You’re more likely to live paycheck to paycheck if you earn less than $50K—or more than $500K—Goldman Sachs says

A new study from Goldman Sachs reveals that those earning less than $50,000 or more than $500,000 a year are more prone to living paycheck to paycheck in 2026. Goldman's "New Economics of Retirement" survey of 5,106 individuals found that around 60% of those earning below $50K and 38% of the $500K and above income group reported living from one pay check to the next.

Notably, both income groups were the least likely to contribute to retirement savings, with 80% of the high earners and 79% of the lower earners preferring to pay the minimum or less on their credit cards. The study attributed factors such as inflation, caregiving, and housing costs to the financial strain on low-income earners, while higher-income individuals cited family caregiving and medical expenses as their biggest obstacles to retirement savings.

Goldman Sachs suggests that lifestyle creep and the need to adjust for rising costs can also make it difficult for high-income earners to set aside money for retirement.