75% of middle-class households say their income is falling behind the cost of living

Middle-class households seem to be feeling the effects of inflation and the possibility of a recession.

According to a recent survey from Primerica, 75% of people whose income falls in the $30,000- to-$100,000 range say their earnings are falling behind the cost of living.

39% of those surveyed expect to be worse off financially in the year to come, up from 32% in March and 28% in December 2021. In December 2020, that share was around 18%.

Inflation is less likely to hurt some retirees than it is to hurt workers.

Glenn Williams, CEO of Primerica, said there was a higher level of concern among middle-income families than there was at the peak of the Pandemic.

As part of Primerica's quarterly check-in on the financial security of middle-income families, nearly 1,400 adults were surveyed in June.

Inflation has taken a toll on households, rising 9.1% in June from a year earlier, the fastest pace since 1981 and affecting everything from groceries and gas to clothes and cars.

It comes down to tougher decisions around priorities when it comes to rising prices in staple items.

The latest reading of hourly wages shows a 5.1% increase in June from a year earlier, which means inflation has wiped out the boost in income.

There is a question of whether the economy will survive a recession that lasts more than a few months.

If you fear a loss of income in the months ahead, it is worth setting aside some emergency funds.

Hauer said, "Now, of all times, you want to try to put aside some cash for emergencies." If the economy tanks, many Americans will be forced to live paycheck to paycheck.

Williams said that debt should be kept under control.

Credit cards are being used to fill gaps, but as soon as possible try to change that.

According to CreditCards.com, the average rate on credit cards has gone up in the last year. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, consumers' tab was $840 billion in the first quarter, down from the previous quarter but up from a year ago.