Because of taxes and [edit] insurance, retirement, etc. [/edit], yep, $100K is more like $50K - 60K clear (your the 1% but not really). I did the put $100 away a week into a saving account when I was a consultant.

I'm luckier than the author since I have folks to crash with (relatives) and can borrow some of the items needed to get a new job (computers, car, etc). I have also been on the other end by letting a friend have a room while he got back on his feet.