Study: 4 in 10 Americans Living Paycheck-to-Paycheck

According to a new study by the Consumer Federation of America and the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., some 38 percent of families are now living from paycheck to paycheck. Naturally, those who are responsible financially – people who have a personal financial plan – are more confident about their fiscal situation. Just 34 percent of those surveyed said they thought they could retire by age 65; only 30 percent said they felt financially comfortable.

It’s no wonder so many Americans are feeling financially unstable in this economy. Undoubtedly, the middle class is hardest hit in these surveys – they don’t receive government benefits, and they aren’t wealthy enough to avoid the stress of living month-to-month. If this many Americans are living on the razor’s edge, if there is a double dip, bankruptcies and foreclosures will almost certainly skyrocket. Welcome to the Obama Economy.