Yeah, obviously if you're near or below the poverty line, it's a little different. I'd assume he was assuming people were programmers or the like.

And really, if you can't afford to take 3 months off, you also can't afford to be unemployed for every long (unless you have an outstanding severance package promised to you), which is bad for your financial stability. First of all, you may just not be able to find a job, and even if you can, it's possible that the ability to hold out for another month could have gotten you a much better job.

I'm just 17, but I can't imagine being in a longterm situation where I'm saving very little if I'm making a programmer's salary. Stability is a much more important "luxury" than eating out, nice stuff, cable TV, etc in my book.

Expenses will always grow to meet income, if you are not careful. Hold on to your healthy principle - but remember to enjoy yourself occasionally too!