More Than Half of Americans Are Now Living Paycheck to Paycheck

Inflation has affected nearly every American, forcing many to put off purchasing big-ticket items and focus only on the essentials. For some people, it has affected how they live their daily lives.

According to new data from PYMNTS and LendingClub, nearly two-thirds of Americans (around 157 million people) are living paycheck to paycheck. In April of this year alone, there was a nearly 9% increase (up to 61% for 52%) in those adopting this financial lifestyle.

The report found that inflation does not discriminate amongst tax brackets, either, as the report found that even one in three upper-middle-class Americans who make over $250,000 a year are currently living paycheck to paycheck.

Though the results are startling, they are not surprising.

Restaurants have even begun adding “inflation” fees onto customers’ checks, making the simple pleasure of going out to eat something that’s no longer affordable for many Americans.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that wholesale food prices are up an estimated 17% in the past year hitting nearly a 50-year record high.

Most recently, the CPI rose 1.3% in June (9.1 percent in the past year before being seasonally adjusted) with prices for gasoline, shelter, and food having the largest increases.

With economic issues seemingly persisting into the fall, it’s difficult to say whether or not the damages of inflation on Americans’ bank accounts will be mitigated any time soon.