I appreciate that. I've struggled for years before I really started looking at my expenses and saving wherever possible.

Most of the time, it requires no sacrifice, but a few minutes of effort.

The car insurance was a huge money saver for me. We were spending thousands a year on car insurance, whether we used the car or not. Switched to pay-as-you-go and started biking, and my insurance is like a few hundred a year at most.

The cell phone plan was another big saver. I was spending over $150 for three people a month, and now it's less than $50 for the same service!

Food is probably the most challenging, but only if you aren't willing to look at other options.

In any case, it's too easy for people to say that they aren't making enough money when it's their spending habits that really hurts them.

*** I do still think that people should be paid a livable wage, don't get me wrong, but if getting paid more means that someone will overspend more, then they will still be in the same situation. ***