Credit Unions research: 210,000 too poor to pay bills
A new survey shows just how badly Irish people are struggling to make ends meet.
The research from the Irish League of Credit Unions has found one in five have just €70 left each month after paying bills, and a third see no future for themselves or their family in Ireland.
The study, labeled the 'what's left tracker', is the first research of its kind from the country's credit unions.
Some 7% of people said they have nothing left to live on once domestic bills, including mortgages or rent, are paid.
And in an even more serious scenario, a significant proportion of those surveyed - 6%, which correlates to 210,000 people across the country - said their income did not even cover their bills.
Despite some reports that people are putting more of their money aside during the downturn, the tracker shows almost half cannot do that because they have no money to save.
Chief Executive of the ILCU Kieron Brennan says it was clear that many Irish families are struggling with serious financial concerns.
With rising mortgage and fuel costs, and cuts in social welfare, he believes this year will be one of the most difficult for Irish people trying to manage their finances.
