Study says typical American family spends first and saves later
A Detroit based study based on census and industry data finds the typical four person American family earns about 16 208 annually and spends 12 370 a year. It urges saving first even if it requires cutting corners and notes families often lack sufficient college funds and retirement readiness. The profile lists assets including a 1989 home loan, life insurance policies, and modest bank balances, with net worth around 44 570 and equity of 39 500, while highlighting reliance on savings in emergencies.