The bottom line is many people live beyond their means. Period.
Unfortunately, in California, for many people, it's almost impossible to own a house without "living beyond their means." The state has become a place that's very unfriendly to the middle class. Socialism does that. Socialist places tend to be nice places to live - for the rich and the poor, but not for the middle class.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." -Manuel II Paleologus
Our government lives beyond our means. So it isn't surprising the people imitate their government.
On a $4000/month income they took out a $240,000 legbreaker-shyster loan with variable interest. Sure hope he enjoyed lying in that hammock.