Or by just falling into it without really ever giving it a thought. That's not "by choice", exactly. (Though they do have the option of choosing not to do so, if they stopped to think about it...)

We'd need to define 'paycheck to paycheck' more precisely, but... I'm aware of multiple families in my area that used to have something left over in each check, that went in to beefing up some savings. Fuel, food and rent increases over the last 6-12 months have meant there's nothing leftover any more, and they'll need to start cutting back in some areas more aggressively. They were a bit 'close to the edge' anyway (imo), but with a couple kids, it's not hard to do.

Im in the top 1% in my country (yep, third world), and living paycheck to paycheck. Its embarrassing with some 20years experience, but, that's how ot is at the moment.

I wasn't trying to insult you. High earners in the article are Americans earning >$100k a year.

You're not insulting me. I am insulting myself by not taking action. 100k where i come from is huge money. I make a quarter of it, and it's still top 1%.

but also, my monthly expenses are like $500. Maybe 600. So, it's not really comparable