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"The only situation I've seen where that's remotely true is applying for student aid where if you're parents saved money they're expected to pony it up, but if they spent it all on flat screen TVs and new cars (and hence are "cash poor") they're not expected to do so."

Are you suggesting that everyone falls into this (false?) binary?

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It's not that everybody falls into those two categories but if you're a middle class household and sock your money away rather than spending it as disposable income (TVs, toys, cars, vacations, steaks, ...) then you're expected to spend it on your children's education.

I find it stupid because it disincentives saving and being responsible.

I do. I saved for my kid's education, and I didn't bother even applying for aid, because (a) I don't need it, (b) I wouldn't get any, and (c) it's not anyone else's responsibility to send my kid to college.

I applaud you for having the foresight to save up for your kids' education. At the same time, I think it's naive to say that the only reason people are cash poor (or even the primary reason) is because they buy flat screen TVs and new cars.

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