Changing opinions on what is an acceptable minimum standard of living and an effort to keep up with Brother and Sister Johnson down the street is the main reason. Even the poor among us are relatively rich compared to the rest of the world, and those who have lived before us. We are spoiled, bottom line. One vehicle person family member, smart phones, tv subscriptions, etc are all necessities for most today. One income just isn't going to pay for all those luxuries in most cases.