This guy looks like he has more than $1,000 in his savings account, but the statistics suggest otherwise. Image source: iStock/Thinkstock.It will probably come as no surprise to you that the average American has less in their savings account than financial planners recommend. According to a new survey by GoBankingRates.com, more than half of Americans have savings account balances below $1,000.That doesn't go far when you consider that even a moderately serious car repair could set you back more than twice that amount -- I would know; I paid for one last week.