ebt is an unwelcome guest at the table in many American households. The average U.S. household with debt carries $15,762 in credit card debt and $130,922 in total debt.
It’s easy to say we should simply pay off our balances and free ourselves of the burdens — financial and emotional — that come with financing many aspects of our lives. But it’s not that simple.
When NerdWallet dug into the “why” and the psychology behind debt, as well as its cost, it became clear that increasing debt loads aren’t just a result of irresponsible spending. There are many factors at play in the increasing amount of debt being carried in homes across the country.
But there is hope. Americans can rid themselves of heavy debt and its financial toll.
Before we begin eradicating debt, it’s important to know how much we’re working with. Here’s what the typical household is carrying, as well as total consumer debt in the U.S