US consumers crippled by $105K debt on average in 2025. But can debt relief programs really help?

Americans continue to struggle under the weight of crushing debt. Consumers owed an average of $104,755 as of mid-2025 — down slightly from $105,580 a year earlier — according to credit bureau Experian. (1) But debt burdens vary sharply by age. Here’s the average balance breakdown by generation, and the change from 2024: Must Read Gen Z: $34,328, +7.8% Millennials: $132,280, +1.6% Gen X: $158,105, -0.8% Baby boomers: $92,619, -2.1% Silent generation: $38,460, -1.1% These numbers reflect all types ...