Nearly 60 percent of Americans are supporting either elderly parents or young adult children in some way, support that can often pose a roadblock to retirement, according to national financial education nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling.

In its survey, ACCC found that almost 20 percent of those who help pay the way for another family member are either unable to pay their own debts or are racking up fresh bills in the process, and 12 percent said that they have put off retiring because of it.

"In today's economy, many middle-aged consumers are getting hit twice as hard when it comes to financially supporting family members. Amid rising college tuition costs and the sharp increase in elder care services, some consumers are forced to make tough financial decisions and delay their own financial goals," Steven Trumble, president and CEO of ACCC, said in a statement.