Yes, working in a store does give me an insight into people's lives. Its not like I know EXACTLY what's going on in people's lives, but some things (like contracts for phones/internet/TV etc. etc.) require credit checks.
I've had to turn some people down because they have horrible credit or because the bank doesn't allow them to have a checking account.
I also know such things because they tell me so sometimes. Some people call in and ask to save a certain TV because their unemployment check doesn't come in until X day.
And like I mentioned in the OP, some people are geniunely poor because of circumstances beyond their control. You really can't control whether or not you get laid off because the economy sucks. And that's not who I'm knocking on. I feel for you guys who got the economic shaft. I know how it is. I've been scrapping by myself at a store and I'm doing my best to stave off unemployment.
There are plenty who are down on their luck and they ARE spending their money wisely; cutting corners here and there to make ends meet.
But at the same time, buying TVs and getting into contracts and buying videogames isn't the best way to spend your unemployment check. I know I don't know the WHOLE story, but I know enough that some are spending WAY beyond their means. I think its downright idiotic.
