How rising national debt can affect your finances

Core Insights - The U.S. government's gross national debt has reached a record $38 trillion, marking the fastest accumulation of $1 trillion in debt outside the COVID-19 pandemic [1] - The national debt has nearly tripled in the last 20 years, with a significant increase attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing entitlement programs [3][6] - The debt-to-GDP ratio has grown to 123%, indicating a concerning trend in relation to economic stability [3] Government Spending and Debt Composition - Interest payments on the national debt have increased from 8% of overall expenditures in FY 2019 to 13% in FY 2024, with net interest projected at $881.7 billion in 2024 [4] - The national debt is driven by the difference between federal revenue and budgeted spending, compounded by previous deficits [5] Economic Implications - The rising national debt is likened to a boa constrictor, squeezing the economy through slower growth, less job creation, and higher borrowing costs [3] - Projections indicate that the national debt could exceed $52 trillion by 2035, with significant negative impacts on the economy, including a potential reduction of $340 billion in economic size and a loss of 1.2 million jobs [10] Individual Financial Impact - Rising national debt is expected to lead to depressed wages and job losses, with estimates suggesting a decrease of up to 3% in wages by 2055 [13] - Higher taxes may be necessary to address the national debt, but political resistance makes this unlikely in the current climate [14] Interest Rates and Inflation - Increased national debt is likely to result in higher interest rates, affecting consumer borrowing for homes and businesses [15] - A permanent increase in the federal deficit could lead to inflation, reducing household purchasing power significantly [16] Future Outlook - A recent survey indicated that 80% of respondents view addressing the national debt as an urgent priority, especially following a credit rating downgrade [16] - Concerns about a potential default on U.S. debt could signal an international debt crisis, with unprecedented consequences for the global economy [17][18]