Half in US Lack the Cash to Cover a Surprise $400 Bill

  • Only 48% say they would make payment with cash or equivalent
  • Cars, medical bills are most likely cause of unexpected costs

   

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Most Americans don’t have the financial resources to cover a surprise expense of $400 without taking on debt, according to a new survey.

Just over one-third of respondents said they have cash on hand to cover the expense, and the figure rises to 48% when including those who said they’d use a credit card but pay it off immediately before incurring interest charges, according to a poll conducted by decision intelligence company Morning Consult for Bloomberg News.