Almost two thirds don't have $500 to pay for car repair

Almost two in three Americans don't have enough savings to pay for a $500 car repair or a $1,000 emergency room bill, according to a new Bankrate report

Only 37% of U.S. adults have enough savings to pay for these unexpected expenses. 23% would reduce their spending on other things to make ends meet, 15% would use credit cards and another 15% would borrow from family or friends.

Americans are most likely to part with restaurant meals when money gets tight: 58% are very or somewhat likely to cut back this year in order to save money. They would have a much harder time reducing their spending on alcohol (just 35% are very or somewhat likely to trim their spending in this area, the lowest of the five choices that were offered).

46% are very/somewhat likely to decrease their cable/satellite TV expenses, 41% plan to spend less on coffee and 39% are aiming for lower cell phone costs.

While savings predictably increase with income and education, even 46% of the highest-income households ($75,000+ per year) and 52% of college graduates lack enough savings to cover a $500 car repair or $1,000 emergency room visit.