Households making more than $100k = 38% would have some difficulty coming up with $1000

[The Green Manalishi]

24. I don't think it's an 'either/or'

I know people who make half of what I make who have significant savings; they haven't been out to eat in a year, no debts, save an incredible percentage.

I know people making three times what I do who are no more than one missed paycheck away from the living hell of debt collectors.

One could be thrifty as hell but come down with cancer or something terrible and even that 'year and a half' salary can be gone in a flash if it happens just as you lose your job. I've seen that first hand; even doing everything right you can be in a world of hurt.

I don't blame anyone who is in financial difficulty, but a lot of people never DO learn how to save and manage money. Personally I think that is the parents fault as learning to 'pay yourself first' is damned difficult and almost impossible if you don't start in childhood. And then when interest rates are low and inflation lurks saving isn't as attractive as it was to a previous generation; get effectively zero percent on your bank account and inflation will do you some harm....


I'm doing well, but I don't pretend to be anything other than lucky, both in frugal upbringing, career opportunities and health.