Overview

• Goldman’s 2025 survey reports about 40% of Americans have no spare savings and live paycheck to paycheck, a trend echoed by a recent PNC poll finding 67% of workers in that position.
• About 70% of younger workers say they have paused retirement contributions or delayed retirement timelines because competing expenses take priority.
• The report finds basic costs have outpaced wages since 2000, with homeownership now consuming roughly 51% of average income versus 33% in 2000.
• Goldman projects the share struggling to make ends meet could rise to 55% by 2033 and 65% by 2043 if current trends persist.
• Executives and advisors say many households will need investment, advice and retirement‑income strategies beyond simply saving more, with policy options like $1,000 newborn 'Trump accounts' and expanded plan access discussed in coverage.