As an expat i have seen this is the case all over the western countries, probably more than 75% of the working class lives from month to month with no margin in case something breaks down like for example a fridge or washing machine. All western countries are burdened by high taxes and high basic living costs, contrary to SEA countries, they keep developing look at Hong kong, Shangai, Singapore… one continent develops while other continents have invested in on going wars