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A recent study conducted by SMU provides insights into public perspectives on what essential items and activities are considered necessary for a normal life in Singapore and the extent to which Singaporeans can access these items. The study, titled The Household Needs Survey, included 4,014 respondents from various income levels, educational backgrounds, and age groups. One notable aspect of the survey asked respondents to share their thoughts on why people might be poor. Here are the top five reasons identified by the Household Needs Survey on why people are poor. At 79.8%, the top reason respondents gave for why people are poor is that they face major problems in their lives. These issues, in our opinion, could include health problems, gambling issues, or addictions. Interestingly, respondents with higher household incomes (defined as those with a monthly household income of $17,000 or more) were more likely to cite major problems as a reason for poverty, with 91.6% agreeing with this statement. In contrast, 72.2% of those with lower household incomes (defined as a monthly household income of less than $2,500) agreed with the statement.   71.5% of respondents said spending on unnecessary things is a way of becoming poor. The response rate for this question was generally consistent across different income ranges.   Financial literacy is very important, and that is why reading websites like DollarsAndSense helps. According to the survey, 68.4% of respondents believe that people are poor because they lack the ability to manage money.  It’s also about managing debt effectively, if you have any. The response rate for this question was generally consistent across different income groups. However, there seems to be a slight trend suggesting that the more one earns, the less likely they are to agree with this statement.   Whether it’s upgrading oneself, seeking better career prospects in a different industry, or networking with the right people, being proactive in the working world is crucial for career progression and earning more. 68.1% of respondents share this sentiment. The response rate for this statement was generally consistent across different income groups.   Perhaps somewhat linked to the previous reason, lacking the right kinds of talent and abilities is also seen by the majority as a reason for poverty. This could be due to a lack of skill in securing well-paying jobs or a lack of the formal education required in the working world. The response rate for this statement was generally consistent across different income groups.   Besides the top reasons identified above, there is another interesting observation about why respondents think people are poor. Respondents from lower-income households (monthly household income of less than $2,500) were more likely to agree with reasons related to ‘fate and supernatural forces.’ Specifically, 37.0% believe it is their fate, 26.6% believe they have bad luck, and 23.2% believe it is God’s will. In contrast, among the highest-income households (monthly income of $17,000 or more), 14.9% believe it is their fate, 25.7% believe it is bad luck, and 11.7% believe it is God’s will. As the study highlighted, the majority of respondents agreed that poverty is due to personal circumstances and actions, such as spending money on unnecessary items, while fewer respondents agreed that poverty is due to causes beyond one’s control.