The Atlantic

The Predictable Effects of Unpredictable Financial Emergencies

When unexpected expenses arise, few Americans have good options for dealing with them.
Source: Danny Johnston / AP

Last year, Neal Gabler wrote in about Americans’ financial instability, noting that of them would have a hard time coming up with $400 to cover a sudden expense. That’s bad news, not least because many unexpected events—from an illness to car or home repairs—can lead to bills that amount to much more than that. A finds that many American families can

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