Ugh, I hate how little artists make from selling records. Not that it necessarily makes it hard to make a living, but it essentially means you have to go on tour if you want to make the big bucks.
Most artists do. Do y'all think labels just throw money at artists? You have to pay that money back. You don't make money as a popstar until all the loans they give you to help you make it are paid back.
Another reason they were so broke was cuz T-Boz was sick, so they couldn't make money from touring at the height of their fame (unlike the Fanmail era). Toni Braxton also PAID FOR HER OWN TOUR with like no sponsors.