'It's A Reality Of Where We Are,' 71% Of Adults Say Debt Is Keeping Them From Building Wealth

Group 1 - The total U.S. household debt reached $18.39 trillion in Q2, with housing debt increasing by $131 billion from Q1 and non-housing debt growing by over $51 billion [1] - A significant portion of Americans, approximately 71%, report that their monthly debt payments hinder their ability to save, while 17% feel their debt prevents future planning, and 18% find their debt overwhelming [3] - Reducing debt is a top financial priority for many Americans, with nearly one-third listing it as their top New Year's resolution, second only to saving more money, which 45% identified as their primary goal [4] Group 2 - Experts suggest that many Americans are not utilizing available strategies to reduce debt, despite the desire to do so [5] - Recommended debt-reducing tools include creating a budget, negotiating lower interest rates, and consolidating balances [6] - Working with nonprofit credit counselors can provide personalized assistance in managing budgets and developing repayment plans [7]