Disposable income levels are showing signs of stabilisation for the first time since 2011.
The figures in the latest "What's Left" tracker, carried out by the Irish League of Credit Unions, show a snapshot of household finances across the country.
The average monthly household income now stands at €2,710.
The tracker found that those with no money left after essential bills were paid dropped by over 150,000 since the end of 2012. Households with €50 or less fell by over 300,000 in the same period.
For the first time since April 2011, there was an increase in the number of working adults saving money. The average amount being put away was €170.
Commenting on the findings, chief executive of the Irish League of Credit Unions Kieron Brennan said it was encouraging to see what might be the first signs of stability in 2013.
But he added that people all over the country continue to seriously struggle on a daily basis. In the first six months of this year, 40% of households were unable to pay all of their bills on time.
71% of homes are going without new clothes and footwear in a bid to make a full or part bill payment, while 39% are forgoing their health insurance.
Mr Brennan has said disposable income levels are stabilising as people adjust to the demands of austerity.
Speaking to RTÉ's Morning Ireland, he said people are making "significant lifestyle adjustments" such as forgoing socialising, holidays, home improvements and health insurance in order to manage their income better."
Mr Brennan said that: "The results are telling us that people don't necessarily begin the month with more money."
He said "That they are ending it with slightly more money and that's because they have become much better in managing their finances as it were ... they are adjusting to the demands of austerity."
