It's an almost immutable part of human nature to get into a position where you're "just getting by" - but if there's someone out there in a similar situation making less than you, you could match them dollar for dollar and have some to save.

Which means that for many it's not a financial problem, it's a self-control problem.

I can't afford to save, but I can afford to pay 10-20% extra on everything through credit cards.