I think this has far more to do with the fact that poverty, especially in the US, means frequently going into debt or bankruptcy even just to survive. If you're

I think this has far more to do with the fact that poverty, especially in the US, means frequently going into debt or bankruptcy even just to survive. If you're working for minimum wage, your landlord raises your rent, and you get an unexpected medical expense at the same time, no amount of disciplined saving in $5 increments is going to save you. It's not a mindset problem.