What separates the wealthy from those struggling isn't merely their bank accounts—it's their understanding that hours are finite while dollars can be earned back. Buffett recognizes that poor financial decisions often stem from trading away irreplaceable time to save a few dollars: working a second job to afford cheap groceries, spending hours clipping coupons, or staying in a draining career for modest savings. A person with capital can pay someone to handle tedious tasks, buy convenience, and invest in education; someone without it must do these things themselves, bleeding hours in the process. The real poverty isn't lacking money—it's lacking the freedom to choose how you spend your days.