Don't have kids before 30 and well esrablished financially or get credit cards (ever!). avoid driving or owning cars as much as possible (city with subway, remote work and biking,etc...). Avoid illegal drugs.<p>I have seen people pay a hefty price for all these things.<p>For all the complaints americans have, especially to our EU friends certain things should be clarified: if you get sick you can get treated for free in a timely manner and get worldclass care, if you can't afford the bill (which is assuming the insurance company will pay, so the amount is always insane) you can ignore the bill and you will be fine, I have seen people do this without a problem, you don't even have to give your real name unless you have a gunshot wound or a stabbing. You have to try hard to lack so much food that you become malnourished in the US, even if you have no job and you are living on the streets. Even in expensive places you can have three meals a day with less than $10 (povery line is like $20k/yr, $10/day is $3600/yr). Shelter is what is usually hard, especially if you're picky (reasonable) but the US is so big there are many choices but even as a homeless most go to california for the year round nice weather so they can camp there.<p>I only stated this because it might sound like people are living this way to meet basic needs and in some cases like when they have children but not enough income or fall for the scam that is credit cards and pay day loans they fall into a trap. Cars have a crippling effect economically but smart people get used/cheap toyota/honda and never drive them outside of commute and grocery shopping, but still just your car parked costs insurance, maintenance, parking fees,etc...<p>A nationwide problem I have seen is how easy it is for americans to get complacent because all their needs are met. Especially if you have a drug problem (including nicotine and alcohol). It's only a problem if you have a solution I guess, and obligatory: it's expensive being poor. How can I put it? You know how in the military they say "if you get shot, don't die", it's sort of like that, "if you're poor living pay check to paycheck, don't get broke" (liquidity trumps all!).