Sliding Scale

What is a sliding scale?

We live within a capitalist system. That system determines our access to money and value based on race, gender identity, disability/ability, citizenship status, primary language, location, and many other factors within the hierarchy of the system.

What we can afford is not an exact science because income alone is not the only factor to consider. Affordability is also impacted by family size, healthcare costs overall, cost of living, being a caregiver for a family member, and several other factors.

A sliding scale is helpful because it supports individuals in participating in necessary services while staying within their means. Those with greater financial privilege contribute more, allowing those with less access to pay less based on their means. A sliding scale also empowers the business to sustain services while focusing on accessibility and access.

How do I choose what to pay?

The Green Bottle Method Sliding Scale image below provides general guidelines to allow you to choose which tier works best for you. If these tiers are out of your price range, let's chat about it. I will work with you to find an option that works for both of us. I understand that there are greater systemic issues creating greater costs in America right now and I want to be part of the solution – not the problem.

The Green Bottle Method was adapted from The Sliding Scale A Tool for Economic Justice by Alexis J. Cunningfolk.

The Green Bottle Method Sliding Scale.png

Tier 1

I am comfortably able to meet all of my basic* needs.

I may have some debt but it does not prohibit attainment of basic needs.

I own my home or property OR I rent a higher-end property.

I own or lease a car. I am employed or do not need to work to meet my needs.

I have regular access to health care.

I have access to financial savings.

I have an expendable income.

I can always buy new items.

I can afford an annual vacation or take time off.

Tier 2

I may stress about meeting my basic needs but still regularly achieve them.

I may have some debt but it does not prohibit attainment of basic needs.

I own or lease a car. I am employed.

I have access to health care.

I might have access to financial savings.

I have some expendable income.

I am able to buy some new items & I thrift others.

I can take a vacation annually or every few years without financial burden.

Tier 3

I frequently stress about meeting basic needs.

I have debt and it sometimes prohibits me from meeting my basic needs.

I rent lower-end properties or have unstable housing.

I am unemployed or underemployed.

I have no access to savings.

I have no or very limited expendable income.

I rarely buy new items because I am unable to afford them.

I cannot afford a vacation or have the ability to take time off without financial burden.

The Green Bottle Method was adapted from The Sliding Scale A Tool for Economic Justice by Alexis J. Cunningfolk.