Consumers are still strong, despite rising debt delinquencies

Jan 22, 2025
Though many households are faltering on credit card and auto loan payments, wealthier Americans are keeping the spending metrics robust.
Wealthier consumers are lifting the U.S. economy's healthy spending metrics.
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Consumers bolster spending figures but carry more debt

Jan 17, 2025
December sales figures showed spending was strong, but more consumers are using credit cards and buy now, pay later programs to finance purchases.
As retail spending remains steady, consumers are taking on more debt through use of credit cards and buy now, pay later programs.
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2024 was a record year for bankruptcies. Why?

Jan 9, 2025
The pandemic set the stage for the bankruptcies, although they were delayed by government payouts and PPP loans.
Hundreds of businesses filed for bankruptcy last year — including stores like Party City and Big Lots, the airliner Spirit Airlines and the restaurant chain Red Lobster.
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Why it feels like so many restaurants are declaring bankruptcy

Dec 3, 2024
Restaurant foot traffic has declined in the U.S. by 3%-3.5%. And expenses are way up.
More than a dozen restaurant chains have declared bankruptcy this year.
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Nearly half of Americans are still paying off 2023 holiday debt, survey says

Nov 29, 2024
The proportion has doubled since last year. Amid constant advertising, more people have credit card balances and those balances are rising.
"Holidays are No. 1 in terms of a big spending spike,” notes Ted Rossman of Bankrate.
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Buy now, pay later transactions likely headed for record holiday season

Nov 28, 2024
The 0% interest on many buy now, pay later plans is appealing to cash-strapped holiday shoppers. But nonpayment ends up on credit reports.
Shoppers often use buy now, pay later programs for the big stuff, like furniture or electronics. But increasingly, it's also used for necessities like groceries.
Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP via Getty Images

Report finds retirees feeling stretched financially

Nov 14, 2024
The study from the Employee Benefit Research Institute finds many retirees worried they are spending more than they can afford.
Debt is one reason retirees are feeling worse economically: Two years ago, 40% of retirees had outstanding credit card debt. Today, it’s 70%.
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Credit seems easier to get, survey says, but people worry about missing payments

Oct 16, 2024
Even though interest rates have been falling, people are more reluctant to take on new debt.
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York surveys consumers every month about their economic expectations.
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Investment banking is making big bucks right now

Oct 16, 2024
Investment bankers help companies raise money through the stock market or by taking advantage of falling interest rates.
"Companies are a lot more likely to issue equity when stock prices are high than when they’re low," explained the University of Florida's Jay Ritter.
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How Harris, Trump plans compare on the national debt, and why you should care

Oct 11, 2024
The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget says both candidates' tax and spending promises would widen deficits, Trump's by a lot more.
The Harris campaign promises funding support for elder care and first-time homebuyers, as well as hiking the corporate tax rate, and Trump's policy agenda includes expanded tax cuts and increased trade tariffs.
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