RICHMOND, VA (WTVR) - Many Americans need to follow some sort of budget to stay out of debt and still be able to afford the things they need.
In an effort to help their employees manage their money, McDonald's partnered with Visa to develop a money-management program.
That program and accompanying website are now the target of criticism with former employees, arguing the McDonald's sample budget makes it appear living on low wages is easy.
"It's an insult to me and I don't even work at Mcdonald's no more," Yaisha Jones said.
Controversy stems over the fact the budget does not take into account things like childcare or transportation costs.
Additionally, the sample budget -- listed below - states on line two that employees need a second job.
"It's almost impossible to get two jobs. It's almost impossible to get one job and keep that one job," Jackie Chandler said.
Here's a look at the sample journal:
McDonald's sample budget (SOURCE: http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/mcdonalds/)
McDonald's responded with this statement:
“In an effort to provide free, comprehensive money management tools, McDonald’s first used the Wealth Watchers International budgeting journal when this financial literacy program launched in 2008. As part of this program, several resources were developed including a sample budgeting guide, an instructional video and a web resource center that had additional tools and information. The samples that are on this site are generic examples and are intended to help provide a general outline of what an individual budget may look like."
Financial advisors tell CBS 6 that while some of the estimates made by McDonald's may be off depending upon location and circumstance, it is a good thing that the fast food giant is encouraging workers to keep a budget.
"When you are talking about money and controlling money you have to know where everything is going," Sonji Rollins Tucker, an investment specialist, told CBS 6.
