We manage because we have to.
I can remember living from paycheck to paycheck back in England. Every penny was accounted for and I'd put a weekly budget aside to cover all the big bills as they came in plus possible repairs for cars and household electrics. We kept out of debt and ironically managed better than friends and family on higher incomes because we chose to go without rather than go into debt.
When things started to get to me I'd try to remember that mankind has been around for thousands of years and survived on much less. As long as we have food, water and shelter we can live.
This is a common experience isn't it. Personally, I didn't have great rolemodel parents in this area and I fight it every day.
The amount o crap we think we need to live these days is insane. Check anyone's storage...
Don't remind me; I'm trying to have a clear out at the moment! It still amazes me the money involved in the storage business.