Tuesday, September 23, 2025

US Personal Debt 9-24-25

According to Federal Reserve data, total U.S. household debt reached a record $18.39 trillion in the second quarter of 2025. The increase was driven by mortgage debt, auto loans, and credit card balances, with some sectors showing rising delinquencies, particularly for student loans.  

Q2 2025 personal debt summary

Key findings from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York's Household Debt and Credit Report for the second quarter of 2025 include: 

Key findings from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York's Household Debt and Credit Report for the second quarter of 2025 include: 

·       Total debt increase: Household debt increased by $185 billion, or 1%, during the quarter.

·       Mortgage debt: Grew by $131 billion to a total of $12.94 trillion.

·       Credit card debt: Rose by $27 billion to $1.21 trillion. CNBC noted this was in line with the all-time high set in the fourth quarter of 2024.

·       Auto loan debt: Increased by $13 billion to $1.66 trillion.

·       Student loan debt: Balances edged up by $7 billion to $1.64 trillion. 

Debt delinquency rates

Aggregate delinquency rates remained elevated in the second quarter of 2025, reaching 4.4% of outstanding debt. Delinquency trends varied by debt type: 

·       Student loans: Showed a sharp increase in serious delinquency (90+ days past due), reaching 12.88% in Q2 2025. This is attributed to the resumption of credit reporting for missed federal student loan payments after a multi-year pause.

·       Credit card and auto loans: Transitions into serious delinquency were largely stable.

·       Mortgages and Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs): Delinquency rates increased slightly. 

Debt trends and context

·       Record-high debt, historically low payments: While the nominal total household debt is at an all-time high, the percentage of disposable income used for debt payments (11.2% in Q1 2025) is still lower than the peak levels of the mid-2000s.

·       Age group differences: The 40–49 age group carries the highest total debt among all demographics, while those aged 18–29 carry the least.

·       "K-shaped" consumer landscape: An Equifax report noted a growing divide between financially resilient borrowers and "subprime" borrowers with lower credit scores who are showing signs of financial stress. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=us+citizen+personal+debt+2025

Comments

US Citizens have too much personal debt.  Reducing Credit Card Debt is the first priority, because of 15% interest charges.  Student Debt needs to be paid off next.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

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