Debt Management Jan 17, 2026

The Credit Card Debt Standoff: 47% of Americans Now Carry Balances as One in Five Fear They'll Never Escape

Nearly half of American credit card holders carry balances at 22%+ interest rates. New survey data reveals 61% have been in debt over a year, and 22% don't believe they'll ever pay it off.

The Money Unlock Editorial Team 8 min read

Debt Management Jan 15, 2026

Record Household Debt and Soaring Housing Costs Squeeze American Budgets as 2026 Begins

New MMI data shows average unsecured debt tops $32,600 as 47% of credit cardholders carry balances. Nearly half expect their debt to grow in the year ahead.

The Money Unlock Editorial Team 8 min read

Debt Management Jan 4, 2026

Credit Card Debt Hits Record $1.23 Trillion: How Americans Are Navigating the High-Rate Squeeze

American credit card debt has reached an all-time high of $1.23 trillion even as delinquencies show signs of stabilizing. Here's what consumers need to know about managing debt in 2026.

The Money Unlock Editorial Team 7 min read

Debt Management Jan 2, 2026

The Holiday Debt Hangover: 70% of Americans Enter 2026 Carrying Credit Card Balances

A record 70% of credit card users will carry balances into 2026 after holiday spending hit $1 trillion. Here's what the debt hangover means for consumers.

The Money Unlock Editorial Team 7 min read

Debt Management Jan 9, 2026

Credit Card Debt Hits $1.233 Trillion: Americans Are Cutting Back to Cope

American credit card balances have reached a record $1.233 trillion, with 41% of cardholders delaying major purchases. Here's how to navigate the debt crisis.

The Money Unlock Editorial Team 8 min read

Debt Management Jan 6, 2026

America's Credit Card Debt Hits $1.23 Trillion: What the Record Balance Means for Your Finances

Americans now owe $1.23 trillion on credit cards, up 5.75% from last year. With average APRs above 21%, here's what consumers need to know about managing high-interest debt in 2026.

The Money Unlock Editorial Team 8 min read

Debt Management Jan 4, 2026

The BNPL Reckoning: Why Buy Now, Pay Later Debt Could Spark the Next Consumer Credit Crisis

Americans have accumulated unprecedented Buy Now, Pay Later debt that doesn't appear on credit reports. As payments come due, regulators are warning of 'phantom debt' risks.

The Money Unlock Editorial Team 8 min read

Debt Management Jan 2, 2026

The Phantom Debt Reckoning: Buy Now, Pay Later's Hidden Crisis Comes Into Focus

Buy Now, Pay Later debt has been invisible to lenders—until now. As credit bureaus begin reporting BNPL balances, a hidden crisis is emerging.

The Money Unlock Editorial Team 8 min read

Debt Management Dec 29, 2025

America's Credit Card Hangover: Debt Hits Record $1.23 Trillion as Holiday Bills Come Due

U.S. credit card debt has surged to a record $1.23 trillion, up 60% since 2021. With APRs above 22%, millions face a challenging start to 2026.

The Money Unlock Editorial Team 8 min read

Debt Management Jan 16, 2026

America's $38 Trillion Warning: Why Janet Yellen Says the Debt Is Nearing a Red Line

Former Fed Chair Janet Yellen warns the U.S. is nearing 'fiscal dominance' as federal debt hits $38 trillion and the debt-to-GDP ratio approaches 120%. What it means for investors.

The Money Unlock Editorial Team 8 min read

Debt Management Jan 14, 2026

The BNPL Debt Crisis: How 'Phantom Debt' Is Quietly Reshaping American Consumer Finance

Buy Now Pay Later usage has exploded to $560 billion, but 42% of users miss payments and 'phantom debt' remains invisible to lenders. Inside the growing BNPL crisis.

The Money Unlock Editorial Team 8 min read

Debt Management Jan 6, 2026

The Shadow Debt Problem: Why Buy Now Pay Later Could Haunt the 2026 Economy

The $560 billion Buy Now Pay Later market has created 'phantom debt' that's invisible to credit bureaus. As holiday BNPL balances come due, experts warn of a 'Q2 2026 cliff.'

The Money Unlock Editorial Team 8 min read