The very next paragraph of your quote. Not sure why you missed it: > The report states: “Twelve percent of adults would be unable to pay the expense by any mea

The very next paragraph of your quote. Not sure why you missed it: > The report states: “Twelve percent of adults would be unable to pay the expense by any means.” I’m dubious about that as well. In any event, 12% is a lot less than 39%. The report also goes out of its way to make clear that some of the 39% who wouldn’t use cash might still have $400 in the bank: “It is possible that some would choose to borrow even if they had $400 available, preserving their cash as a buffer for other expenses.” In a footnote, the report even cites a 2016 study finding that 76 percent of households had $400 in liquid assets, even after taking into account monthly expenses. So they are not "by definition unable to afford the expense in question". May of them just find it inconvenient. Make no mistake, even 12% figure is too high. Still, it doesn't support the argument that "most Americans can't even afford a $500 surprise bill", and it speak to the click-baity nature of modern media.