[Kip Russell]

I could with no problem whatsoever...but apparently there are a lot of people who can't.

[windcliff]

I bet you could :)

[SampleMan]

Either might cost $2,000, but about half of Americans say they couldn’t come up with that much cash within 30 days.

When half of Americans are on the Government dole, that is to be expected.

[GenXteacher]

I can, but I know a whole lot of people who would be hard pressed to come up with half of that.

[Farmer Dean]

Not a problem here either.My in-laws however........

[mylife]

Can you front me a $20 spot?

[RandallFlagg]

Apparently, Obama can raise 200,000,000 in a pinch and give it to terrorists.
OH! WAIT!
He didn't raise it.
He looted it.

[ConjunctionJunction]

"Most respondents said they’d cope by dipping into savings..."

Most emergency funds are savings, aren't they? Or does he mean retirement savings?

[Red Dog #1]

75% of Americans need to read a Dave Ramsey book.

[PGR88]

Was this always the case? Could Americans in 1955 raise a proportional amount? Or did we not even ask the question, because it wasn’t the public’ business to know?

[MV=PY]

"Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty: The Only Networking Book You'll Ever Need" - Harvey Mackay

[ProtectOurFreedom]

The author says that people would "cope by dipping into savings"???

That's the whole reason you have savings in the first place. Why is this a "coping" mechanism? It's the raison d' etre for saving money in the first place. It's stupid to say people can't raise $2,000 unless they cope by dipping into savings.

If you're able to save money, be sure to save for different needs: long-term (kids' college, retirement), intermediate-term (house down payment, car down payment), and short-term (roof leaks, crowns on your teeth, back-to-school expenses, layoffs from work).

[Safetgiver]

Most respondents said they’d cope by dipping into savings,...ANNNND why do you have savings, if not for emergencies? I dip into mine when I want to go deep sea fishing. This January I will dip into my IRA to go deep sea fishing in Hawaii. What is the problem? If I wait longer, I might have a heart attack, stroke or lung cancer. Why not spend it now, while I’m able? Sheesh these people are stupid.

[smokingfrog]

There is not much incentive to save money these days, with interest rates so low. But people neglect to recognize how expensive it can be to borrow money.

[Innovative]

The first thing any responsible person should do, regardless of how little money they may be making, is to save some money for emergencies.

Right after paying rent and utilities, the next highest priority should be putting some money aside, THEN figure out how you live on what’s left and what are your real NECESSITIES — and figure out if there is any extra work you can do for a little extra money.

[JRandomFreeper]

I was able to before the economy started 'improving'.

/johnny

[LearsFool]

about half of Americans say they couldn’t come up with that much cash within 30 days.

As Solomon put it, "The borrower is slave to the lender." These slaves can't come up with $2000 because they're working to pay off their homes, cars, etc. - plus buying a few extra to give to their masters.

This is known as "interest".

But not to worry: If they need $2000 worth of dental work, they'll just borrow it from their master. They can then work to pay it back - plus pay for all his family's dental work.

[Ancient Man]

That’s why I bought gold and silver so many moons ago. It’s not immediately liquid, but it’s liquid enough.

[RegulatorCountry]

There is a young guy with wife and child at my place of employment, I’ve been trying to quietly coach him into a more stable financial existence. I’ve hit a brick wall with overdraft protection on a checking account. He views it as an emergency loan and I can’t get him off it. This guy is one of the ones who is actuallytrying to better himself, an increasing rarity. The stupid runs deep regarding financial matters among the young, and it’s pretty bad even among those close to my age. Not that bad, but pretty bad.

[Senator_Blutarski]

I marvel at the number of people who are broke and on government assistance who can afford tatoos, piecings, "bling" jewelry, cell phones, massive TV's and nicer cars than I drive.

I also marvel at the number of parents who bail out their adult children when they need a $2000 car transmission repair.

Hardship, hunger and fear for your survival are great motivators. Unfortunately, most Americans have never experienced any of them. My parent's generation was hardened by the Great Depression and WW 2. My generation is soft, weak and undisciplined. Many of our children are unprepared for what lies ahead.

[oh8eleven]

If your roof sprung a leak ... would you be able to write a check to cover such an emergency?
Depends where you live. In the 'burbs, you DIY, or write the check.
In the 'hood, you just ask for someone else's money to fix it (write a check? LOL ...).