> If it's possible for you to live within your means, you can build wealth at a good rate in the first world.

There are a significant number of exceptions to this idea. If you dig a deep enough hole (drug problems, felonies, etc) it's hard to just keep a roof over your head.

And sure, "it's their fault", but for a lot of people the die was cast when they were very young.

(Update: I should clarify that this may be a U.S. problem vs a first world problem. The safety net here is abysmal, speaking as someone who has spent way too much time and money helping a friend manage.)