Consider paying less on the scale if you.
are supporting children or have other dependent
shave significant debt
have medical expenses not covered by insurance
receive public assistance
have immigration-related expenses
are an elder with limited financial support
are an unpaid community organizer
are a returning citizen who has been denied work due to incarceration history
Consider paying more on the scale if you:
own the home you live in
have investments, retirement accounts, or inherited money
travel recreationally
have access to family money and resources in times of need
work part time by choice
have a relatively high degree of earning power due to level of education (or gender and racial privilege, class background, etc.)
Even if you are not currently exercising your earning power, I ask you to recognize this as a choice.
The scale is intended to be a map, inviting each of us to take inventory of our financial resources and look deeper at our levels of privilege. It is a way to challenge the classist and capitalist society we live in and work towards economic justice on a local level. While I ask you to take these factors into consideration, please don’t stress about it. Pay what feels right.