People who’ve never struggled for money can never understand what that experience is truly like.
However, many seem to have opinions on poverty that are either misguided or outright wrong. The idea that poor people are somehow in control of their situation or that they’ve brought it on themselves isn’t just ridiculous, it’s cruel. Here are some of the many myths about people in tough financial situations that need to be done away with once and for all.
1. Poor people are just lazy.
Many people living in poverty work multiple jobs and long hours, often in physically demanding positions. The reality is that hard work alone doesn’t guarantee financial stability. Low wages, limited opportunities, and rising living costs can keep people struggling despite their best efforts.
2. They waste money on luxuries.
Source: Unsplash What looks like luxury spending often represents necessary expenses or rare moments of normalcy. A smartphone isn’t a luxury when it’s your only internet access for job applications, banking, and children’s homework. Small treats or celebrations aren’t wasteful — they’re a must for mental health.
3. Getting out of poverty is just about budgeting better.
Source: Brooke Cagle/Unsplash No amount of careful budgeting can stretch insufficient income to cover basic needs. When every dollar is already allocated to necessities, suggesting better money management ignores the real problem: not having enough income to begin with.
4. Poor people don’t want to save money.
Many people in poverty try to save, but emergencies quickly drain any accumulated funds. When your car breaks down, and you need it for work, or when a child gets sick, those savings disappear instantly. The cycle then starts over.
5. They make bad financial choices.
What looks like poor decision-making often reflects limited options. Using a check-cashing service might seem unwise, but when you can’t maintain minimum bank balances or reach traditional banks’ locations during business hours, alternative financial services become the only choice.
6. Being poor means you’re uneducated.
Poverty affects people of all educational backgrounds. Many poor people hold degrees but face underemployment, overwhelming student debt, or industries that don’t pay living wages despite requiring advanced education.
7. Poor people don’t plan for the future.
Living in poverty often means focusing on immediate survival needs. It’s not that people don’t want to plan ahead — it’s that meeting today’s essential needs takes priority over tomorrow’s possibilities when resources are severely limited.
8. They could just move somewhere cheaper.
Source: Unsplash Moving requires substantial upfront costs: security deposits, moving expenses, and time off work. Additionally, cheaper areas often have fewer job opportunities and may lack public transportation, making relocation an impossible dream rather than a practical solution.
9. Poor people have bad eating habits.
Fresh, healthy food requires money, time, and access — three things often in short supply when living in poverty. When you work multiple jobs, live in a food desert, and have limited transportation, quick and affordable options become necessary rather than preferred choices.
10. They’re gaming the system.
The reality of assistance programs involves complex paperwork, strict requirements, and constant verification. Most benefits barely cover basic needs, and many people who qualify don’t receive help due to complicated application processes or limited program funding.
11. Poor people don’t work hard enough to get promoted.
Many low-wage jobs offer limited advancement opportunities, regardless of work ethic. When companies rely on part-time positions to avoid providing benefits, or when promotion requires resources like additional training or education, moving up becomes nearly impossible.
12. They’re poor because of bad habits.
Poverty isn’t a character flaw or the result of personal habits. Economic systems, generational wealth gaps, medical emergencies, and numerous other factors beyond individual control contribute to financial hardship.
13. Poor people have lots of free time.
Living in poverty often requires more time for basic tasks. Using public transportation, visiting multiple stores to find affordable necessities, and dealing with unreliable services all consume precious hours that could be spent on education or career advancement.
14. They could just start a business.
Starting a business requires capital, time, and the ability to survive without immediate profit. When you’re living pay cheque to pay cheque, taking such risks isn’t just difficult — it could mean choosing between entrepreneurship and feeding your family.
