What were Ralph Kramden's money issues related to?

What were Ralph Kramden's money issues related to?

I don't really understand why he was so broke all the time. I think he was cheap, like Fred Mertz, so their houses were never a priority.

The Kramden's situation was pretty extreme, though. Norton worked in the sewer and Trixie had more modern conveniences than poor Alice. It's hard to believe a full-time bus driver made less than a sewer-worker. I guess the unions weren't as strong in those days!

He had money to go bowling and to pay lodge dues, and he tended to throw money away on get-rich-quick schemes. He made Alice feel lucky to have money to buy groceries for the "ice box."

Ralph was earning $62.00 per week. That was about the average pay for that time ( mid 1950's). Like Madame X stated, he spent his money on lodge dues, Admiral Dewey sport coats, bowling, bowling balls, playing pool, get rich schemes and plenty of pizza. I think he wanted to make thing better for Alice but the schemes always fell through.

Krammar