Now that the Great Recession has gone from “is it really over?” to “remember when?” more Americans are buying cars, pushing auto loan debt beyond the $1 trillion mark for the first time in U.S. history. [More]
consumer debt
![Consumers aged 35 to 44 were far more likely to have wages seized for debts than those in other age groups.](../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/age.png?w=300&h=225&crop=1)
Report: Nearly Four Million Workers Had Wages Garnished For Consumer Debts In 2013
For most Americans every penny counts when it comes to their paycheck, but for some workers nearly a quarter of their wages are taken to pay for past debts in a process known as garnishment. The prevalence of this type of pay seizure grew significantly in the last few years leaving more consumers struggling financially. [More]
![Sorry, Your House Isn't An ATM Anymore](../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/atmguy.jpg?w=300&h=203&crop=1)
Sorry, Your House Isn't An ATM Anymore
For years homeowners have been using their soaring-in-value homes as ATMs, drawing money out to finance whatever they wanted. No more. Falling home prices mean that your house is no longer a source of cash.
![12 Steps For Digging Yourself Out Of Debt](../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/dig1.jpg?w=158&h=120&crop=1)
12 Steps For Digging Yourself Out Of Debt
If you’re in debt and you don’t want to be, (and who wants to be?) you might want to take a look at Zen Habits 12-Step Get Out of Debt Program.
![20% of Americans Fear They'll Never Escape Credit Card Debt](../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/creditoffers1.jpg?w=300&h=225&crop=1)
20% of Americans Fear They'll Never Escape Credit Card Debt
According to a new survey by Lending Tree, 20% of Americans fear that they will never escape their credit card and other non-mortgage related debt and will be stuck with it for the rest of their lives. That’s depressing. Elizabeth Warren at Credit Slips says:”Lending Tree tries to put a happy face on some of the data (most people “perceive themselves as some day being debt free”), but I didn’t feel any better when I read it.” Yeah, we don’t feel any better either.