Forty Percent of American Workers Live Paycheck to Paycheck

The nationwide survey conducted by Forbes Magazine from May 14 to June 4, 2012 found that a majority of those currently living from paycheck to paycheck were not doing so until 2008. Additionally, 37% of workers say they sometimes live paycheck to paycheck, while 23% say they never do. Twenty percent of workers were unable to make ends meet at least once in the last year. Twelve percent of workers who earn more the $100,000 or more always or usually live from paycheck to paycheck. Fifty-nine percent of workers said that they cut backon leisure activities. Thirty percent save more than $250 and one in ten save more than $1,000. Sixty-seven percent of workers contribute to a 401(K), IRA or comparable retirement plan. Twenty percent of workers said they reduced their contribution to these plans in the last year.