision to pursue a bachelors in that field. I may revisit Vista (given that it is aimed at entry level professionals and not youth) or even peacecorps in a decade or so FI is likely secured.

[b_girl]

Alumni Here!!!

My husband and I took took a work break and did a year of Americorps in New Orleans after Katrina. The stipend was around $200/week (if i remember correctly). We lived as cheap as possible for a few months but eventually had to pay for an apartment. Prices were sky high after Katrina so it didn't go that far. We had savings that we used to supplement the program. Overall, it was an awesome program that paid out about $5500 in tuition reimbursement when we were done (NOTE... pet peeve is the $5500 is TAXED!).

We took the break after a few years of working which was great. It gave us a break from the corporate grind and let me go back refreshed. That being said.... it's been awhile and we both would love to have another adventure - though that is much harder with kids and grown up responsibilities that don't allow you to pack up and go. Sigh.

I had to come out of lurking for this post. My husband and I are both very proud of our service. It was the most stressful but most rewarding thing we have done in life at this point.

[antarestar]

I did americorps back in 2003 - fresh out of college. It was not a happy experience for me but it was a growing experience.

They had had problems with the site manager in the past being extremely sexist and very obviously playing favorites. I didn't know that until I called my americorps supervisor in tears.

I ended up officially telling the site manager why I was unhappy so that the americorps people could document it and then I worked my hours as fast as I could so that I could get the hell out of there.

[trailperson]

I did Americorps in 2013 although food and shelter (usually in the form of a tent) was provided so I didn't really even need my small stipend for much. It was one of the best experiences I've had. I used my award to take graduate classes.

[FIPurpose]

I'm planning on doing Peace Corps starting next year, but something like AmeriCorps is also enticing for something to do State side especially after the Peace Corps tour. I realize I can google a lot of these answers, but it's amazing what you learn from people who've been on the inside.

Can this help in getting a teaching position, or can this help replace the teaching portion of an accredited teaching certificate? I've been contemplating moving to teaching as a career switch.

[JZinCO]

Oh I forgot to add that part of the deal was that for food stamps, the DHHS saw my income as $0 so I qualified for $160/mo. I was whistling my way down to Whole Foods.

As per your last question, there are alot of positions that deal with teaching and many more that involve crew leading and youth development which may transfer to teaching well. It also appears there are positions set up to help volunteers learn teaching (eg http://www.inspiredteaching.org/teacher-certification/fellow-experience/americorps)

[PARedbeard]

I did AmeriCorps for two years--one in MD and one in PA. It was a wonderful experience, and those two years jumpstarted my career in non-profit. In fact, I ended up getting a job with one of the agencies later as a result of my AC time. Plus, the education award went a long way towards helping me kill my college debt.

AC people are scattered everywhere.

[PARedbeard]

I totally forgot to answer your questions:

Money tips: If you can get into a program that helps to subsidize your food, travel, and lodging, that is a huge bonus. Most programs don't, but some (like programs with kids in very rural areas or national parks) may. AC helped me understand exactly what I needed to survive. Your stipend won't be much, so push yourself to just get basics. I moved to a farm and helped out there in exchange for cheap rent. And I paired down my grocery bill hugely. The cash restrictions will force you to get creative, and those skills will stay with you the rest of your life. Take advantage of the Education award--it is effectively half of your salary. Be warned, though, that if you go to use it for loans, it will be taxed as income.

As for poorly run programs, I have heard of several which are very disorganized. The two that I took part in were both phenomenally organized. Take a look at the organization they are supporting. I have found that the AC unit tends to be, in part, a reflection of their parent org. If that org seems steady and well-run, there is a good chance that they have taken the time to find a suitable supervisor.

[Greenly Spirits]

I'm alumna (if that's the correct conjugation). I did a p/t program while a full-time college student living rent-free with my parents. The monthly stipend was less than I could have made minimum wage, but it ended up being more than minimum wage with the education award, and it allowed me to work around my classes.

I was placed in a school to tutor kids who needed support but didn't qualify for special ed. It was very rewarding and great experience. Several of my cohort wanted to be teachers or doctors. I wanted to run a non-profit. My first two jobs out of college were as an ESL aide and as an assistant coordinator in an adult literacy program. My service definitely helped me get those jobs, which helped me move on to other jobs. I did eventually run a non-profit similar to Big Brother Big Sister.

I think AmeriCorps is great for a first job or as a gap year. It will not help you build wealth the year you do it, but it helps network and looks great on a resume depending on what you want to do next.

[realworldblues]

Thanks for your responses everyone! I'm glad to see that most everyone thought it was a valuable experience, even though it likely postponed developing your stash. I'm very anxious to begin amassing some savings to invest, but its mostly impossible in my circumstances as long as I'm in AmeriCorps. However, the service year can be a great lesson in frugality, if you accept it as such (I've known several people who, despite making the $800 /month here in Minnesota, are very spendy and probably not learning much!).