[August 20, 2012] CareerBuilder Releases Paycheck Survey Tweet Aug 20, 2012 (Close-Up Media via COMTEX) -- Fewer American workers are reliant on their next payday to make ends meet, according to a new CareerBuilder survey. In a release, the Company noted that 40 percent of workers report that they always or usually live paycheck to paycheck, a slight decrease from 42 percent in 2011. This year's figure marks a recession-era low, continuing a downward trend from a peak of 46 percent in 2008, during the early days of the financial crisis. The survey found that 53 percent of those currently living paycheck to paycheck were not doing so until 2008. Additionally, 37 percent of workers say they sometimes live paycheck to paycheck, while 23 percent say they never do. Twenty percent of workers were unable to make ends meet at least once in the last year. Workers making at least six figures are feeling more confident in 2012. Twelve percent of workers who earn $100,000 or more always or usually live paycheck to paycheck trending down from 14 percent in 2011 and 17 percent in 2010. "Making ends meet remains a challenge for millions of households, but the situation has improved for workers who've grown more confident with their job security or who've taken steps to pay down debt and save more," said Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources at CareerBuilder. "Seventy-two percent of workers report they are more fiscally responsible since the end of the recession, and as the labor market continues to improve, we expect more workers will again be able to spend in ways that will drive the economy forward." The following expenses are too important to give up: -Internet connection 57 percent -Driving 44 percent -Pet 39 percent -Cable TV 29 percent -Mobile phone 24 percent Twenty-seven percent of workers do not save anything each month the same as last year. Thirty percent save more than $250 and 10 percent save more than $1,000. Sixty-seven percent of workers contribute to a 401(k), IRA or comparable retirement plan, similar to 2011 (66 percent). Twenty percent of workers said they reduced their contribution to these plans in the last year, which is also relatively unchanged from 2011 (21 percent). Gender: Consistent with past studies, women (44 percent) are more likely than men (36 percent) to live paycheck to paycheck. Additionally, one quarter (25 percent) of female workers missed a monthly payment at least once in the past year, compared to 17 percent of men. Age: Compared to other age groups, workers close to retirement (55+) are least likely to report living paycheck to paycheck. -18-34 40 percent -35-44 42 percent -45-54 43 percent -55+ 34 percent Additionally, workers age 55+ are more likely than those workers age 25-54 to report saving more than $1,000 dollars a month (13 percent) and most likely to participate in a 401(k), IRA or comparable plan (73 percent). This survey was conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of CareerBuilder. CareerBuilder is a provider of human capital solutions. CareerBuilder is owned by Gannett, Tribune Company and The McClatchy Company. ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]