Sixty-seven percent of American employees are living paycheck to paycheck, according to results released this week from the 2007 "Getting Paid In America" survey.

The online survey by the American Payroll Association asked respondents how difficult it would be to meet their current financial obligations if their paycheck were delayed for a week. An overwhelming 31,640 of more than 47,000 respondents said they'd find it difficult to meet their financial obligations if their paycheck were delayed. This is a 2 percent increase from 2006, when 65 percent of respondents reported living paycheck to paycheck.

"The 'Getting Paid In America' survey results clearly show that Americans are finding it hard to save," said Dan Maddux, executive director of the American Payroll Association. "To ease this burden, American employees should talk to their payroll departments and sign up for free programs like flexible spending accounts, which will help them maximize their take home pay and increase savings."

The savings can be significant. Employees can save up to 35 percent on qualified medical and dependent care costs.

"You can save as much as 35 percent on daycare and qualified summer camp for kids, elder care for aging parents, and everything from contact lenses to doctor's visits -- even over-the-counter medical needs like aspirin and Band-Aids," Maddux said. "These tax-advantaged, free programs help you keep more of what you earn."

The "Getting Paid In America" survey was held in conjunction with APA's annual public awareness campaign, National Payroll Week (NPW), held annually the week of Labor Day. More than 47,000 employees responded to the survey, providing insight into how workers are paid in America. You can read the complete survey results and find more information on the National Payroll Week awareness campaign at the National Payroll Week website.