If you live paycheque-to-paycheque and would be up the creek if your income were delayed by even a week, you’re not alone.
According to a survey released yesterday by The Canadian Payroll Association, 59 per cent of us don’t have enough saved up to pay for next month’s necessities — like rent and groceries — if we suddenly got laid off.
Patrick Culhane, CEO of the association, said even people in high-income brackets are struggling and it’s an issue of budgeting, not making too little.
“People aren’t necessarily thinking through the impact of long-term debt,” he said.
Tom Clarke, a single father in Vancouver, said he and his friends live paycheque-to-paycheque.
“It seems my wages have been going down every year.
“It’s making it harder to save money,” he said, adding that spending habits are also a factor.
“I spend a lot more than I should. I’ve got a daughter … so I’m having to help her out. Being single, it’s hard.”
Another Vancouver woman, who asked to remain anonymous, said she lives paycheque-to-paycheque as a lifestyle choice.
“I have other personal interests … as opposed to making as much money as I can,” she said.
With files from Stephanie Orford
