I think paycheck to paycheck means essentially spending 100% of your paycheck on average every pay period, right? That would imply you're not saving anything. Is that correct? Assuming you're in the US, you're not saving anything in a retirement account, eg, 401K or IRA? When tax time comes around are you getting a refund, or do you owe the IRS? I think a refund counts as savings (although not the best way to do it as you don't have access to the money except once a year and you don't earn any interest/income from the government.) Also, do you get bonuses, vest in equity or participate in an ESPP program? Any of those would also count against paycheck to paycheck unless you're immediately spending them as well.

I'm just trying to understand what people mean when they say they live paycheck to paycheck. Although the article does say "many struggling to pay off their bills every month" which really does imply paycheck to paycheck. But it doesn't say what percent are in that category.