Some people get caught in the living paycheck to paycheck due to misfortunes. A few like Daisy throttle back their lifestyle and get themselves back on the right track. It is not easy. I have been there.
I have never owned a new car. As a military commander, I would watch as my lower to middle enlisted and officer ranks would drive in with their new cars that they could barely afford the payments on and know that they had little to no savings. I heard some of them snicker at my old Saab, which I drove for 12 years. I remember many of them coming into my office with financial woes, especially during the last furlough (travel reimbursements were being held back).
It has become an expected right to live paycheck to paycheck, so you do not defer your instant gratification. We must have that new phone or car. Maybe this furlough will be a wake up call to some. I know the last furlough was to some of my junior enlisted and officers.