Studies show that the first 48 hours after getting paid are crucial for the average American

As the true-crime show says, “The First 48” hours are the most critical — and apparently, the same goes for your paycheck.

A new report reveals that the average American spends nearly half of their paycheck within just 48 hours of getting paid. Even more surprisingly, 35% of that money is gone within the first 12 hours.

Millennials are leading the charge when it comes to quick spending — outpacing every other generation. But before you picture shopping sprees and impulse buys, most of that money isn’t going to luxuries. It’s going toward essentials: groceries, gas, and bills. In fact, 52% of people say they immediately cover necessities like food or household items once their paycheck hits.

Others use payday to stay ahead of the curve — paying off rent, credit cards, or upcoming bills due within the week. About one-third (32%) also take care of smaller recurring payments, such as utilities, phone plans, or streaming subscriptions.

And speaking of subscriptions — with the explosion of streaming services and auto-debits, many Americans don’t even realize how much of their paycheck is spoken for before it arrives. The result? Those first 48 hours after payday can feel less like a celebration… and more like a countdown to the next one.