An unwillingness to save money seems to be an issue among my acquaintances. The value of a decent savings account or even an emergency fund is difficult to get across. Most will be in a world of hurt in the event of job loss, carrying substantial debt that eats up the majority of their income and then some. That means crashing back down into poverty for many, when the unexpected happens.
I remember the words of some sports agent who represented a number of athletes, many of them black. He said most of them had no concept of saving money and spent every penny they made. Which was why many of them are flat broke shortly after the end of their playing careers.