Many NJ Residents In Bad Shape Financially, Survey Says [AUDIO]

If you're struggling financially, a new Allstate Financial Life Track survey finds you are definitely not alone.

"Only 44 percent of New Jersey residents say they have enough money left over at the end of the month after paying for essentials, and also, about half of New Jerseyans are living paycheck to paycheck," according to Allstate New Jersey spokesman Danny Jovic.

He points out, even though these numbers indicate a fair degree of fiscal instability, when Jersey residents were asked how they would rate their financial situation, more than half - 56 percent of them said it was excellent or good, which is higher than the national average of 50 percent.

Jovic points out the survey also finds,  "New Jerseyans spend 16 hours a week watching TV and surfing the web, but only one hour paying bills and managing their finances."

What's surprising is the poll also finds more than 4 out of 5 Jersey residents - 86 percent - express confidence in their own ability to manage their personal finances, even though so many folks are struggling financially.

What Should Be Done?

Jovic says it's critically important for folks to do their homework. He suggest going online, where there's a lot of information about managing finances, and they can,  "set goals, and a clear timetable to achieve those goals."

He also point out the survey finds 88 percent of respondents are making some kind of a debt payment, which would include credit cards, mortgages, car payments and student loans.