A new survey is revealing shocking information about how adults in the U.S. are handling changes in the economy.
According to CNBC's Financial Confidence Survey, more than half of all Americans (58%) are now living paycheck to paycheck -- including a third of people with household incomes in the six figures.
The survey also shows that seven in 10 people are stressed about their personal finances. And the stress can be felt across all income levels.
"Whether or not you have significant wealth, everyone is feeling squeezed," Misi Simms, portfolio manager at TIAA, a Fortune 100 financial services company, told CNBC.
According to the poll, 78% of those who make less than $50,000, 74% who make between $50,000 and $99,999, and 57% who make more than $100,000 feel stressed about their personal finances.
More women than men (72% vs 67%) admit feeling financially stressed. Younger generations are also more likely to feel stressed: 75% among ages 18 to 34, 73% among ages 35 to 64, and 54% among people age 65 and up. Along party lines, the poll shows independents (76%) are more likely to admit feeling financially stressed, followed by Republicans (74%) and Democrats (65%).
The top factors driving financial stress include inflation (59%), economy-wide instability (43%), interest rates rising (36%), lack of savings (35%) and health care bills (27%), the survey shows.
Another reason why stress is high: officials say the cost of the basic household expenses, which include rent, groceries and utilities, are all higher than a year ago. All of that combines to prevent people from putting money into their savings.
The poll found that fewer than half of adults have an emergency fund. Of those who do, 38% have over $20,000 while 41% have less than $10,000 saved for a time of need -- including 8% who have less than $1,000.
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