

A long list of other studies supports this finding. In fact, the figure represents an improvement in people's finances relative to previous studies from the Federal Reserve. This figure doesn't represent a sudden upheaval in American lives. How did so many Americans get here? More importantly, how can we improve? A systemic problem Car repairs, a medical bill, and even a basic home repair, can easily reach $400. For most of us, it's not difficult to imagine a scenario where an expense like this could arise.

Among the findings was one startling statistic: Approximately 46 percent of Americans stated they do not have enough money to cover a $400 emergency expense.

As recently as 2016, the Federal Reserve surveyed more than 5,000 Americans about their financial situation.
