This is absolutely true and is a part of the general cash flow problem that the poor face. Never having surplus (or even being at a defecit) after attempting to

This is absolutely true and is a part of the general cash flow problem that the poor face. Never having surplus (or even being at a defecit) after attempting to meet their basic needs month-over-month serves to keep them from moving ahead. For instance, it is very difficult to reduce debt, invest, obtain an education, or otherwise "get ahead". All income is instead spent on day-to-day subsistence, so they continue to receive a lower share of the economy, while paying down little principal and paying maximum interest. It's another overlooked element: it's not just about income and wealth. It's about cash flow. It's just somehow odd that if a person earned the same income over his lifetime, but received a sizeable advance on some portion, it could dramatically alter the quality of his life.