For others, it was difficult to determine how much impact that finances had upon their perceptions of their opportunities as many of the participants appear to accept their situation. For example, Beth says, "you learn to live with what you have…what else can you do?"In discussing Easter gifts for their three children, she is clearly shopping around and looking for the best deals:

You know I was gonna get them a splash suit. But I've called [Store 1] and they want $25.97. And I called [Store 2] and they want $29.99. So, I'm going to see…I think [Store 3] had them on sale. So what I think I'm gonna do is I'm gonna call [Store 3] and if they are on sale, I think I'm gonna get them that.

Financial matters remain in the forefront with Beth and Andrea. Beth talks about how many things that she cannot afford and her need to follow a budget. Her children participate in baseball in the summer and a reasonably priced bowling league through the year. Andrea is cognizant how her limited finances restrict her children from participating in some of the activities that she had enjoyed as a child, such as girl guides, or from frivolous purchases, "[My daughter] wanted me to pick her up one of those glass balls with the ladder in it at Christmas…And I priced it…I don't think so! I could buy three outfits for that price!…$77!" Andrea knows that she must depend on activities that are less costly for enjoyment. When asked if she ever goes to the theatre to see a movie she replies:

No! It cost eight bucks for an adult and then half price for a child under 12 and then plus they'll want popcorn…and pop and chips. So what I do when I want to see a movie that comes out I go rent it and I'll go get some pop and chips and popcorn and we'll sit at home…I'll be married 14 years in February…not February but June…And my husband and I - and we knew each other for a year before that - and my husband and I only went to the theatre once.