$2k is massive sum for most US households. Many are a flat tire away from bankruptcy, they lean on cash advances and their communities to help them through simple things like a flat tire.

I grew up kinda poor and lived this as a kid, my family was always helping or being helped by a neighbor or something. Through my friends and some extended family I knew these things were like a sign of our “class” and even slightly more secure people would never do them, it would even be a social faux pas to even ask for help. Now, at middle aged, I’ve done pretty well for myself and sometimes make other types of faux pas statements like “just buy a new car instead of dealing with that”. I have to be somewhat mindful that even a 10 year old used car is a huge purchase for many people. Even if it’s in good shape and can get another 5-10 years out of it, and would technically be the best move, it’s not viable if they can’t afford it or have to subject to some usurious loan.

TBH I generally like to just take the “it’s impolite to talk about money” approach unless I know the person well enough. Although I’m a financial professional so people tend to like asking my opinion/advice on a lot of things, even if I barely know them, I have found that I prefer to avoid those types of conversations altogether until I know you pretty well.

I believe it. Happened to me once or twice when I was making under 50k/yr over a decade ago.

I think what you wanted to cite is "Financially Fragile Households", Lusardi et al, 2011. But, instead of getting the conclusion from the opinion page of the WSJ it would probably be better to read the paper and especially the notes by reviewers at the end of the article, particularly the comment of Pence which is almost a rebuttal.