Poor people find that one off expenses happen surprisingly often. Between car breakdowns (far more likely for those who can only afford a clunker), sudden health crises, domestic maintenance, wear and tear on clothes, unexpected inflationary price rises on essentials like energy and food, and a host of other issues, the poor have no slack at all in their budgets.

Of course the real problem is many jobs don't pay enough.

In fact not getting paid enough - and therefore being unable to budget - is considered evidence of poor character, while not paying enough is considered evidence of enlightened and mature rationality.

It's quite a strange view of the world.