Household debt continues to hit new highs in the United States across all types of loan categories, with credit card and student loan debt showing some of the biggest gains. Find Out: 4 Moves to Make if You Can’t Pay All Your Bills this Month Read Next: 6 Low-Risk Ways To Build Your Savings in 2025 Here are the best ways to tackle the two biggest forms of U.S. household debt. How U.S. Households’ Debt Has Risen Total household debt climbed to a record $18.59 trillion during the 2025 third quarter, acco ...

Core Insights - The average total debt balance among U.S. consumers remained largely unchanged in 2025, with an average balance of $104,755, slightly down from $105,580 in June 2024 [1][2] - There has been an increase in average balances for common types of consumer debt, including auto loans, credit cards, and mortgages, indicating persistent debt levels among consumers [1][2] Debt Breakdown - Auto loans in 2025 averaged $24,596, up from $24,187 in 2024 [6] - Credit card debt in 2025 averaged $6,735, slightly up from $6,699 in 2024 [6] - Mortgage debt in 2025 averaged $258,214, an increase from $250,479 in 2024 [6] Financial Management Recommendations - Financial experts suggest creating a monthly budget and controlling non-essential spending as fundamental steps to manage debt [4] - Listing all balances and interest rates in one place can help consumers understand their financial situation better [4] - Using credit wisely and aiming to pay off credit card balances monthly is recommended to maintain financial health [4][5] - For those with significant debt, consolidating at lower rates or using home equity for consolidation may improve cash flow and reduce overall debt [5]

Core Insights - The article discusses various methods for debt consolidation, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right approach based on individual circumstances [1][2]. Group 1: Consolidation Loans - A consolidation loan is a single loan used to pay off multiple debts, requiring good credit standing to secure a favorable interest rate [3]. - The primary benefit of a consolidation loan is the potential to save money while reducing debt balances [3]. - A significant drawback is that it may not address underlying spending habits, leading to further debt accumulation [4]. Group 2: Debt Management Plans - Working with a nonprofit consumer credit counseling agency can lead to a structured debt management plan (DMP) that simplifies and accelerates debt repayment [5]. - Credit counselors negotiate with creditors to combine debts into one manageable monthly payment, often reducing interest rates even for those with poor credit [6].

Core Insights - Personal loans are utilized for various reasons, including debt consolidation, home improvements, and emergency expenses, providing flexible financial support when needed most [1][2]. Debt Consolidation - Debt consolidation remains the primary reason for taking personal loans, allowing borrowers to combine multiple high-interest debts into a single lower-rate obligation, potentially saving thousands in interest [3]. - Clients often consolidate credit card debts with interest rates ranging from 24% to 29% into personal loans with rates between 8% to 15%, significantly reducing monthly payments and overall interest costs [4]. Major Home Improvements - Many homeowners opt for personal loans for urgent home repairs, such as roof replacements or HVAC system repairs, especially when they lack sufficient home equity [5]. - Personal loans provide a quicker approval process and fewer hurdles compared to home equity loans, making them a practical choice for urgent financial needs [6]. Emergency Expenses - Personal loans are frequently used to cover unexpected expenses like medical bills, car repairs, or temporary income loss, as many Americans struggle to afford a $1,000 emergency expense [7].

Core Insights - Personal loans can be a viable solution for unexpected financial emergencies, providing quick access to cash when needed [2] Group 1: Uses of Personal Loans - Consolidating high-interest debt can be effectively managed through personal loans, which offer lower fixed rates compared to credit cards [3] - Personal loans can facilitate mandatory relocations for work, providing necessary funds for initial expenses when savings are insufficient [4] - They can also cover extensive out-of-pocket medical expenses, helping individuals avoid high-interest medical credit cards and ensuring timely care [5][6]

Economic Context - Economic uncertainty influences consumer spending and saving habits, as seen during the Great Recession when unemployment reached 10% and home values fell by 30% [1] - In 2025, interest rates remain volatile and inflation fluctuates, with the Trump administration introducing new uncertainties, leading to unpredictable prices even as the economy stabilizes [2] Frugal Living Lessons - Consumers shifted to purchasing groceries from discount retailers and warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club during the Great Recession, moving away from expensive supermarkets [4] - For those with limited space or small households, alternative options include cheaper grocery outlets such as Walmart, Aldi, Lidl, or Trader Joe's [5] Debt Management Strategies - Prior to the Great Recession, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates, but they dropped to nearly 0% by the end of 2008, allowing savvy borrowers to pay down high-interest debt [6] - Current high interest rates complicate debt reduction, but strategies like debt settlement and debt consolidation can help manage balances effectively [7] Savings Behavior - The Great Recession prompted a shift in consumer behavior from spending on luxury goods to budgeting for essentials and increasing savings and retirement contributions, as the savings rate fell to its lowest in nearly 20 years [8]

Group 1 - The article emphasizes that middle-class individuals can improve their financial situation by downsizing and cutting unnecessary expenses, particularly focusing on subscription services and dining habits [1][2] - It highlights the importance of evaluating and reducing subscription services, which can collectively cost over $100 per month for many households [3] - The article suggests that by choosing fewer streaming platforms, families can save approximately $30 to $50 monthly [4] Group 2 - It discusses the burden of high-interest debt on middle-class budgets and offers strategies for debt management, including debt settlement and consolidation [5] - The article points out that dining out is a significant expense, with the average household spending about $3,000 annually on food away from home, and recommends cooking at home to save money [6]