A new report from the Corporation for Enterprise Development shows many Oklahomans, about 44 percent, are living paycheck to paycheck, with virtually no savings for emergencies.
Many of those people are lower-income residents.
But people might be surprised to know that a fairly large share, around 26 percent, are what most people would consider middle-class households earning between $44,893 and $73,140 per year.
Margo Mitchell with Credit Counseling Centers in Tulsa said she for one wasn't surprised by the news.
The study showed they have around $5,000 or less in savings for emergencies.
"A lot of consumers, their income or their salary has been stagnant or even been reduced, but of course the cost of living is continuing to escalate," Mitchell said.
She said people should start by saving any amount, even a small amount like $5 a week.
She said they'll be surprised how fast it adds up and that it will get them in the habit of saving.