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

[bhikkhu]

68. Too many variables unaccounted for in the article to make a judgement

100k is a good income, but people making that tend to live in very high cost of living cities, where its not such a good income. Many older people are saddled with high medical bills or issues, regardless of income. Many younger people are saddled with big student loan payments. Many people have kids, young or old, which strains a budget of any size.

Of course many people are also naturally inclined to buy the best house they can afford, and the best car they can afford, and the best lifestyle they can afford (regardless of how high or low that may be), and then their monthly expenses trend very closely to their monthly income.

I went through many years with kids getting by fairly well on a low income in a low cost of living area, and I would always have been able to put together $1000 if I had to, but never without difficulty. Currently I have a better paying job and some savings for retirement, so it wouldn't be so hard. I still drive an old car, spend basically nothing on clothing, dining out, movies, travel, sports or music, all the normal things people do for enjoyment. I think its easier for me because having lived poor there's always a looming sense of anxiety that the floor will give way someday and I'll be right back there. I have savings, but not because I'm in any way superior to people who go out and spend their money and enjoy life.