America’s Debt

Ann-Marie Vazzano

Debt is Americans’ No. 1 financial stressor, according to a GOBankingRates.com survey, despite the fact that 51% of consumers claim not to be in debt. Of those who are, however, mortgages make up the biggest chunk, with student loans coming in second. Those between the ages of 35 and 44 are the most likely age group to be in debt, with 51% in that age group having mortgages. More than four in 10 (41%) of men have mortgage debt compared to 36% of women, but women owe more on average—$74,000 versus $60,000. GP