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Nearly 3 in 4 U.S. workers struggle to afford anything beyond their basic living expenses, the 2025 Wage Reality Report from Resume Now found. For millions of employees, managing day-to-day expenses is a constant challenge. Rising costs and stagnant wages leave little room for financial stability or growth.

The data paint a stark picture of the struggles workers face: 

  • Twelve percent report they often cannot afford basic living expenses.
  • Twenty-four percent can afford essentials but struggle to do so.
  • Thirty-seven percent can manage basic expenses but with limited room for extras.
  • Twenty-one percent can comfortably afford basic living essentials and some extras.
  • Six percent say they can easily afford basic living expenses and save for the future.
“Financial stress is a growing reality for many, making it important to assess personal budgets and financial health regularly,” the report said. “Workers may benefit from exploring programs offered by employers or community organizations that provide emergency assistance, housing support or financial planning tools to help manage living expenses more effectively.”

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The challenges workers face are deeply tied to rising costs and insufficient wages. These include rising housing costs (55%), increasing prices for everyday essentials (41%) and inability to save for emergencies or the future (33%).

“Rising costs and stagnant wages are making it harder to make ends meet,” according to the report. “Workers may want to advocate for fair-pay adjustments by staying informed about industry salary benchmarks or participating in discussions about cost-of-living raises. Building financial resilience through savings, even in small amounts, can also help mitigate the effects of inflation.”

As a result, workers are asking for meaningful changes, such as better benefits, transparency in pay and opportunities for skill development. Some workers are seeking improved benefits from employers, while others are looking for new skills to add to their resumes to improve their earning potential:

  • Fifty-two percent want better benefits, such as health care and retirement matching.
  • Forty percent demand clear pathways to career growth and salary increases.
  • Thirty-four percent seek education and certifications to improve earning potential.
“Workers are increasingly prioritizing meaningful benefits, career growth opportunities and professional development,” the report concluded. “Employees can advocate for themselves by voicing their needs to employers, such as requesting access to educational resources, certifications or mentorship programs. Taking initiative to pursue personal growth can also align with broader career aspirations.”

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Alan Goforth

Alan Goforth is a freelance writer in suburban Kansas City. In addition to freelancing for several publications, he has written a dozen books about sports and other topics.