WASHINGTON, D.C. -

More evidence arrived this week indicating how some contract holders in your portfolio might be struggling to maintain their finances. This time, the research came from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

The CFPB’s latest survey showed that more than 40 percent of U.S. adults struggle to make ends meet.

The National Financial Well-Being Survey was conducted by the CFPB in 2016. Using the 10 question scale developed by the CFPB, the bureau insisted its survey provides the first-ever national data directly measuring the financial well-being of U.S. consumers. Upon answering the 10 questions provided, consumers were given a score from 0 to 100.

In the survey, the average consumer score was 54.

Bureau officials explained the consumer sample used to conduct the survey was designed to be representative of U.S. households.

In addition to responding to the questions which are included in the financial well-being scale, people participating in the survey answered questions about a host of other measures. These measures include individual, household, and family characteristics; income and employment; savings and safety nets; financial experiences; and money behaviors, skills and attitudes.

Of the nationally representative sample of consumers surveyed, the CFPB reported 43 percent of consumers report struggling to pay bills.

Additionally, more than one third — 34 percent — of all consumers surveyed reported experiencing material hardships in the past year. For the survey, examples of material hardships include running out of food, not being able to afford a place to live, or lacking the money to seek medical treatment. 

“These survey results are beginning to measure and examine the financial well-being of consumers,” CFPB director Richard Cordray said. “And the new tool we are releasing allows consumers to measure their own financial well-being and helps them take better control of their financial futures.”

The complete survey results can be viewed here.