His comments on essential vs discretionary hit the nail on the head. The issue is that lots if people consider the following ti be needs rather than wants
3 series BMW as a second car Private school fees Big house in an expensive suburb Less than 15 mins travel to work Music lessons for the kids $2000 stroller for the kids Private health insurance $2000 fridges Overseas holiday each year Etc etc
No wonder people on $150k are crying poor. Perhaps they should tighten their belts - live in a cheaper suburb, go camping in one of our great national parks, take the bus etc