I'm familiar with the type of people you're referring to, and it does sound like they could benefit from some spending restraint to reduce some of their financial issues. My comments were directed more towards all the other folks who may not have a choice in their economic circumstances. It sounds like you have been tightening the belt both literally and figuratively, and it's good that you're able to find some positives in your own situation. For many who are struggling, the choice may not be about eating out less or getting a cheaper car, but opting to skip critical medical care or dealing with unsafe living conditions because they can't afford better. Always dangerous to generalize or assume the worst in people who aren't living under the same circumstances.