More than 60% of middle-class Americans say they are “struggling financially” and don’t expect their situation to get better in the rest of their lives, a survey has found. New poll It was released on Tuesday.
A poll commissioned by the National Cost of Living Coalition found that about 65% of Americans considered “middle class” – those who earn more than 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL) – are struggling financially.
Despite signs of economic strength, including rising employment numbers, GDP growth and a stable stock market, consumers are struggling to plan and save, the research firm said. vote.
The survey found that roughly one in four Americans, or 40%, fail to plan for life beyond their next paycheck, and 46% don’t have $500 saved for emergency expenses.
“Despite the strength of the economy, many Americans are still struggling financially. They can’t afford to plan beyond their current needs,” said Jennifer Jones Austin, CEO and executive director of the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies, the group that helped commission the poll.
“It’s critical that we, as citizens, understand the realities of the cost of living in America today,” Jones Austin said. “That means looking beyond our most basic economic needs to consider what 21st-century Americans need not only to survive, but to get ahead and prepare for the future.”
The survey also found that 80 percent of Americans have previously run out of money before payday.
The poll was conducted by Seven Letter Insight among 2,500 adults in February. BloombergThe poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
