U.S. credit card debt reached a record $1.17 trillion

In the third quarter of 2024, U.S. credit card debt reached a record $1.17 trillion, a significant increase from $770 billion in early 2021. This surge has led to more Americans making only minimum payments, with the average household carrying over $21,000 in credit card debt. Contributing factors include medical expenses, job losses, and high interest rates, which currently average 28.6%. In response, Senators Bernie Sanders and Josh Hawley have proposed legislation to cap credit card interest rates at 10%. Additionally, many low-income individuals are resorting to high-interest payday loans, further entrenching them in debt. Worse yet, individuals are using their only form of transportation as collateral for horrific title loans. These financial pressures are causing significant stress and anxiety, adversely affecting Americans’ mental health and daily lives.

The main causes of financial problems are not something you can control, and many cannot be planned for.

1. High Cost of Living—Rising prices for essentials like housing, food, healthcare, and education make it difficult for many to keep up.
2. Job Loss & Low Wages—Unemployment, underemployment, or stagnant wages prevent people from saving or covering unexpected expenses.
3. Medical Expenses—Sudden or chronic health issues lead to high medical bills, especially in countries with expensive healthcare systems.
4. Death of a Spouse or Family Member—Loss of income, funeral costs, and estate-related expenses can create financial instability, especially if the deceased was the primary breadwinner.
5. Divorce or Separation—Legal fees, alimony, child support, and splitting assets can leave both parties in financial distress. Living expenses often increase when maintaining separate households.
6. Economic Factors—Inflation, recession, and economic downturns reduce purchasing power and job stability.
7. Predatory Lending—Payday loans, vehicle title loans, and high-interest credit options trap people in cycles of debt.
8. Emergencies & Unexpected Costs— Natural disasters, car repairs, or family emergencies can wipe out savings and lead to financial hardship

Other sources:

The Guardian (2/11/25)

The Guardian (1/27/25)

Doctors say they’ve apprehensively taken on job of preventing patients’ medical debt