I've been hard up, but never poor, and I have always had the cushion of family that I knew I could fall back on if it became necessary.

By choice, I have had the experience of living for several years in tents, a travel trailer or out of the back of a pick-up truck with a topper on it. I know I value running water and a flush toilet. Hot water is nice when you can get it. Everything else is frosting on the cake. I am no more or less satisfied with my life now than I was then.