You aren't addressing the situation the people are in. They are constantly choosing which need to address with the funds they have at present, not simply deferr

You aren't addressing the situation the people are in. They are constantly choosing which need to address with the funds they have at present, not simply deferring the purchase of one half tank of gas. Building a small financial buffer would likely improve their situation a great deal. It seems likely that it isn't always the case that the lack of buffer is a choice...