76% of Americans are living paycheck-to-paycheck (wages, cost, financial, money)

[fordlover]

"Even more disappointing; The savings rates have barely changed over the past three years, even though a larger percentage of consumers report an increase in job security, a higher net worth and an overall better financial situation."

Link to story:
76% of Americans are living paycheck-to-paycheck - Jun. 24, 2013

Why aren't Americans saving more?

Is it possible that with all the safety nets available, there is no need to fear something not going to plan?

[Dane_in_LA]

Originally Posted by fordlover

Why aren't Americans saving more?

The existence of an entire industry focused on making you unhappy with what you have and equating possessions with happiness?

[Hot_Handz]

Originally Posted by Dane_in_LA

The existence of an entire industry focused on making you unhappy with what you have and equating possessions with happiness?

Combined with a monetary policy that ensures you are eternally indebted in acquiring those possessions...

Yes?

[Jo48]

1980s Wages with 2013 Cost of Living. Old enough to have seen it.

[Dane_in_LA]

Originally Posted by Hot_Handz

Combined with a monetary policy that ensures you are eternally indebted in acquiring those possessions...

Yes?

How does past or current monetary policy ensure "eternal debt"? Not sure I follow you there.

[BoomBen]

Originally Posted by Dane_in_LA

The existence of an entire industry focused on making you unhappy with what you have and equating possessions with happiness?

Yup- Americans must Keep up with the Jones!

[Dane_in_LA]

Originally Posted by Jo48

1980s Wages with 2013 Cost of Living. Old enough to have seen it.

There is that, of course. Moving a higher proportion of the income to the top rungs of the ladder sure as hell hasn't helped.

[fordlover]

Originally Posted by Dane_in_LA

The existence of an entire industry focused on making you unhappy with what you have and equating possessions with happiness?

So you are saying that 76% of Americans are stupid enough to buy into whatever 'they' are selling, no matter the cost?

[BoomBen]

Originally Posted by fordlover

So you are saying that 76% of Americans are stupid enough to buy into whatever 'they' are selling, no matter the cost?

Sorry to interrupt, but a good number of those 76% make plenty of income but still spend every penny on material possessions.

They have to have the biggest house possible. They have to have the luxery cars. They have to stay at the Ritz Carlton.

[Dane_in_LA]

Originally Posted by fordlover

Is it possible that with all the safety nets available, there is no need to fear something not going to plan?

Germans, whose safety nets are much better and more comfortable, get worried when the persoanl savings rate drops under 10%. It's cultural.