Living paycheck to paycheck means relying entirely on each paycheck to cover expenses, with little to no savings or financial cushion. Typically, this means spending 95% or more of your income on expenses, leaving little room for an emergency fund, debt reduction, or unexpected costs. If income were delayed or stopped even briefly, essential bills and obligations could not be met without going into debt.

When your finances aren’t organized, it can feel like you’re constantly juggling without a clear direction. The uncertainty and stress of managing money without a spending plan can impact your peace of mind, your relationships, and your ability to reach your goals.