37%美国人连400美元都掏不出？应急钱都没有，日子咋过的？

Core Insights - A shocking 37% of Americans cannot come up with $400 in emergency cash, highlighting a significant financial vulnerability in a developed country [1] - The situation is not new; a 2022 Federal Reserve report indicated that over one-third of American adults would need to borrow money or use credit cards for unexpected expenses [1] Economic Conditions - The pandemic led to substantial government stimulus, which temporarily increased incomes, but inflation surged, peaking over 9%, while wages did not rise significantly [3] - Housing costs have skyrocketed, with some families in places like California spending half their monthly income on rent, creating immense financial pressure [3] - Tariff policies from the Trump administration have resulted in an additional annual cost of $1,300 per American household, effectively reducing disposable income [3] Social Issues - Many low-income Americans face severe hardships, with 15% of households in rural Arkansas lacking a vehicle, making basic necessities difficult to obtain [7] - Approximately 50 million Americans are experiencing food insecurity, with 17 million enduring hunger daily [7] - The number of homeless individuals in Seattle has nearly doubled over the past decade, with many unable to find job opportunities [7] Middle-Class Struggles - The so-called middle class is not as financially secure as perceived; most of their income goes towards bills, leaving little to no savings [7] - Many describe themselves as "living paycheck to paycheck," and a sudden job loss could lead to financial ruin [7] - Credit card delinquency rates have reached a 13-year high, with nearly 7% of debts overdue by more than 90 days [7] Government Policies - Despite the financial struggles faced by many, the government plans to cut $300 billion in social welfare funding over the next decade, exacerbating the situation for vulnerable populations [7] - The inability of nearly 59% of Americans to save three months' worth of living expenses indicates systemic risks within the social safety net [9] - Among those receiving welfare, 46% struggle to ensure they have enough food, illustrating the fragility of the American Dream [9]