“斩杀线”下的美国：年薪百万的中产，也怕一次意外

Core Viewpoint - The term "cut-off line" has emerged from discussions among Chinese expatriates and students in the U.S., highlighting the precarious financial situations faced by many Americans, particularly the middle class, who can quickly fall into financial distress due to rising living costs and unexpected events [1][2][4]. Group 1: Survival Threshold - The official poverty line for a family of four in the U.S. is set at an annual income of $32,150, a figure that is outdated and does not reflect current living costs [6][7]. - To maintain a basic standard of living, a family of four would need an annual income of approximately $136,500, equivalent to about 960,000 RMB [7]. - A quarter of American households are living paycheck to paycheck, with nearly all income going towards essential expenses [9]. - 37% of Americans cannot cover an emergency expense of $400, indicating widespread financial vulnerability [10]. - Even middle-class individuals are not immune, as demonstrated by a programmer in Seattle who, despite a $450,000 salary, faced financial ruin due to high living costs and unexpected medical expenses [12][15]. Group 2: Homelessness Crisis - The U.S. is experiencing an unprecedented homelessness crisis, with the total number of homeless individuals rising by 18% in 2024 compared to the previous year [18][19]. - Young people under 25 now make up 27% of the homeless population, with their numbers increasing by 29% [20]. - The number of homeless children has surged by 33%, with at least 148,000 minors living in shelters or on the streets [21]. - Older adults, particularly those aged 55 and above, are the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population, with many living below the official poverty line [26][27]. Group 3: Economic Disparities - The "cut-off line" phenomenon is rooted in the structural imbalances of the U.S. economy, characterized by a "K-shaped" recovery where wealth is increasingly concentrated among the affluent [29][32]. - The contribution of AI-related investments to GDP growth has surpassed that of private consumption, indicating a shift towards a technology-driven economy [30]. - The manufacturing sector's value added has dropped below 10%, highlighting a shift away from traditional economic drivers [31]. - Wealth creation is heavily skewed towards capital owners, exacerbating the financial fragility of working-class families [32]. Group 4: Policy Implications - The U.S. labor market is facing a "double weakness" in supply and demand, with rising unemployment and job instability for low-income workers due to technological advancements [35]. - The average commercial electricity prices have increased by about 30% since 2019, adding to the financial burden on households [36]. - Economic policies have disproportionately benefited the wealthy, with lower-income families facing net losses while high-income families gain significant tax benefits [36]. - Policymakers are struggling to balance the needs of capital markets with the rising cost of living for ordinary citizens, which could lead to significant economic risks if not managed properly [37][39].