What is the root cause of Jenny's financial problems?

The root cause of Jenny's financial problems is that she spends more than her earnings. This fundamental issue indicates that her lifestyle and spending habits exceed her income, leading to various financial difficulties such as debt accumulation and the inability to meet her financial obligations.

This underlying behavior is essential to address because it affects her overall financial health, prompting subsequent issues like bouncing checks or incurring overdraft fees. While events like her credit card declining or a check bouncing can be symptoms of a larger problem, they stem from the fact that she does not live within her means. By understanding that her excessive spending relative to her income is the primary issue, Jenny can take proactive steps to create a budget, reduce discretionary spending, and ultimately improve her financial situation.