Various sources report that most Americans (with some margin) report that they live paycheck to paycheck. That would include people who aren't married with chil

Various sources report that most Americans (with some margin) report that they live paycheck to paycheck. That would include people who aren't married with children, of course, but they certainly would not be able to absorb a random four-digit bill without a second thought. I certainly wouldn't characterize it as a 'totally mistaken' view on 'most Americans', even if it's overstating the scope of the problem.