Survey results recently released by the Canadian Payroll Association suggest residents in Saskatchewan are finding it difficult to find ends meet financially.

Approximately 48 per cent of the population in the province are living pay cheque to pay cheque in order to pay off bills and debt, while unable to save money for such expenses as retirement funds. Only 37 per cent of respondents have faith in their town or city's economy improving in the coming year.

A shocking stat from the poll reveals about 25 per cent admitted they would not be able to come up with $2,000 for an emergency situation within the next month.

96 per cent of respondents from Saskatchewan admitted they carry debt with them at the moment -- which is 3 per cent more than the national result.

The stats have been released in a time where some residents are wondering in which direction the provincial and federal economies will flow. In west central Saskatchewan and Alberta, many people have been affected by the decline in the oil and gas sector.

With oil and gas affecting the province, residents have found prices increase for some expenses as well. Such items as fruits and vegetables have rised in cost within the time frame.

The CPA explained the reasoning behind the survey was to demonstrate the growing number of Canadians who are finding it difficult to save money while decreasing their debt load with their current pay.