Poverty-stricken Weasleys

I have a very hard time believing the Weasleys are so poor. And this is already conceding Arthur’s government salary is stretched thin because of all their children.

That aside — the Weasleys are an illustrious wizarding family. They are distant cousins with the Blacks (I forget how exactly but Sirius mentions this to Harry). They even have a deputy headmaster in their family lineage from the 1800s (if Hogwarts Legacy counts— Professor Weasley is a main character).

What’s more— the accolades of all the children are so incredibly impressive. This is a family that raises stars. It’s the kind of success that often comes with wealthy families. Of course families of ALL means can raise highly successful children. But c’mon— we all know the leg up folks get when they already have wealth and privilege.

So are we assuming the Weasley clan squandered all their wealth by the time Arthur and Molly got married? Squandered SO much that they are that poor? And if you are indeed that poor — your kids really face no barriers to success? You churn out prefects, Head Boys, Quidditch stars, government officials, entrepreneurs and so forth?

The argument “well maybe they all just happened to be successful despite the poverty” just does not make sense to me and falls flat considering the Weasley family history.

I also think “Molly and Arthur cut themselves off from any wealth prob because they love Muggles and thus were potentially estranged” is also too simplistic and a stretch for me.

Is this a gaping plotline hole or am I missing something? Sure Arthur’s salary is prob maxed out with all his kids but it’s not a strong enough reason for me to believe they have no other wealth to rely on.

EDIT: Adding that I also agree the Weasleys aren’t destitute. But they are poor enough for Ron to have a huge complex about it and for him to have to use a broken wand all second year etc. Their poorness is integral to their storyline in a way that does not suggest middle class.