I'm pointing out that your examples just aren't based in reality, and aren't describing things that are "savvy" and "un-savvy". These also aren't massive advan

I'm pointing out that your examples just aren't based in reality, and aren't describing things that are "savvy" and "un-savvy". These also aren't massive advantages: The folks with tax checks are generally folks with children, and they aren't generally getting an advantage others in a similar situation aren't getting: Pretty much everyone knows about tax refunds. Childless folks don't get much, though, so it isn't really a massive advantage. None of it is. Even when "All other things equal". Unfortunately, what actually IS often a massive advantage is luck of circumstance. Somewhere to stay so you can get back on your feet, for example, or lucky enough to qualify for help paying for your medicine or your child's private school tuition. Lucky enough to be poor in an area you can walk to stores and work or lucky enough to live somewhere with a robust safety net. Lucky enough to be healthy, lucky enough to avoid getting pregnant, lucky enough to be able to buy birth control.