“Those are two different groups although you are not alone on this thread in thinking that they are the same group. “
Even the “working poor” still have plenty. There is no poor. I know guys making six figures that are always broke but guys making far less than that take vacations.
Broke is not poor.
And they are not spending because they don't have it to spend.
Once you have bought the basics for a family of four with $27,000 a year you are generally out of money.
Yes, compared to people in some other countries they have "lots of stuff".
So does the guy sleeping on the sidewalk that has a biscuit in his pocket because he has breakfast and is wearing a set of clothing.
Is that standard of living all that should be available to a working American family?
Do we now aspire to be just like the third world?