We can all agree that living paycheck-to-paycheck is not an ideal situation. And it’s just as obvious that individuals doing this still need to save their money and build a financial cushion so they can finally feel secure.

Unfortunately, the basic rules of saving money are simple but not easy – particularly if you’re already behind the financial ball.

Here are three reasons why it’s so difficult for people in poverty to improve their situation:

1. Lack of Opportunity

There’s a reason for the term “banker’s hours.” Most banks are only open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. For many of us, that’s a minor pain in the neck, but not a big deal.

But someone struggling with their finances and also relying on public transportation will find that bankers’ hours pose an enormous problem. How do you get your paycheck cashed if you can’t make it to the bank before it closes?

This is further complicated if you have no bank at all. Approximately 4.5 percent of Americans live “unbanked,” meaning they have no bank account whatsoever. They can’t cash their paycheck without paying for the privilege, let alone set up direct deposit and remove the trip to the bank from the equation.

2. Lack of Initial Investment

Let’s say you need to move into a new apartment. You find a place where you can afford the monthly rent of $500, but in order to move in, you have to write your landlord a check for the first and last month’s rent. This is all fine and good, but they also need a security deposit, which you can’t come up with.

Alternatively, you…

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