Since DC is pretty expensive (especially for $40k a year gross earnings), I was feeling some empathy until I read this line:
"If I had an emergency, I would kind of be in trouble," she says. "I just also want to maintain the lifestyle I enjoy." That includes being able to go out to dinner with friends and to pay for vacations.
Aaaaand the truth comes out. I'm betting there's a whole lot of other lifestyle clownery in there besides just occasional dinners out with friends and a cheap annual vacation.