A third of people are putting off paying essential bills on time each month, according to the latest What’s Left tracker by the Irish League of Credit Unions.
The survey found that almost everyone has had to sacrifice spending in other areas such as on clothing, health insurance and food, in order to pay these bills.
Seven out of ten people currently owe money on their credit card, while a third of them depend on it to make ends meet each month.
This is despite the survey results for the end of 2013 showing a gradual sign of a recovery in family finances, with disposable income up by an average of €49 per month.
The latest report found that the number of people left with just €50 or less at the end of the month after essential bills have been paid, is just over 1 million.
This represents an improvement on the 1.2 million people on the previous survey.
CEO of the Irish League of Credit Unions Kieron Brennan said 44% of households are now in a position to be able to save money each month.
Mr Brennan said: "Each individual on average has an increase of €49 to €50 which is a much better place that we've seen individuals since 2011. We're seeing also, from the point of view of Credit Unions, savings or the ability to save has increased."
44% of adults are now likely to be able to save money each month - an increase of 13% on the previous year.
