Middle-class Americans with comfortable salaries and stable jobs are now struggling to meet the most basic living requirements as gas and food prices soar and the economic situation worsens, it has been suggested.

A survey by Reuters and the University of Michigan showed more people reporting a decline in their personal financial situation this year than at any time since 1982, reports CNN Money.

With food costs rising 5.1 per cent and gas prices reaching an all-time high, only one in five expects their situation to improve in the next year.

The rising cost of essentials has led to 14.3 per cent of disposable income being set aside to pay off debt - another figure at an almost record high.

Ken Goldstein, economist with the Conference Board, commented: "What's really pushing consumers into a funk is the fear of what's coming next."

"Consumers are afraid that the light at the end of the tunnel is an oncoming train," he added.

The Conference Board recently reported that its consumer confidence index fell from 62.8 per cent to 57.2 per cent between April and May this year.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------