Poll: Two-thirds of Americans don't have $1,000 in case of emergency

Image via WikipediaThe National Foundation for Credit Counseling did an online poll in July and the results aren't pretty. If confronted with an unexpected bill of $1,000, only 36% of respondents would be able to tap an emergency fund.

I suspect a lot of us wouldn't be wild about forking over $1k. Ideally, we'd all be able to do it anyway. But that other 64% is all over the fiscal map, and heading into tragic financial territory.

Here's how those folks say they'd pay:

Take out a loan: 9%.
Borrow from friends/family: 17%.
Cash advance on credit card: 9%.
Disregard other monthly expenses: 17%.
Sell/pawn assets: 12%.

Some people can't save because of unemployment, underemployment, medical issues or other reasons. I'm not talking about them, but rather about those who don't make saving a priority. Ever know people who:

Kvetch about how much everything costs -- but keep buying?
Scoff at coupons and meal planning?
Won't even consider consignment stores?
Never wait for sales or search out online coupons?
Refuse to give up even a single creature comfort because they "deserve" such things?

Here's the thing: If you'd have to skip a car payment to deal with an emergency, you need to figure out a better way of handling funds. More...