Seventy one percent of American employees are living paycheck to paycheck, according to results released from the 2008 "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 31,946 of more than 45,000 respondents said they'd find it difficult to meet their financial obligations if their paycheck were delayed for just one week. This is a four percent increase from 2007, when 67 percent of respondents reported living paycheck to paycheck.

"The results clearly indicate that Americans are finding it difficult to save money," said Dan Maddux, executive director of the American Payroll Association. "As the cost of everything continues to rise, American employees should talk to their payroll departments about free programs likeflexible spending accounts, which will help them pay for everyday expenses like medical and child care."

Savings with flexible spending accounts can easily total more than $3,000 per year for the average family. Employees can save up to 35 percent off the cost of 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.

"Flexible spending accounts are just one more way we can help employees better manage their benefits and expenses," said Ed Bernice, CFO of WorkForce Software.

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 45,000 employees responded to the survey, providing insight into how workers are paid in America.