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The Average American Spends Half Their Paycheck in the First 48 Hours

By bondsy Oct 28, 2025 | 5:34 AM

leungchopan / Depositphotos.com

If you’re a true crime fan, you’ve heard this:  They say that the “first 48 hours” are CRITICAL in a lot of police investigations.  But there’s another CRIMINAL thing that happens in 48 hours:  Your paycheck vanishes.  (???)

According to a new report, the average American spends nearly 48% of their paycheck WITHIN THE FIRST 48 HOURS.

And 35% of the paycheck is gone within the first 12 hours.  That’s especially true among Millennials, who spend money faster than any other generation. 

Most of that spending goes toward essentials.  52% of people say they cover groceries or necessities as soon as they receive their paycheck.  Others pay bills due within the week . . . or take care of major obligations like rent or credit cards.  32% also knock out smaller bills, such as utilities or subscriptions.

A lot of the pinch comes from a bi-weekly pay schedule, while bills come continuously throughout any given month.  62% of people say being paid daily or as they work would improve their financial wellness and decrease stress.

 

(Talker Research)