Workers Reduce Savings to Get By
A CareerBuilder survey found more than one-in-five (21%) workers said they have reduced their 401(k) contributions or personal savings in the last six months to get by financially.
An almost equal number (23%) of workers earning six figures or more also reported that they have reduced their 401(k) or savings, according to a press release.
In addition, the number of workers who said they do not participate in any programs such as 401(k), IRAs, or retirement plans has risen to 36% from 31% in 2008. One-third of respondents also reported they don’t put any money aside into their savings each month, up from 25% who said so in 2008.
Thirty percent indicated they set aside $100 or less per month for savings and 16% save less than $50.
The survey found more workers are struggling with their budgets since the economic downturn began. Six-in-10 (61%) workers reported they always or usually live paycheck to paycheck just to make ends meet, up from 49% last year and 43% in 2007.
Even those in the higher income bracket are struggling, as 30% with salaries of $100,000 or more report they too live paycheck to paycheck, up from 21% in 2008.
The survey was conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Interactive on behalf of CareerBuilder.com among 4,478 U.S. workers (employed full-time; not self-employed; non government) ages 18 and older between May 22 and June 10.