The middle class in America is feeling the pinch in tough economic times. Two-thirds of middle-class Americans state they are experiencing economic hardship now and do not see that circumstance changing in the future.
Perception of Economic Hardship
A poll funded by the National True Cost of Living Coalition found that the middle class feels stuck in a hopeful cycle of economic hardship.
Economic Indicators vs. Reality
Financial and economic indicators show a rosy picture of the U.S. economy. Unemployment remains low, housing and stock prices are strong, and the GDP is enviable among economies. Despite this image of economic strength, however, according to newly released data, millions of American households are experiencing financial insecurity.
Inability to Save Money
In the survey, middle-class households stated they could not save money. The survey was funded by a group formed to develop cost-of-living tools that can help economists quantify economic well-being.
Survey Demographics and Findings
Included in the poll were 2,500 adults. From this group, of those who earn more than double the poverty level, or at least $60,000 for a family of four, 65 percent of this group stated they struggle financially.
Financial Insecurity Among Higher-Income Households
Many higher-income households are also experiencing financial insecurity. The survey data revealed that 25 percent of households making 500 percent of the poverty level, or $150,000 for a family of four, also worry about paying their bills.
General Financial Struggles
As a main takeaway of the survey, 6 out of every ten participants indicated that their household is struggling financially.
Commentary from Jennifer Jones Austin
Jennifer Jones Austin, Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies and co-chair of the National True Cost of Living Coalition, stated about the findings: “The economy is booming, and yet many Americans are still gasping for air financially. They simply don’t have the breathing room to plan beyond their present needs.”
Savings and Paycheck Dependency
The survey found that 46 percent of respondents did not have even $500 in savings. As many as 40% were living paycheck to paycheck, unable to plan for expenses beyond receiving their next paycheck. Additionally, more than half of respondents struggle with current debt levels.
Impact of Debt and Interest Rates
One explanation for the disparity between a seemingly healthy economy and household financial angst is debt, specifically consumer debt. Due to inflation and a quick increase in interest rates over the past few years, debt has become much more expensive for Americans. Therefore, the financial pressure of debt is amplified in many American households.
Differences in Debt Levels
Extending on the findings related to debt, the poll revealed a vast difference between households encumbered by debt and those without. Only one-third of the 2,500 respondents report having no debt.
Financial Stability Without Debt
Households without debt are not exposed to the volatility of interest rates. However, other families with credit card debt and student loans have experienced the ballooning trajectory of their debt load over the past few years.
Savings Disparities
While a wide chasm exists between the financial situations of households in debt and those who do not, another great chasm exists between households that save and those who do not. The poll revealed that one in five respondents has at least $10,000 saved. As many as 28 percent of respondents reported having no savings.
Paying Recurring Bills
Regarding paying recurring bills, one in six respondents say they have to prioritize and strategize which bills to pay first over other bills.
Political Perspectives
The survey considered the perspectives and data of a broad range of Americans, including members of both political parties and those in between. David Jones, co-chair of the National True Cost of Living Coalition, said, “Republicans, Independents, and Democrats expressed the same kinds of issues. It’s not going away no matter who becomes president.”
Federal Reserve Survey Findings
Last month, the Federal Reserve released an annual survey cataloging some aspects of home economics. This survey revealed that nearly half of all respondents could financially absorb a $2,000 expense. Finding the $2,000 for that expense is not trivial, though, as 18 percent of adults say that if they could use only savings, the largest emergency they could cover would be under $100. Fourteen percent said they would be able to cover an emergency expense of $100 to $499 using only savings.
