With gas prices rising above the $4 mark and rising unemployment, many Georgians are struggling more than ever economically. A new study shows that more than half of Georgians are living paycheck to paycheck.
Hope Pennington is a waitress who depends on tips. She said that the $4.09 a gallon for gas that she paid on Thursday would stretch her finances.
She's not alone. According to a new study by the Georgia Credit Union affiliates says that 66.5 percent of Georgians are living paycheck to paycheck.
"People are feeling the pinch of the economy," said Anita Pearl, a Georgia Credit Union Affiliate.
The survey of 7,200 credit union members also found that 85 percent of Georgians reduced their spending last year, Pearl said.
"Most likely those discretionary buys have to be put by the wayside," said Pearl.
Robert Shields said he's feeling the pinch in the pocketbook.
"You have to cut back on, you know, like no movies. Maybe take the bus instead. Stuff like that," said Shields.
Making matters worse, the Georgia Department of Labor reported on Thursday that the unemployment rate rose last month to 9.3 percent.
Two Clark Atlanta University students who call themselves brothers despite being from opposite sides of the world have graduated as valedictorian and salutatorian.
Two Clark Atlanta University students who call themselves brothers despite being from opposite sides of the world have graduated as valedictorian and salutatorian.
Gov. Nathan Deal says he believes in the right of atheist groups to donate literature for use in cabins and lodges in Georgia's state parks just as Bibles are allowed.
Gov. Nathan Deal says he believes in the right of atheist groups to donate literature for use in cabins and lodges in Georgia's state parks just as Bibles are allowed.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:44 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:44:17 GMT
A Jasper County teen was reunited with an EMT who helped save her life 13 years ago.
A Jasper County teen was reunited with an EMT who helped save her life 13 years ago. FOX 5 viewers provided information that led Alyssa Haskew to the moment she's waited more than a decade for: to say thank you to Scott Thomas.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:34 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:34:58 GMT
Parents are asking about the safety of the schools in the event of a tornado after the devastation suffered in Moore, Okla.
Parents are asking about the safety of the schools in the event of a tornado after the devastation suffered in Moore, Okla. School and emergency officials insist having kids sheltered in school buildings rather than being picked up is the best solution.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:22 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:22:14 GMT
Tea party groups and Georgia Republican leaders are gathered at the state Capitol on Tuesday to protest the targeting of conservative groups by the Internal Revenue Service.
Tea party groups and Georgia Republican leaders are gathered at the state Capitol on Tuesday to protest the targeting of conservative groups by the Internal Revenue Service.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:17 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:17:01 GMT
The wives of Atlanta police and firefighters have put up billboards telling Mayor Kasim Reed and the Atlanta City Council to give their spouses a pay raise.
The wives of Atlanta police and firefighters have put up billboards telling Mayor Kasim Reed and the Atlanta City Council to give their spouses a pay raise.
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