July 2025
Living paycheck to paycheck is a reality for a growing share of U.S. consumers, and the financial pressure it creates is reshaping how people spend, save and borrow. PYMNTS Intelligence tracks these evolving behaviors each month, analyzing how income level, age and other factors influence financial stability — and how the stress of making ends meet affects savings habits, credit usage and financial choices.
In May 2025, 24.2% of consumers are living paycheck to paycheck and struggling with their bills
In May 2025, 38.7% of low-income consumers are living paycheck to paycheck and struggling with their bills
In May 2025, 26.3% of gen Z consumers are living paycheck to paycheck and struggling with their bills
In May 2025, consumers living paycheck to paycheck and struggling with their bills had an average of $4,132 in savings
In May 2025, 39.9% of cardholders living paycheck to paycheck and struggling with their bills usually revolve their credit card balances
In May 2025, 21.0% of consumers were living paycheck to paycheck and struggling with their bills by choice
This analysis is based on monthly surveys conducted online with a US Census-balanced sample of about 2,000 consumers, ensuring representative distribution across key demographic segments (gender, income, age).