income

alcohol

is the natural and rational gauge and measure of respectability.

Income is the natural and rational gauge and measure of respectability.

is never more demoralizing than when it is small but adequate.

There is nothing more demoralizing than a small but adequate income.

is not able to be controlled, but one can always control expenses.

You can't control income. It varies based on conditions outside of [your] control. But you can control expenses.

is a measure of whether the economy is rigged for you or against you

income (n.): A measure of whether the economy is rigged for you or against you.

is the amount of money you spend more than.

YOUR income is the amount of money you spend more than.

is something you cannot live without or within.

AN income is what you can't live without, or within.

is the natural and rational gauge and measure of respectability

is the sum of money which it costs more than to live.