The article brings up some interesting points, but I think the writer overlooks something important to this “new” kind of American poverty. Many of us bring stress and risk upon ourselves by not controlling our urge to have more and more. Do you really need a 5,000 square foot house (or 10, or, good grief, 15)? A $30,000 SUV? $200-plus a month for TV? My financial health got much better when I redefined “enough” for myself.