Personal finance expert George Kamel of ‘The Ramsey Show’ recently hit the streets of Disney World in Orlando, Florida, to talk to everyday Americans about their debt. Despite the magic of Disney and the cheerful vacation vibe, Kamel quickly uncovered a more sobering reality: many people are drowning in debt, and few have a real plan to get out. ‘You’re Driving Most People’s 401(k)’ One of the most striking conversations came from a couple who revealed a combined debt total of more than $180,000, excludi ...

Core Insights - A couple is facing over $120,000 in debt, primarily due to credit card debt, and is seeking advice on managing their financial situation [1][2]. Debt Management Strategies - The couple has $30,000 in credit card debt, incurring approximately $500 per month in interest, with suggestions to prioritize paying off the highest interest debt first [3]. - They have a debt consolidation loan with a monthly payment of $768 at a 9% interest rate, with a remaining balance of $7,400, which is expected to be paid off soon [4]. - Additionally, there is a $5,300 personal loan requiring $150 monthly payments, though the loan term details are unspecified [4]. Expense Reduction Suggestions - The couple's significant expense includes a $55,000 SUV with monthly payments of $1,044, which some commenters suggested selling to reduce financial strain [6]. - Alternatives such as a new Hyundai Santa Fe or Honda Pilot, priced at approximately $36,000 and $41,000 respectively, were recommended as more affordable options [7]. - Selling the SUV could lead to savings in insurance and maintenance costs, further alleviating their budget constraints [7].

Core Points - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated a probe into over 1.4 million Honda and Acura vehicles due to engine failure risks, following hundreds of driver reports [1][2] - The recall affects approximately 1,410,806 vehicles, including specific models from 2016 to 2020 [1][4] - The investigation was prompted by 414 reports of engine failures linked to faulty connecting rod bearings, which hold the crankshaft and connecting rod in place [1][2] Vehicle Models Affected - The affected models include: - 2018-2020 Acura TLX - 2016-2020 Acura MDX - 2016-2020 Honda Pilot - 2018-2020 Honda Odyssey - 2017-2019 Honda Ridgeline [4] Investigation Details - The NHTSA previously closed an investigation after determining that the engine failures were not due to the same manufacturing defect identified in Honda's 2023 recall [6] - The new probe aims to evaluate the scope and severity of the engine failure issue and assess potential safety-related concerns [6]

Core Insights - Tesla continues to dominate the 2025 American-Made Index, holding the top four positions with the Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X, marking its second consecutive year at the top since its debut in 2020 [1][3] - The Jeep Gladiator ranks fifth, making it the highest-ranked American-made pickup truck [1] - The index reflects a significant shift in consumer preferences, with 51% of shoppers influenced by tariffs to seek American-made vehicles, and 73% considering American-built vehicles to avoid additional costs [4][5] Automaker Performance - Honda's Alabama facility produces five of the top 20 vehicles, showcasing its consistency and scale in the market [2] - GM remains a dominant player with the most vehicles represented in the index, while Kia and Volkswagen also contribute with their respective models [2] - The index includes vehicles from 36 factories across the U.S., with a notable concentration in the South and Midwest, highlighting the geographic distribution of auto manufacturing [6][7] Economic Impact - The 2025 AMI emphasizes the economic significance of domestic production, with automaker investments creating jobs and generating tax revenue for local economies [8] - The average domestic parts content of the top 10 vehicles has decreased from 83.4% in 2006 to 70.3% today, indicating the increasing complexity and global integration of auto manufacturing [9] Methodology - The American-Made Index ranks vehicles based on assembly location, parts sourcing, U.S. factory employment, engine sourcing, and transmission sourcing, providing a comprehensive view of the automotive landscape [10]