From Freakanomics…
50% of Americans say they cannot lay their hands on $2000 in 30 days. Why $2000, because that is a good guess at what an average, sudden crisis would cost. 20% of households making $150,000 per year say they cannot come up with the $2000.
On the flip side an American household spends on average $520 per year on lotteries. 20% of households say their only chance of accumulating wealth is the lottery. 40% of households making less than $25,000 a year make that claim.
Just something to chew on. Sorry link was taken down…