I think everyone today is having such kind of financial problems. I feels your first lines true that what happened when parents doesn't left any property or cash behind. If I am a parent I wants to make earnings that my children don't have to face any financial problem. My grandparents left nothing for my parents and I know very well that how much my parents are struggling to make lifestyles better.
It doesn't take much to help out perhaps. It also takes the kids being willing to learn and work, no matter how much or little they get.