SEATTLE NEWS ARCHIVES & FEATURES

Our priorities are all wrong

Apr 21, 2016, 3:05 PM

Did you hear that half of American households have an Amazon Prime Account? It’s a brilliant business model for the company because you’re just sending Amazon money every month.

But at the same time as that press release came out, there was a report that 62% of Americans have under $1,000 in savings. And the numbers get even more disturbing when you dig down. 21% of Americans do not even have a savings account.

Which of these statistics got more play in the media?

This is a direct result of people believing that they are going to be taken care of. That someone will swoop in and help them when they need it; that there is a hero on the way. It comes from being raised in a country where you’re told there will always be a safety net.

We keep hearing that the economy is getting better. If so, how could 62% of Americans not have any real savings?

Our problems are not just political. Our problems stem from being taught that the grandaddy of government will always be there to save you.

Associated Press

US dollar weakens sharply against the Japanese yen after officials intervene in markets

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Ted Buehner, KIRO Newsradio Meteorologist

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Associated Press

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Associated Press

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Our priorities are all wrong