For single/couple without kids you might get by. But when you are 45, still working the $9 job, with 2 kids, and a sick partner...

Luckily that doesn't describe me, but it's easy to miss what it can be like for those on the edge. I hate it when politicians (in the UK) make out that it's not a big deal that for someone to lose £50 in benefits (per month), and have no concept of what it's like to live a life where every penny does count, and where one big bill can set you back for years.

We all might be lucky with great support networks, skills and health, but not every one is.