Half of Americans struggle to save

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Even if you're starting to feel a little more confident in the economy, there's a good chance your bank account doesn't show it.

By the time monthly essentials are paid for, more than 40 percent of Americans living paycheck to paycheck have nothing left.

“A mother of four grown kids. I can relate to it. By the time I'm done paying my bills and buying food and stuff what is left?” said Angela Chest of Springfield.

And with little money left over to put away, many families are left to hold their breath and hope no emergency expenses pop up.

“It's hard. I'm a mother I have four kids. Saving is like woo! We need to save. But some of us don't,” said Anacelys Rodriguez of Springfield.

One Springfield woman told 22News it's tough to change habits, even when money gets a little tight.

“I'm still a student and I work and I still have my parents help but it's everywhere. Everything else is going up but our paychecks. It makes it harder but people still want to do the things they're accustomed to doing,” said Shalana Ali of Springfield.

But it's never too late to turn over a new leaf. 22News is working for you with some simple money saving tips.

Choose generic products over brand names when you have the option. Stock up on products in bulk-- it will save you money and trips back to the store. Go food shopping with a plan; use the weekly circular and stick to your list. And unplug small appliances whenever possible. Even when they're turned off they often continue using power and costing you money.

And not only do a lot of Americans struggle to save, many of them owe money. 82% percent of people make some kind of debt-related payment every month.