Far too often, debt in America is framed as a mere financial inconvenience—a number on a credit report that can be managed or eventually cleared. However, a deeper examination reveals how debt has woven itself into the fabric of Americans’ professional lives, drastically shaping their career decisions and trajectories. This isn’t a tale of occasional
Personal
The American consumer – long celebrated as the engine of economic growth – is undergoing a subtle but profound transformation. Following the tumultuous years of the pandemic, where “revenge spending” swept the nation in a wave of pent-up demand, we are now witnessing what might be called “revenge saving.” Instead of splurging on experiences and
As the U.S. Department of Education revives its “involuntary collections” for federal student loans, a dark and daunting landscape emerges for millions of borrowers. New data from TransUnion reveals a troubling trend: 31% of student loan borrowers are now classified as being in “late-stage delinquency,” with payments overdue by more than 90 days. This alarming
In the current cultural landscape, the markers of adulthood have taken on a perplexing hue, especially as many adult children find themselves still tethered to their parents’ financial resources. Among the most trivial, yet deeply telling indicators of “maturity” in America is the act of coming off a parent’s cell phone plan. A striking 76%
In an unsettling turn of events, the future of higher education financing in the United States appears to be on the precipice of disaster. As college tuition continues its relentless upward spiral, the federal student aid system is bracing for a massive overhaul, igniting worries among parents and students alike. Under the guise of budgetary
In an era marked by soaring prices and economic turbulence, the perception of financial security in America is perilously skewed. A staggering 77% of adults now report that they do not feel entirely comfortable financially, a statistic that highlights a growing divide between public expectations and economic realities. The critical question arises: what does financial
As the dust settles on broader inflation and economic tendering in the United States, a more sinister force is taking hold—skyrocketing electricity prices. According to recent data, electricity costs for American households have surged a daunting 4.5% over the past year, starkly contrasting with the subdued inflation levels seen across other industries. This trend appears
In a disconcerting twist of fate, credit card interest rates are spiraling out of control, leaving them alarmingly high even with the Federal Reserve ostensibly on the sidelines. The most recent data from LendingTree highlights a disturbing trend—credit card interest rates have steadily climbed for three consecutive months, reaching their highest peak since December. For
In an era when millennials and Gen Z face unprecedented economic challenges, the revelation from the Social Security Board of Trustees that the funding trust will run dry by 2033 should send shockwaves throughout the nation. This alarming forecast is not merely a statistic; it represents the potential abandonment of millions who depend on these
As we find ourselves ensnared in a complicated battle over fiscal policy and social responsibility, it’s crucial to address the current state of the child tax credit debate in Congress. The urgency with which Senate Republicans are attempting to push through President Trump’s ambitious spending bill serves as a stark reminder—amid the noise of political