Survey: How many have savings set aside?

I don't even have May's rent.

Remember, pay yourself first. I have always saved-no matter what income I've had. You have a certain amount of savings put aside first and automatically. People tend to spend what they get. As you get raises you spend more. That's the normal progression. To break it have them automaticaly take out a certain amount and put it in retirement or a savings account. Then, live on what is left. If you don't directly see the money you will learn to live on what you actually take home.

And, for those that are looking for the government to save them finiancially, don't hold your breath. The government was put into place to save individuals and is very bad at it. The governmen paves roads, guards the borders and judges wrongdoers. There are a few other things, but they do not include making sure everyone has savings. That;s up to you.

Being completely honest, saving is difficult in a consumer-driven nation like the United States.

I make about $70,000 plus bonus a year and have successfully been able to save some money. But it is a constant battle.

I started with my company at around $40,000 and since then I have tried to just live on that $40,000 and save the difference, but it is really hard.

I own a house in Phoenix and want to buy a house here in Miami, but once more it is hard. Luckily, I save about 18% of my income to my 401k and about $500 per month. I only have about $3,000 in my savings account, but need about $12,000 for my emergency fund.

I always find a way to spend money though. Whether it is a pair of speaker or a cruise, I seem to tap into my stuff quickly and often. One of the things I found useful is to deposit money into an account that is not easily accessible, like HSBC. They give me a great rate and since they don't have branches all over town, I refrain from taking money out. That helps.Their interest is like 3.05% which is a lot better than the insulting 0.25% from Wamu and WellsFargo.

I try to control myself, but I do have a nice car (2008 Nissan Maxima), three computers, a PS3, a 360, a 60" Sony TV (living room), a 40" Sony Flat panel (bedroom), and other gadgets I seem not to be able to live without. Even though, most of it is paid for, I still have a balance of $1,000 with circuit city at 0% until January of 2010. But again, I am already looking for a new digital camera, noise-cancelling headphones from Bose, etc. So, it takes a lot of self-control.

I am lucky that nothing (emergency) has happened yet, but I seriously need to get the emergency fund up. At this point, I need to kill that $1,000 with circuit city and another $1,000 with AMEX for my cruise in May and I should be back to regular savings. It's an ongoing battle. It's so easy to spend when you pull out the plastic, but it is hard to spend with cash in hand (because you see the bills go away, and restrain).

Try to cut some of the unnecessary stuff, I have been able to cut off the Netflix thingy, the land line phone (my company pays for my 'berry), and have nothing else besides my DirecTV thingy. I did away with magazine subscriptions, with the exception of Money. That thing teaches you a lot about savings and where to save.

Ok, I am done ranting off.

There was a recent survey which stated that 35 % of the population saves. From the statements and questions on the internet regarding the stimulus package , those who don't save must number 85%.

I make 55,000 a year and still can't seem to save money. Of course I got married a year and half ago and am still paying on my wedding ring. Just bought a new vehicle and just had a baby and having to pay off my 1,400 dollar hospital bill. If I could pay those off I would save 353 a month.

Bussing at a restaurant? is the only one I can think of that you listed that you can't do. With Labor laws its hard to get a "real" job under 16 anymore. I bussed, did a little office help, worked at McD's and babysat when I was 14-16.

I have a small CD that I try to ignore, and I do have a retirement account that I add to every payday. I don't put the max into it, but I try to increase my contribution when I can.

What really hurt was this past quarter, even with all I put into it, the balance was less than it started at the first of the year!!

It's really scary to think about my future!!

I have about $1000 in savings right now....but when I start nursing school in two weeks that'll be out the window!

I do. I have a redraw facility on my mortgage, so I put extra on the mortgage, where it saves me 8.88% interest.

I am blessed with a good salary, and spend little...

However , even when I was making very little, I still put money away...