“Financially speaking, what would be the worst thing that could happen to you?” If you ask a hundred people in their forties that question, you may get a dozen different answers. Some may say “my business going under” or “losing my house.” Some might say “a divorce,” “a lawsuit,” or “being laid off.” But how many would say “a severe illness?”

Financial generalizations are as old as time. Some have been around for decades, while others have only recently joined their ranks. Let’s examine a few.