Nearly 40% of Americans Earning Over $300,000 Live Paycheck to Paycheck

A new report on retirement trends by Goldman Sachs indicates that financial pressure is not limited to low-income earners. Over one-third, specifically 36 percent, of Americans earning over $300,000 annually reported living paycheck to paycheck.

The study also found that 42 percent of those earning less than $100,000 struggle with saving. In both income brackets, over two-thirds reported being forced to delay their financial goals. Meanwhile, 23 percent of those with incomes between $100,000 and $300,000 live paycheck to paycheck, and 54 percent in this middle segment reported delaying their financial milestones.

Overall, nearly 70 percent of Americans have postponed a significant financial goal. The findings are drawn from surveys of 5,106 individuals conducted in July 2026, including both retired individuals and those in the workforce.

Greg Wilson, Head of Retirement at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, stated in the report that while workers may appear financially stable externally, many are working more, delaying major goals, and supplementing their income. The report suggests that high incomes can correlate with lifestyle creep and increased living costs, particularly in urban areas.

Financial stress also impacts work life. More than half of respondents reported that money concerns make it difficult to focus on work, and 32 percent had missed work due to financial challenges in the past year. This figure is notably higher among younger generations like Gen Z and millennials.