Great post OP.

In some areas, you do need a car to work - for example in areas where there is no public transportation, and riding a bicycle down high traffic streets is living dangerously. You can't walk to work in rain or 100 degree weather and look or smell presentable when you arrive. So, sometimes, a car is a necessity.

The OP's post also demonstrates why you can't live on minimum wage without gov assistance.

Also, we should factor in luck. Yes, it is important. You are lucky if you do not get divorced or have medical issues. These are the two leading factors that result in bankruptcy.