I’m 49 and tired of living paycheck to paycheck. How to break the cycle of financial struggle before it’s too late

As of 2025, more than 57% of American adults say they are living paycheck to paycheck, according to MarketWatch Guides (1). And persistent inflation certainly isn’t helping matters in that regard. Living paycheck to paycheck can be extremely stressful and if you find yourself in this situation, you may find yourself with zero financial cushion. Here, any unplanned expense could throw you for a loop and force you to rack up hundreds or even thousands in debt. Must Read Imagine the example of Laura, 49, w ...