People do well if they can

"There's a line I heard recently from Mel Robbins that's been echoing in my head ever since: " People do well if they can."It's deceptively simple. The kind of phrase you nod at, maybe even repost. But when you sit with it, really sit with it, it starts to challenge a lot of the assumptions we make every day.Especially when it comes to financial health."

"We look at people struggling with money and tell ourselves stories. They're reckless. They don't care. They should know better. But here's the thing: Most people do care. They want to pay off debt. They want to build credit. They want to save for the future, buy homes, support their families, live with dignity. What they often don't have is access, or a roadmap. That's not laziness."

People generally do well if they can. Many who struggle financially want to pay off debt, build credit, save, buy homes, and support families, but lack access, guidance, and basic financial education. Financial challenges often stem from inadequate infrastructure and unequal access shaped by geography, race, internet speed, ZIP code, history, and policy. Framing financial trouble as personal laziness overlooks missing tools and skills. Improving outcomes requires providing roadmaps, education, and systemic supports rather than blaming individuals. Policy changes and targeted resources can create guardrails that enable better financial decisions.

Read at Fast Company