That is part of the deal though.
People aren't taught how to take care of themselves.
So why did you, me, iamtdg and I suspect most on this board naturally want to take care of themselves?
No one taught me jack shit
I know there is no genetic predisposition for independence tied to skin pigment, so what caused it? No one in my family ever sat me down and taught me how to make and save money, it always felt obvious to me. In order to get what you want you have to work (or steal), potentially sacrifice short term pleasure for long term gain and then have the discipline to save and not blow all your money on something stupid that prevented you from buying something you really wanted somewhere down the road.
I was this way since I was like 5 years old and I can still remember what started it. I was at the store with my aunt, I wanted candy, she wouldn't buy it for me, I was pissed and thought, I'm gonna get my own fucking money!
And I did, I saved all my gift money from xmas and birthdays, asked for a snow cone machine as a gift for xmas and then sold snow cones on the sidewalk in front of my house. I also traded my toys with other kids who didn't understand the value of the trade and then I would re-sell them on my sidewalk sales along with snow cones and make even more money. The top drawer of my dresser was always full of all my favorite candy and a stack of cash ($150+ all 1 dollar bills because it felt like I had more money that way).
There has never been more information at ones disposal and if you're willing to hustle, keep learning, sacrifice, do a great job, communicate well, do what you say you're going to do when you say you are going to do it, save your money, don't buy stupid flashy shit, avoid debt, etc, etc and over time you can build a nest egg, create an expertise that gets you paid and ultimately have financial freedom where you get to do what you want and as important not be a burden on others. But its not going to happen over night!
My plumber is 38 years old, moved here when he was 18 from Mexico, didn't know the language, started digging ditches so he could work for a plumber and learn how to be a plumber. Over time he not only learned English but he became a master plumber and has his own business. He just finished building his 3rd house (already paid off) and kept the previous 2 as rentals. He also has 3 great kids and a wife.
How come he can do it but people born here claim they cant?
I say its a combination of being spoiled, laziness, lack of personal pride, impatience and believing you're owed something (beyond an opportunity to work your ass off) more than not being taught how to take care of themselves. If you're hungry, you can find a way.
Maybe if a person finds themselves in a position where no one (or government) will catch them if they fall, they might make different decisions that keep them from ever falling in the first place but in the event they do, they've taken precautions so they can survive should that day ever occur.
/rant
here's a great bit, happy thanksgiving everyone!