Four in 10 workers earning more than $500,000 a year are living paycheck to paycheck—and ‘lifestyle inflation’ is keeping them broke

FortuneTuesday, October 14, 2025 at 3:10:47 PM
Four in 10 workers earning more than $500,000 a year are living paycheck to paycheck—and ‘lifestyle inflation’ is keeping them broke
A recent report reveals that nearly 40% of American workers earning over $500,000 annually are living paycheck to paycheck, similar to those making less than $50,000. This surprising trend highlights the impact of rising costs for essentials like food and housing, as well as luxury items, which contribute to a phenomenon known as 'lifestyle inflation.' Understanding this issue is crucial as it sheds light on the financial pressures faced by even the highest earners, challenging the perception that a high income guarantees financial security.
— Curated by the World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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