When people think about financial stress, they often picture someone with a low income, struggling to get by. But one of the most surprising patterns I’ve seen in my work as a financial coach is how many high earners, those making six-figure incomes, struggle to get by and feel completely broke.
But why? The truth is: It’s not how much you make—it’s how well you manage it.
What I See in My Coaching Practice
I’ve worked with smart, successful clients making well over $100,000 a year who:
- Have no emergency savings
- Rely on credit cards to cover day-to-day expenses
- Feel like they’re constantly treading water
- Carry guilt and shame because they think, “I should be doing better”
- Never really learned how to manage their money intentionally
And they’re not outliers.
The Stats Tell the Story
According to Bankrate, more than 1 in 3 people earning $100,000 or more live paycheck to paycheck.
Let that sink in.
These aren’t careless spenders or people living wildly extravagant lifestyles. In most cases, they’re doing their best—but without a plan, clear structure, or the right tools, their money feels like it’s always slipping through the cracks.
It’s Not About More Money. It’s About a Better System.
What’s missing isn’t usually income—it’s financial clarity and confidence. That’s where financial coaching comes in.
When I work with clients, we focus on building skills and systems that create long-term peace of mind, like:
- Crafting a realistic, livable budget (no spreadsheets you’ll never look at again)
- Understanding what level of debt is sustainable
- Building savings without feeling like you’re constantly saying “no”
- Learning how to make money decisions from a place of purpose, not panic
If You’re in This Boat, You’re Not Failing
If this sounds familiar—whether you’re earning six figures or not—I want you to hear this loud and clear:
You’re not failing. You’re just ready for a different approach.
You don’t have to live paycheck to paycheck, no matter how much (or how little) you earn. There is a path forward, and you don’t have to walk it alone.
💬 Want to explore what financial coaching can look like for you?
Click here to schedule a complimentary session.
📊 Curious about the stats?
Read the full article here: Bankrate – Living Paycheck to Paycheck