The Most Common Surprise Expenses
Posted 1/25/07
From the Pew survey on Americans' spending and saving habits:
What kinds of unexpected expenses have you had in the past year?
| Expense | Percentage |
| Medical | 34 |
| Cars | 24 |
| Home and housing | 20 |
| Life events and children | 9 |
| Work related | 3 |
| Travel/vacation | 2 |
| Taxes | 2 |
| Pets/veterinary bills | 1 |
| Other | 9 |
| Don't know | 1 |
Note: Asked of those who had an unexpected expense in the past 12 months that seriously set them back financially. Responses total over 100 percent because respondents could offer more than one answer.
Source: Pew Research Center