Living paycheck to paycheck is an unpleasant financial reality for many Americans. New research sheds some light on just how far a six-figure salary really goes. By comparison, the median U. Interestingly, the study showed that middle-class Americans tended to have a more optimistic view of their finances. The question is whether their expectations and beliefs are an accurate reflection of their situation. Six percent in that income range had absolutely nothing set aside in reserves. A different surveyalso by GoBankingRates, revealed that one in three Americans have nothing saved for retirement. High-income families are 10 times as likely to have retirement savings as low-income families. Based on the numbers, it would make sense that those at the top and bottom of the income scale would represent the extremes when it comes to savings. Understanding why so many high earners struggle begins with pinpointing potential causes for their financial woes. Debt could be one culprit. That figur...