> It has everything to do with their income being 80% of their essential bills.

There is some truth to that, but there is also a fair amount of truth to the fact that a lot of people list things as "essential" that really aren't.

For many it's a trade off of being poor or looking poor, and they would much rather be poor than look poor.

Money isn't that different than dieting. It's a pretty simple equation.

Money in >= money out => Broke.

Money in < money out => Not broke.

With dieting, yes exercise more, but for the love of God, stop eating so damn much.

With money, yes get a better paying job, but for the love of God stop buying so much stupid shit.