Answer:
During the 1970s, only 54% of a household's income went to paying for fixed must haves. By 2010, that number had increased dramatically to 75% (and increasing).
That means that American families are losing their ability to save. For example, back in the 70s if something went wrong, e.g. a severe illness, and you had to pay a large amount of money in medical expenses, you had about 46% of your salary to cut some unnecessary expenses in order to pay for your unexpected bills. Currently, since that percentage of total possible savings is so low, even if you didn't spend $1, you would only be able to save 25% at most. And to be honest, some expenses are necessary, e.g. food, clothes, etc. You cannot simply one day decide not to eat anymore.
On the long run this will negatively affect the American economy because one dollar saved today is money that can be used tomorrow, but if savings keep decreasing, there will be less money to spend tomorrow (or invest).
