Understanding Sliding-Fee

What rate is right for me? | A qualitative guide to understanding financial privilege and your financial experience.

Use this guide to help select the appropriate rate for your financial experience.
Adapted from the inspirational work of Worts & Cunning.

  • Definition | Basic Needs include food, shelter, and transportation

  • Definition | Expendable Income might include coffee from a shop, concerts, buying new clothes, etc …

  • New Moon | Supported Rate

    I often worry about meeting my basic needs and don’t always meet them.

    My debt impacts my ability to meet my financial needs.

    I rent low-end properties or have unstable housing.

    I don’t own a car. I have access to a car but cannot regularly afford gas.

    I am unemployed or underemployed.

    I qualify for government assistance including food and healthcare.

    I have no access to savings.

    I have no or very limited expendable income.

    I can rarely afford to buy new items.

    Vacations and time off are a financial burden.

    If this description reflects your financial experience, please consider selecting the “Supported” rate.

  • Quarter Moon | Standard Rate

    I may stress about meeting my needs but regularly meet them.

    I have some debt but it does not impact my ability to meet my basic needs.

    I own or lease a car.

    I am employed.

    I have access to healthcare.

    I might have access to financial savings.

    I have some expendable income.

    I am able to buy some new things.

    Vacations and taking time off are a financial burden.

    If this reflects your financial experience, please consider selecting the “Standard” rate.



  • Full Moon | Equity & Sustainability Supporter Rate

    I meet my needs comfortably.

    My debt does not impact my ability to meet my needs.

    I own my home or 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 expendable income.

    I can always buy new things.

    Vacations and taking time off are a financial burden.

    If this description fits your financial experience, consider selecting the Sustainability & Equity rate which helps keep this work financially accessible to those with less access to financial resources.