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24% of Americans Struggle, Living Paycheck-to-Paycheck

1/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A Bankrate study finds financial challenges affect many Americans, with 24% of households living paycheck-to-paycheck.
Mark Hamrick, Bankrate's senior economic analyst, notes that a lack of liquidity leaves individuals vulnerable to financial setbacks.
Forty-seven percent of Americans cannot cover a $1,000 emergency expense.
Sixty-eight percent would worry about basic living costs if they lost their primary income.

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Story summary

A Bankrate study finds financial challenges affect many Americans, with 24% of households living paycheck-to-paycheck.
Mark Hamrick, Bankrate's senior economic analyst, notes that a lack of liquidity leaves individuals vulnerable to financial setbacks.
Forty-seven percent of Americans cannot cover a $1,000 emergency expense.
Sixty-eight percent would worry about basic living costs if they lost their primary income.