For much of my life I lived without owning an automobile, a TV, or a telephone. My clothing was plain and few in number.
And it is possible in the U.S. to eat well but cheaply. In the past I have managed on as little as a $1 a day, and no. it was not by scavenging in dumpsters or collecting road kill.
So, is it those who have too little who are poor, or those who want too much?
Those who have too little.