為什麼存錢這麼難？美國儲蓄習慣大調查

Why Saving Money is Difficult for Many Americans

The Main Reading Text

Do you try to save money every month? For many people in America, saving money is proving to be very difficult right now. A survey conducted in the spring of 2025 found that about two-thirds (67%) of Americans feel they are behind on their savings goals. The survey included 2,000 people.

It's not just a feeling; almost half of the people in the survey said they have stopped trying to reach their financial goals. Many people with savings accounts (63%) have already taken money out this year. The main reason for this was unexpected expenses, but many also needed the money for basic necessities like food and housing payments. Sadly, only a small group of people (18%) used their savings for what they originally planned for.

The survey also looked at different age groups. People in Generation X (born 1965-1980) seem to be the most affected, with 31% reporting that their savings have decreased. Interestingly, younger people in Generation Z (born 1997-2012) are doing better, as 38% said their savings have actually increased. This difficulty isn't surprising, as a 2024 report showed that over 25% of Americans spend nearly all their income on essential needs.

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Key Learning Points

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survey

n.

[ˋsɝve] — 調查

An investigation of the opinions or experience of a group of people, based on a series of questions.

• A survey found that many Americans are behind on savings.
  一項調查發現許多美國人的儲蓄進度落後。
• We conducted a survey to find out what customers think.
  我們進行了一項調查來了解顧客的想法。

financial

a.

[faɪˋnænʃəl] — 財務的；金融的

Relating to money or how money is managed.

• Many people have stopped trying to reach their financial goals.
  許多人已經停止嘗試達成他們的財務目標。
• She is seeking financial advice from an expert.
  她正在向一位專家尋求財務建議。

unexpected expenses

n. phr.

[͵ʌnɪkˋspɛktɪd ɪkˋspɛnsɪz] — 意外開支

Costs that happen without warning or planning, such as a medical emergency or car repair.

• The main reason for this was unexpected expenses.
  造成這種情況的主要原因是意外開支。
• I had to use my savings to cover some unexpected expenses.
  我必須動用我的儲蓄來支付一些意外開支。

necessities

n.

[nəˋsɛsətiz] — 必需品

The things that you must have and cannot manage without, such as food, water, and shelter.

• Many needed money for basic necessities.
  許多人需要錢來購買基本必需品。
• Clean water is a basic human necessity.
  乾淨的水是人類的基本必需品。

decrease

v.

[dɪˋkris] — 減少

To become less, or to make something become less.

• 31% reported that their savings have decreased.
  31%的人表示他們的儲蓄已經減少。
• The number of students in the school has decreased.
  學校的學生人數已經減少了。

income

n.

[ˋɪn͵kʌm] — 收入

Money that is earned from doing work or received from investments.

• Americans spend nearly all their income on essential needs.
  美國人將他們幾乎所有的收入都花在基本需求上。
• He has a good income from his job.
  他的工作收入不錯。