Poll paints sobering picture of personal debt

Findings from the fourth annual MetLife American Dream study show that nearly half (47 percent) of Americans say they have credit card debt, with one-quarter of them saying concerns over how to pay it down keep them up at night. 

Thirty percent say it will take them more than two years to pay off their credit cards, and 19 percent expect to never be out of debt. 

Many of these individuals (48 percent) have given money to family members to pay bills even though they struggle with their own debt and making ends meet. Roughly half (47 percent) say they could only meet their financial obligations for one month if they were to lose their jobs.

Despite signs that the economy is struggling to recover, the study found fewer people believe their financial situations will improve when compared to last year, from 41 percent in 2009 to 35 percent in 2010.   

More than half (56 percent) are taking on more responsibility at work, with most (52 percent) feeling more stressed in performing their job requirements. More than half (55 percent) are concerned about losing their jobs.