I've known many people like that. They weren't poor, they just overspent their income. It's common to be middle class and have no money.

I think the headline is misleading. Only 12 percent flatly said they couldn't pay for the expense. The 40 percent includes everyone who would take on debt and pay it off over time (i.e. not immediately in the next cc statement), or else sell something. People who choose to live right at their level of income would included, regardless how high that income is, and even when it is possible for them to make adjustments when surprises come along.

The survey also found 75 percent of people responded they were living comfortably or "doing ok".